NEWS RELEASE
GEORGIAN COLLEGE
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Georgian College and the Orillia & District Arts Council (ODAC) have collaborated to offer a free unique visual presentation on Jan. 18 at Georgian’s Orillia Campus.
Visual Reconciliation, an ODAC project that is funded by the Canadian Council for the Arts, is holding its second public presentation at the college and the public is invited to attend from 4 to 6 p.m. It presents the interpretation of the Seven Grandfather Teachings from the cultural viewpoint of four diverse artists.
Lead artist, Dazaunggee (Paul Shilling), conceived this exercise to look at the similarities between cultures as well as how different peoples view the basic tenets of the traditions.
“We’re excited to invite the community to come out to see this Visual Reconciliation project,” said Dr. Mary Louise Noce, dean of the Georgian College Orillia Campus. “Visitors will appreciate these beautiful pieces that are included as a part of this important cultural teaching.”
The first teaching, Bravery (Courage) was presented in November. This second presentation covers the teaching of Honesty. Gwekwaadziwin, which is represented by either the Raven or the Sabe, both understand who they are and how to walk in their life. Sabe reminds us to be ourselves and not someone that we’re not. An honest person is said to walk tall like Kitchi-Sabe and like Kitchi-Sabe, Raven accepts himself and knows how to use his gift. He doesn’t seek the power, speed, or beauty of others. He uses what he has been given to survive and thrive, as we all must do. To walk through life with integrity is to know honesty, be honest with yourself, recognize and accept who you are, accept and use the gifts you have been given and to not seek to deceive yourself or others.
“When we become honest with ourselves, we can begin to deal with other aspects of our lives,” said Dazaunggee. “This presentation will look at how each of us views honesty.”
The other artists involved in the presentation are Ted Fullerton, Xavier Hernandez and Julie Chǔ Níng Tián. The free presentation will take place in the Orillia Campus auditorium (C112) from 4 to 6 p.m.
More information about the event can be found online.
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