ASIA Sumas Students Use Art to Inspire Reflection on Truth and Reconciliation
Art has transformed the front foyer of ASIA Sumas Mountain into a space for reflection, learning and conversation as students use creativity to explore stories connected to Truth and Reconciliation.
The displays feature large-scale installations created by students in the school's Grade 11 and 12 Ceramics & Sculpture class. Through symbolism, texture, materials and design, students examined topics including residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+), generational trauma, the 215 children and Indigenous resilience.
"The students put a lot of thought and work into their pieces," said Corrie Wedel, ASIA Sumas Mountain teacher. "They are full of symbolism and meaning."
Visitors will find no two displays alike. One installation explores the legacy of generational trauma through plant symbolism and cedar, while others examine the impacts of the Sixties Scoop, the stories of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People, and the lives of children affected by residential schools. Each piece encourages viewers to pause, look closely and consider the deeper meaning behind the materials and imagery.
Before construction began, students spent time researching the histories connected to their chosen topics and discussing how those stories could be communicated through art. They then presented their concepts to the school's Indigenous Support Workers, Ashley Lamsom and Carlos Julian, who provided guidance and feedback throughout the process.
Each installation is accompanied by an artist's statement that shares the students' research, symbolism and intentions for the work. Together, the displays invite viewers to engage with difficult histories while recognizing the strength, resilience and enduring cultures of Indigenous Peoples.
For students, the project became more than an art assignment. It was an opportunity to explore challenging topics, deepen their understanding of Truth and Reconciliation, and consider how creativity can be used to communicate complex ideas and experiences.
The exhibition also includes artwork from senior 2D art students and Art 9/10 classes, showcasing the many ways students use artistic expression to share perspectives and tell meaningful stories.
Through research, collaboration and creativity, ASIA Sumas students have created an exhibition that encourages reflection, sparks conversation and highlights the role students can play in advancing understanding and reconciliation.
