Vancouver Art Gallery launches Elder in Residence program
Skwetsimeltxw, Willard “Buddy” Joseph, is an artist, master weaver, and educator
Skwetsimeltxw, Willard “Buddy” Joseph.
VANCOUVER ART GALLERY has announced a new Elder in Residence program.
The program launches on September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It aims to “provide counsel, support, and guidance to staff while promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous perspectives, culture and values”, according to a release.
The gallery’s inaugural Elder in Residence is Skwetsimeltxw, Willard “Buddy” Joseph. An artist, master weaver, and educator, he grew up on Squamish Nation lands and is the former director of housing and capital projects for Squamish Nation.
Joseph co-authored the 2017 book, Salish Blankets: Robes of Protection and Transformation, Symbols of Wealth with Chief Janice George and Leslie Tepper and co-founded L’hen Awtxw Weaving House to share the teachings and practice of traditional Coast Salish wool weaving.
He also co-founded the M̓i tel'nexw Leadership Transformation, a four-part online seminar designed to share teachings of Indigenous resilience. Joseph joined the VAG earlier this year, commencing with a traditional brushing ceremony to cleanse the gallery’s historic building, a former Court House.
Also on September 30, at 12 pm PDT, VAG is presenting Xweýene:msta:m ?əkwəsqwel, seýeḿ (“call to witness/listen to respected one”), a performance co-created by Tsatsu Stalqayu, Mortal Coil, and Butterflies in Spirit to honour Orange Shirt Day. (For a complete list of what artists and arts organizations are doing to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, see here.)
“Orange Shirt Day and the first National Day of [for] Truth and Reconciliation serves to honour the Survivors, families and communities impacted by the residential school system and the continued trauma experienced by Indigenous communities throughout Canada,” Anthony Kiendl, Vancouver Art Gallery CEO and gallery director, said in a release. “As an arts institution, we recognize the importance of officially honouring our Indigenous peoples. The September 30 commemoration, the elder in residence and other upcoming programs and projects align with the Gallery’s ongoing commitment and actions to advance reconciliation with Indigenous nations.”
For more information, see Vancouver Art Gallery.
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