PAMA hosting exhibitions to foster learning on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

BRAMPTON, ON (September 20, 2023) - If you are looking for a way to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, visit the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) and experience the Generations Lost: Healing the Legacy of Residential Schools exhibition. PAMA is offering free admission to visitors on Saturday Sept. 30, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. PAMA will be closed on Monday, Oct. 2. The Red Chair Sessions, a photography exhibition that places importance on the acknowledgement and reclamation of Indigenous lands and the revitalization of Indigenous languages by Toronto's Photo Laureate Nadya Kwandibens will follow and open on October 21.

Generations Lost: Healing the Legacy of Residential Schools
On now - Oct. 1, 2023
This exhibition, which is in partnership with the Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF), focuses on the Residential School System and its enduring impacts on Survivors, their descendants, and society as a whole.

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led charitable organization whose goal is to educate and raise awareness about the history and existing intergenerational impacts of the Residential School System (RSS) and subsequent Sixties Scoop (SS) on Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) Survivors, their descendants, and their communities to promote healing and Reconciliation.

Please be aware that this exhibition contains subject matter that may be disturbing to some visitors and may be especially difficult for Survivors of the Residential School System. The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line for former Residential School students is available at 1-866-925-4419.

Nadya Kwadibens: The Red Chair Sessions
Oct. 21, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024
The Red Chair Sessions is an ongoing open-call portraiture series that places importance on the acknowledgement and reclamation of Indigenous lands and the revitalization of Indigenous languages. This series ultimately disrupts colonial narratives, centres Indigenous Peoples who have been here since time immemorial and reminds us that we are all guests on Indigenous land.

Nadya Kwandibens is Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) from the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation in northwestern Ontario. She is an award-winning portrait and events photographer, founder of Red Works Photography, a Canon Ambassador, the current Photo Laureate for the City of Toronto, and has travelled extensively across Canada for over 16 years.

This exhibition is organized by The Muse - Douglas Family Art Centre in Kenora, Ontario.

#hopeandhealingcanada Art Installation
Saturday, Sept. 23, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Do not miss this art installation in PAMA's art gallery atrium created on June 1, 2023, by Métis artist Tracey-Mae Chambers. This art installation is part of Chambers' #hopeandhealingcanada tour. She has created over 100 installations at residential school historic sites, museums, art galleries and other public spaces. The installations are constructed with red wool, silk and cotton yarn.

Red is the colour of blood. Red is a slur against Indigenous people. Red is the colour of passion and anger, danger and power, courage and love.

Tracey-Mae is hoping to bridge the gap between settler and Indigenous, Métis and Inuit people by creating art that is approachable and non-confrontational and starting a conversation about decolonization and reconciliation.

About PAMA

PAMA is a place to explore and learn about Peel region's culture and heritage, as well as use conversation, questions and stories to help make new and fascinating connections to the surrounding community. Throughout the year, PAMA offers a variety of workshops and programs for all ages, families and adults. With so many different programs to choose from, PAMA has something for everyone. Operated by Peel Region, PAMA is located at 9 Wellington Street East in Brampton. Visit pama.peelregion.ca to learn more.

Learn more about Peel's continuing commitment to our community during our transition.

Media contact

Erin Fernandes 
Marketing Specialist 
Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) 
Tel: 416-312-3425