Tracey-Mae Chambers: #hopeandhealingcanada at Pickering Museum Village

In 2022, Tracey-Mae Chambers, Métis artist and a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario, installed #hopeandhealingcanada at the Pickering Museum Village, Puterbaugh Schoolhouse. Though no longer available, framed photographs will be exhibited inside the lobby at Chestnut Hill Development Recreation Complex (1867 Valley Farm Rd.) starting March 18, 2023.

About the Artist

Tracey-Mae Chambers is a Métis artist and a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Her family is from the traditional Métis community in Sault Ste. Marie and Penetanguishene, Ontario. She is currently based in Beamsville, ON.

About the installation

#hopeandhealingcanada

Since July 2021, I have been building site-specific art installations across Ontario, at residential school historical sites, cultural centers, museums, art galleries and other public spaces. Many (but not all) of these public spaces serve to present a colonial viewpoint and primarily speak about the settlers who arrived and lived here, but not the Indigenous people that were displaced along the way.

The installations are constructed with red acrylic yarn, which is strong and resilient. The string represents the connectivity between each other and our environment, as it will also not last forever.

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

The goal of #hopeandhealingcanada is to broach the subject of decolonization and reconciliation. These discussions are hard to start and harder still to maintain. Thorough her work, Tracey-Mae is hoping to bridge the gap between settlers and Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit people by creating art that is approachable and non-confrontational, so we can start.

-Tracey-Mae Chambers

About Pickering Museum Village

Nestled on the banks of Duffins Creek, Pickering Museum Village is the largest open air museum in Durham Region.  It consists of 19 heritage buildings, gardens, and orchards. Pickering Museum Village is a community hub where people come together to learn, share stories, and build relationships through progressive, fun, and vibrant experiences.

Accessibility:

Although most of the buildings are wheelchair accessible, the village grounds are uneven and do not have sidewalks. Please notify a staff member of your accessibility concerns when booking so that we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate you.