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Memorial for children who died at residential schools set to become art exhibit in Moose Jaw – CBC.ca

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WARNING: This story contains details some readers may find distressing.

A memorial created on the steps of a Moose Jaw church in tribute to children who died at residential schools is now going to become an exhibit at a local art gallery. 

Shoes and other items were placed on the steps of churches or government buildings all over Canada last month after the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation announced the preliminary finding of unmarked graves containing 215 children at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Cassidy and Kayleigh Olson organized the memorial on the steps of St. Andrew’s United Church in Moose Jaw. It will now be featured at the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery. 

“When the bodies were found, my sister and I knew that we had to do something and we just didn’t know how,” Cassidy told The Morning Edition. “It didn’t sit well, just knowing that there were children that weren’t rested.”

The two Indigenous sisters asked the reverend at the church for permission and he said yes, as the discovery was a time to come together, Cassidy said.

“We had expected maybe a row of shoes. And by the end, we had all of the [steps] just filled with shoes and bears and candles. It was amazing. I can’t even describe how I felt,” Cassidy said. “We had over 500 … I was breathless.”

The two Indigenous sisters’ home reserve is Whitecap Dakota First Nation and the impact of residential schools is in their family. 

“My grandma had actually attended residential school and so she had placed a pair of moccasins that she made when she first left residential school and she placed those on the stairs,” Cassidy said. “It was big. There was a lot more emotion than I had expected.”

Cassidy Olson’s grandmother attended residential school. When she was finally out of school she made her first pair of moccasins. Last month she laid that pair with hundreds of others in honour of those children that didn’t make it home. (Submitted by Cassidy Olson)

Each shoe had its own story behind it and it was beautiful to see it all come together, she said. After the display was up for some time, the sisters were asked what they were going to do with the shoes. 

“With the amount of shoes we had, we just didn’t really want to just leave them or donate them,” she said. “So then I had reached out to the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery.”

Cassidy Olson said she hopes people use the display as an opportunity to educate themselves about the continuing effects of residential schools and intergenerational trauma. (Submitted by Cassidy Olson)

The curator was supportive in acknowledging the display, and making sure people know it wasn’t just history and still affects people today. Cassidy said the curator did an amazing job. 

A local photographer’s shots of the shoes on the steps, and an orange t-shirt Cassidy and her sister created, are displayed above the shoes.

The display at the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery features a display of the hundreds of shoes and teddy bears. (Submitted by Cassidy Olson)

Cassidy hopes people realize the effects of these schools are still ongoing today. 

“It has created intergenerational trauma,” she said. 

“It’s not just in the museum because it was history, it’s in the museum because I want people to understand and be a learning tool and to educate each other.”


Support is available for anyone affected by their experience at residential schools, and for those triggered by the latest reports.

A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for residential school survivors and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com



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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.

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