Artist Statement for Etuaptmumk

The art we created explores the painful legacy of Residential Schools through a journey from darkness into light, representing healing, resilience, and returning to culture. The red footprints model the women in our family, walking on a path across the canvas - cutting through multiple generations, space, and trauma.

Beginning in a bare, lifeless forest, the footsteps move steadily through a dim, heavy landscape where survival itself becomes an act of courage. As they travel, the world around them softens and brightens.

Trees come back to life, the ground warms, and flowers bloom - symbolizing a return to childhood, spirit, and home. Each footprint stands as testament to those who endured, to those who were lost, and to those reclaiming their place in the sun. Though the wounds of history cannot be undone, this piece is a tribute to the strength of Indigenous children and families whose spirits continue to find their way home, guided by hope, love, and resilience.

This canvas was done as a collaborative effort from everyone in our family displayed uniquely across the three varying landscapes within one canvas, each section of art through the eyes of multiple artists. Each panel was painted by three different youth within our family with varying details from even some of the youngest. In total, eight members of our family ranging in ages from just one year old to twenty-seven have had a hand in helping create this artwork in some form.

This project has allowed us as a family to have more conversations about hard topics such as Residential Schools but in a way that also allows us to talk about hope, healing, and resilience. Just as this project has brought us closer together, we hope to inspire viewers ofthis exhibit to see how Two-Eyed Seeing can bring us all together for a stronger future.

Kaylee: Instagram @kayleeshannon_
Skye: Instagram @skyekiing