“Assimilation vs. Inclusivity,” created by unknown artist

Written by Nagham.A

As my first time looking at this picture, I see a larg group of first nations I see a large group of first nations people. Going from left to right they increase in color and happiness. Looking at the picture, I feel unsettled. It shows the oppression that the first nations people went through and even though it wasn’t something I could have changed, it is still something I feel should have been different. In comparison to those on the right, they have gloomy serious representations on their faces. Their faces are bright and cheerful, and they are proud of their identity and culture, as evidenced by their use of indigenous social attire. They could be survivors of residential schools or those who were not subjected to the tolls of residential school system. The hair of those in the image, particularly those on the right with long braids, is a symbol I found in this piece of art. I know that Indigenous people’s hair is an important part of their identity and culture. For some, their hair (particularly their braids) symbolizes strength, wisdom, and a sense of belonging. The repeating, round shape of the people’s outline was one of the last things I noticed. This made the distinction between those who were attached to their culture and those who were forced into residential schools more obvious. The author of the article (who has remains unknown) appears to have intended it to express how residential schools affected Indigenous people and how white colonial powers separated them of their identity. My first feeling would be of the children who had been affected by residential schools versus those who had not been and were still connected to their culture. After absorbing all of the information and analyzing the colors, symbols, shapes, and expressions, I’ve made more connections, but I’m left with a sense of sadness and worthlessness. When I saw how few of the children are happy and in touch with their culture compared to those who aren’t, it made me think about it more deeply. This activity challenged my thinking and provided valuable practice for analyzing artwork.