Executive Director’s Letter to the Community
Oct 4, 2024
Good Intentions Are Not Enough
October 4, 2024
Dear Arts Community,
As the 4th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation passes, it’s given me much cause for reflection. I was prompted to write this message after overhearing several people casually ask, “What’s the holiday on the 30th?”
At ArtsNL, we are grateful to receive guidance from our Indigenous Advisory Circle and our Indigenous Outreach Officer every day. Together, they have created a safe learning environment and instilled a deeper understanding of the various Indigenous cultures and perspectives around us. Armed with this knowledge, and their continued support, our team has made changes within our funding programs to better support Indigenous artists throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Their teachings have also deeply affected us as individuals, how we view our work, cultural spaces, and the wider community. As a senior leader, I value this relationship immensely.
It is important to acknowledge that Indigenous people continue to endure an emotional toll by sharing their stories to help us better understand. Yet, they do it so we can walk forward together, toward a better future. Critically analyzing our institutions and organizations with an Indigenous lens, through the help of Indigenous people, is paramount to achieving this. Though in this quest, as well-intentioned as it may be, we must understand that simply hiring an Indigenous person in our space is not enough.
There is no roadmap for reconciliation. It’s difficult, it’s messy, and it is truly uncomfortable. OUR reconciliation journey and the quest to right historical wrongs cannot fall on the shoulders of an Indigenous hire. These are not THEIR burdens. This is OUR work to do, this is OUR responsibility.
“In the spirit of reconciliation, we must walk forward together towards a future where Indigenous human rights, including the right to self-determination, languages, cultures, and traditions and laws, are recognized, valued, respected and celebrated by our children and their children.”
–Marie-Claude Landry, Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission
Trust needs proof. Apologies require change.
I wish each of you an open mind on your own reconciliation journey.
Melanie Martin,
Executive Director | ArtsNL