Internationally acclaimed artist Joi T. Arcand has posed a thought-provoking question through her latest exhibit at Carleton University Art Gallery: What if Cree language syllabics took precedence in our daily conversations? The exhibition, on display until December 13, prominently showcases a mural featuring a convenience store adorned with Cree syllabics signage.
Arcand, hailing from Muskeg Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan, expressed her motivation for the exhibit as a response to the underrepresentation of the Cree language in Canadian society. She emphasized the importance of equal access and recognition for indigenous languages, stating, “English or French is expected of us. We should have the same kind of access and representation of our own languages.”
The artist’s four-year endeavor in collaboration with Carleton art gallery’s acting director, Heather Anderson, culminated in this showcase, aimed at portraying a future where indigenous languages thrive. Arcand’s prior work, such as the 2009 photography project “Here on Future Earth,” laid the foundation for her exploration of Cree syllabics in art.
Additionally, billboards featuring Arcand’s artwork will be displayed in Ottawa, with the first paying homage to the Algonquin word “aki,” meaning territory. This initiative is part of a broader effort to amplify indigenous languages and cultures in the capital region.
The exhibition also integrates interactive elements, including magnetic Cree syllabics alongside educational resources, allowing visitors to engage with the language hands-on. Notably, a payphone installation, a collaborative effort with Artengine in Ottawa, offers a unique auditory experience with Cree spoken by language learners when triggered by motion sensors.
Through this multi-sensory exhibition, Arcand aims to not only showcase the visual allure of Cree syllabics but also provide an immersive experience for visitors to appreciate the beauty and significance of the language in both sight and sound.