Where are the Children? Exhibition - Legacy of Hope Foundation

What We Do

Where are the Children? Exhibition

Developed with funding from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and in partnership with the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and the Library and Archives Canada, this archival photo exhibition portrays the history and legacy of Canada’s Residential School System. Mr. Jeff Thomas, an Iroquois artist, was the curator for Where are the Children? Healing the Legacy of the Residential Schools (WATC). This exhibition consists of 118 framed archival photographs, text panels, maps, original classroom texts and historical government papers that span over 125 years and that were selected from nine public and church archives .

Since being launched in 2002, WATC has been temporarily installed in venues across Canada and has achieved great success in raising awareness of the legacy of residential schools. The exhibition has also assisted in healing for many Residential School Survivors and their families and communities.

As a complement to the exhibition, the Legacy of Hope Foundation and its partners developed a book and DVD. Composed of some of the photographs from the exhibition, and containing historical information and interviews from the partners and curator, as well as from several Survivors, the WATC book and DVD have been distributed at each venue. These materials have not only become an essential part of WATC, but have also become stand-alone educational resources.

T he exhibit has traveled to the Museum of Anthropology , the Yellowknife Legislative Building, Alberta Provincial Museum, the Museum of New Brunswick, The Manitoba Museum, Multicultural Association of Northwestern Ontario, Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford, Ontario , Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre, Red Lake, Ontario and Great West Life Ampitheatre at Algoma University College, Sault St Marie, Ontario.

With support of the Indian Residential School Resolution Canada (IRSRC), the exhibition has traveled across Canada and has been viewed by over 200,000 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. The exhibition has been a success and many individuals have been educated about the experience of residential school survivors: a part of Canadian history that has been largely ignored. In addition, the exhibition served as a way to commemorate survivors of residential school and honoured their commitment to healing. Individuals have expressed appreciation for the education that was shared with them. Please refer to comments below:

The Exhibition is very informative/educational. It needs to be seen. People need to understand what these families, children and communities went through. In the spirit of healing…Meegwetch.

Visitor, Richards Landing, Ontario.

Amazing photos, excellent way to promote awareness and healing.

Visitor, Hamilton, Ontario.

Our beautiful brave people.

Visitor, Macdiarmid, Ontario

If you would like more information on how you can bring the exhibition to your community please contact us toll free at 1-877-553-7177.

Click here to view the catalogue (English and French).

Click here to download the Information Kit Order Form pdf.

EXHIBITION VENUES AND DATES

Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia ( Vancouver, BC)

July 2002 – December 2002

Wanuskewin Heritage Park ( Saskatoon, SK)

February 2003 – August 2003

Yellowknife Legislative Building and Sir Franklin High School ( Yellowknife, NWT)

September 2003 - January 2004

Alberta Provincial Museum ( Edmonton, AB)

May 2004 - September 2004

Museum of New Brunswick ( New Brunswick, NB)

October 2004 - December 2004

The Manitoba Museum ( Winnipeg, MB)

January 2005 - March 2005

Multicultural Association of Northwestern Ontario ( Thunder Bay, ON)

March 2005 - August 2005

Woodlands Cultural Centre ( Brantford, ON)

September 2005 - January 2006

Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre ( Red Lake, ON)

January 2006 - April 2006

Children of the Shingwauk, Algoma University College (Sault Ste. Marie, ON)

May 2006 - August 2006

Campbell River Museum ( Campbell River, BC)

September 2006 - December 2006

Southern Alberta Art Gallery ( Lethbridge, AB)

March 2007 - April 2007

Danaoja Zho Cultural Centre, Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation ( Dawson City, YK)

May 2007 - August 2007

The Exploration Place Science Centre and Museum ( Prince George, BC)

September 2007 - December 2007

West Block, Parliament Hill ( Ottawa, ON)

June 11, 2008 - June 11, 2008

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation – Headquarters ( Toronto, ON)

June 2008 - June 2008

Tom Thomson Art Gallery (Owen Sound, ON)

March 2009