The Juno Beach Centre (JBC) in Normandy, France, which commemorates CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 contribution in the Second World War, is currently in the midst of a $1.25 million renewal of its Faces of Canada Today permanent exhibition space.
When renovations conclude, the space will feature a new art installation featuring poppies created by three Indigenous Canadian artists, including respected Inuvialuk artist Inuk.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 kind of surreal, and itSA国际影视传媒檚 kind of epic, and itSA国际影视传媒檚 kind of humbling, and ISA国际影视传媒檓 also honoured to have been asked,SA国际影视传媒� Inuk said from her home in Yellowknife, one day after plans for the new art installation were unveiled. SA国际影视传媒淭hereSA国际影视传媒檚 still lots of emotions coming.SA国际影视传媒�
The new art installation will be open in time for the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2024. It will depict a poppy, made of 3,000 smaller poppies, including those made by Inuk.
She was contacted about the project on social media, and had many questions about the details, but ultimately accepted the offer after imagining how CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 Indigenous veterans would feel to see the new installation.
SA国际影视传媒淸JBC] really loved what I stand for, like MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women), and bringing attention to Orange Shirt Day, and Indian and residential schools, domestic health and mental health,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚 really had to think about it because itSA国际影视传媒檚 not something to take lightly, but I couldnSA国际影视传媒檛 help but say yes.SA国际影视传媒�
Inuk was joined on the project by Marissa Magneson of the M茅tis Nation of Ontario, and Crystal Gloade, a MiSA国际影视传媒檏maq artist from Millbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia.
All three artists were allowed to choose their preferred medium for the project. Magneson worked with beads while Gloade chose to work with birch bark and porcupine quills.
Inuk selected sealskin, which she dyed red and combined with leather and buttons to make her poppies.
She has been working with sealskin and similar animal products since she was a child.
SA国际影视传媒淭his runs in my family for generations,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚 was born as a caribou hair tufter.SA国际影视传媒�
When asked whatSA国际影视传媒檚 next for her art career, Inuk said she expects the same question from her parents in Hay River, but is content to focus on the current moment before she starts thinking about her next project.
SA国际影视传媒淚f youSA国际影视传媒檙e a true artist, you always have a poker in the fire,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淔or now ISA国际影视传媒檓 going to enjoy this. What a great honour that they unveiled [the poppies] on Indigenous Veterans Day.SA国际影视传媒�
Inuk wasnSA国际影视传媒檛 aware that her poppies would be revealed on Indigenous Veterans Day, but said that made the whole experience SA国际影视传媒渆xtra special.SA国际影视传媒�
SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檝e been blessed to travel around the world to many different places, and I know that Canada isnSA国际影视传媒檛 a perfect place, but it is our country, and we have to reconcile,SA国际影视传媒� she said when asked about the significance of the day. SA国际影视传媒淲e need to reconcile with our past, but also learn and remember not only everybody that lost their lives, but our Inuit and Indigenous people that also served.SA国际影视传媒�
SA国际影视传媒淚 have one foot in the old world and one foot in the new world. As I get older, itSA国际影视传媒檚 all about learning and growing and reconciliation.SA国际影视传媒�
