The Unnatural and Accidental Women (2019): Leading the way for change at the NAC Indigenous Theatre
This project explores the opening production for the launch of the National Arts Centre Indigenous Theatre in 2019: The Unnatural and Accidental Women. Written by Marie Clements in 1997, the play staged twice before it was selected as the play that would launch Indigenous Theatre. This launch was centred on celebrating the strength, beauty, and resilience of Indigenous women as Clements emphasizes in her script despite their tragic fate. The exhibit narrative is supported by 7 artefacts that were used both as props on stage and in preparation for the production of the play. Each slide contains quotes from multiple sources as well as links to videos and photos to reinforce the narrative.
This exhibit was created by Katherine Li and Tanysha Lozier, as part of the ISI6354 Cultural Heritage Resources course at the University of Ottawa.
Content Warning
Please be advised that this exhibit contains information that may be distressing. Disturbing topics including abuse and violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people are discussed and explored as part of this project.
If you require support, please contact the MMIW Crisis Line (EN/FR) available to family, friends and community members who are being impacted by the loss of a missing or murdered Indigenous woman, girl or Two-spirit person: 1-844-413-6649 (24/7)
For additional resources, please refer to: You Are Not Alone.
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
Both the National Arts Centre and the University of Ottawa are located on the traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands long before today. Whether visitors or settlers on this territory, it is everyone’s responsibility to acknowledge these traditional territories on which we all live, work, play, and study. We take this time to show our gratitude and respect to the First Peoples, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. We acknowledge the historical oppression of lands, cultures and peoples and hope this exhibit contributes to Canada’s decolonization efforts and the healing of Indigenous Peoples.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Professor Jada Watson for graciously guiding us and providing your insight as we engaged in this important topic. We appreciate all the time you have invested in helping us bring this exhibit to life.
Thank you to Robert VanderBerg and the National Arts Centre for giving us access to the NAC archives and allowing us to include the artefacts of our choice in this project. From retrieving the materials to ensuring we had high quality images of them, your efforts are appreciated.
Thank you to Roxanne Lafleur for sharing your creative ideas and challenging us to explore our own as we developed the artistic aspect of our exhibit. Your technical expertise has also helped us immensely, thank you!
References
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Chris, R., Pemberton, K., & Sarti, R. (1988, October 22). Bodies in the Barber Shop. The Vancouver Sun. https://www.newspapers.com/image/495361753/?clipping_id=29826459&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjQ5NTM2MTc1MywiaWF0IjoxNjcxMjAxNjc0LCJleHAiOjE2NzEyODgwNzR9.1INtUVIXZGCp2P_dKow9xzt3gtJOKbogiI5vgIOdJtc
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