The Art of Reconciliation project explores how young adults feel about reconciliation and helps them express those feelings through art. Some of that artwork will be created for the general public to interact with and possibly inspire them to reflect on their own feelings about reconciliation as only art can do.

January-March 2023 program is offered in collaboration with Saanich Community Services at the Cedar Hill Recreation and Arts Centre.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous Young Adults

All cultural backgrounds are welcome.  Participants will be selected to ensure equal representation.  Organizers will take extra care to reach out to communities who tend to be underrepresented through our participating partner organizations.  Participation is open to everyone over the age of 18, living in the CRD and Greater Victoria area.

In Person sessions at Cedar Hill Recreation and Art Centre

The 2023 Program is offered in collaboration with Saanich Community Services at the Cedar Hill Recreation and Arts Centre. Program sessions start January 10^th at Cedar Hill and will take place in person, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre located at 3220 Cedar Hill Rd, Victoria BC .  See detailed schedule below.  Final art works will be on display at the Cedar Hill Main Gallery from March 10^th to April 4^th.

Documentation and Reporting

We are documenting this project to share with other communities who may want to lead their own versions of the Art of Reconciliation. Documenting the project will show why more reconciliation-based programs are needed and the impact of these activities.

Participants will be invited to document and report their attitudes, thoughts and feelings around reconciliation throughout the program. Dr. Frederick Grouzet (Centre for Youth & Society, University of Victoria) will oversee the collection of this material and comply with the Human Research Ethics Board.

Program Schedule (Spring 2023)

Orientation and Circle Sharing with Debbie Douez, Tanya Clarmont and Frederick Grouzet
Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
In this first in person session, participants will get an overview of the program, will learn about the importance of the circle in Indigenous culture and how to self locate (an Indigenous way of introducing ourselves). We will have time to get to know one another and there will be time to answer any questions people might have about the program.

Group Art Therapy Session with Art Therapist Debbie Douez
Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
In this session, Debbie will lead the group through their first art therapy session and around what Reconciliation means to each participant.  The Session will finish with a group sharing circle.

Cultural Safety & Urban Indigenous Peoples with Tanya Clarmont
Location:  Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Tanya will provide Cultural Safety training to help set the ground rules and safety of the group.  Tanya will speak about Urban Indigenous Peoples and the unique challenges they face living off reserve or disconnected from culture.

Local Nation History and Culture with Marie Gait and Diane Sam
Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
In this session, participants will meet representatives from the local Nations and listen to their stories and teachings.

Métis Peoples with Patrick Harriot
Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Time:  7:00pm-9:00pm
In this session, participants will meet representatives from the Metis and Inuit Nations to learn about their history, culture and any stories our guests wish to share.

Group Art Therapy Session with Art Therapist Debbie Douez
Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Debbie will lead an art therapy session to help deepen what was learned so far from invited Indigenous teachers.  The group will process their artwork in circle with one another.

Documentary Film Viewing and Discussion:  Picking up the Pieces. The making of the Witness Blanket by artist and Director, Carey Newman. Rosie Hartman and Debbie Douez will be facilitating this session
Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
In this session, we will watch “Picking up the Pieces”, the making of the Witness Blanket by artist and Director Carey Newman.  This session will be facilitated by Debbie Douez and a special guest Rosie Hartman who participated in the making of the film.  The film addresses residential school history and it’s affect on Indigenous Peoples and how difficult themes can be transformed into powerful artistic statements.

Group Art Therapy Session with Art Therapist, Debbie Douez
Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Time:  7:00pm-9:00pm
In this session, participants will process the themes raised by the film in an art therapy session and we will begin the mental shift towards preparing for final artwork.  We will have a circle share to begin to explore themes and ideas.

Anti-racism Workshop with Angelique Bulosan
Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Led by Angelique Bulosan, the group will explore the lived realities of minority groups and how to be anti-racist.  The group will process what they learn through an art making exercise.

Themes, Materials and Artist Statements with Debbie Douez
Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Debbie will lead a session to review why we show our work to the public, discuss the upcoming exhibition schedule and present the many different art materials and techniques participants can use and their impact on project theme and context.  She will review how artist statements can be used as a complimentary tool to accompany their work.

Art Therapy and Circle Share with art therapist Debbie Douez
Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
In this session, participants will explore some of their preliminary final artwork ideas through an art therapy exercise and process what they discover in circle.

Studio time / Individual check in’s with Debbie Douez
Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Time:  7:00pm-9:00pm
In this session, participants spend time working on their final artwork.  There will be lots of opportunity to work through any challenges that might be coming up with one on one time with Debbie.

Studio time / Individual check in’s with Debbie Douez
Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Time:  7:00pm-9:00pm
In this session, participants spend time working on their final artwork.  There will be lots of opportunity to work through any challenges that might be coming up with one on one time with Debbie.

Guest Artist / Studio time with an Indigenous artist
Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Time:  7:00pm-9:00pm
Participants will meet an Indigenous artist who will be our special guest.  Participants will have the opportunity of getting feedback from the artist on their artwork / process and ask any questions they wish.

Participants complete their final artwork from home

Art Exhibition at the Cedar Hill Main Gallery.

Closing Circle and Ceremony with Participants
Location: Victoria Native Friendship Centre
Time:  6:00pm-8:00pm
We will complete the group with one final circle share, closing ceremony and art therapy session to help complete our work together.  Participants will decide if they wish to have their work continue to be shown at future exhibitions and in publications (with signed forms).