u
diary entry 3
u’s intention is to humbly acknowledge this land and to celebrate the people that pre exist settlers and continue to live and share their knowledge in spite of a violent white supremacist colonial presence.
u’s is located in Diamond Valley which is within the traditional territory of Treaty 7 people and u’s activities occur on the land that is cared for by the Blackfoot Confederacy (inclusive of The Kainai, Piikani [Peigan], and Siksika Nations), Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Iyarhe/Stoney Nakoda people (inclusive of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). This land is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.
The genocide of indiginous peoples that is perpetrated by white supremacist colonialists has attempted to erase thousands of years of presence and knowledge about how people can live in harmony with each other and the natural world. This erasure has overshadowed practices of gratitude and reciprocity with a xenophobic and terminally self-centered and disastrously short sighted system of extraction, exploitation, and violence.
u’s artistic practice and u’s gallery occupy the terrain of privilege that comes with being a descendant of white settlers. It is u’s goal to tread a path with art that can graciously form an environment where everyone is welcome to explore the experience of art.
To realize the incredible importance of a land acknowledgement after decades of life on this land signifies immense ignorance and privilege, and the years and years of silence demonstrate a heartbreaking complicity with racism.
This diary entry will continue to gather reflection on the subject of land acknowledgements, reconcilliation, and will generate new forms and undestandings over time.
with gratitude, respect, and love,
u