Indigenize Montreal
Indigenize Montreal is a public exhibition that takes place during the World Design Summit. It explores how to ensure the presence of Inuit and First Nations culture in the city. Alain Fournier was invited to participate in several working sessions of the Indigenize Montreal Advisory Committee. Paired with Véronique Rankin (Coordinator of Research and Continuous Improvement of Le Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec) they envisioned a project called Des armes à la parole (Speech Silencing Arms) that reimagines Place d’Armes in Old Montreal. The conceptual design introduces a circle of reconciliation around the Maisonneuve monument, a symbol of the colonial view of the founding of Montreal. The project calls artists from 11 Indigenous nations of Quebec to each design a “talking stick”, representing their culture and values. The 12th stick would represent all newcomers. The sticks would be positioned vertically around the monument with multi-media information about each nation, animated at night with a sound and light show. Talking sticks originated from Indigenous traditions and symbolize respect for each voice. The project is being presented from October 16 to 25, 2017 – Hall Viger, Palais des Congrès de Montréal. The event is free and open to the public.
In this unceded territory of all First Nations people who have walked and lived in these places, here are the artists who have participated or who have shown an interest in participating in this Project:
Jacques Newashish – Nehirowisiw nation
Sylvain Rivard – Waban-Aki nation
Nadia Myre – Anishnabeg Kitigan Zibi nation
Mattiusi Iyaituk – Inuit nation
Ginette Kakakos Aubin – Wolastoqiyik nation
Renée Condo – Mi’gMaq nation
Christine Sioui-Wawanoloath – Wendat nation
Mattijusi Manukuluk Iyaituk – Inuit Nation
Geneviève Cadieux – Newcomers nation