New projects challenge Edmonton’s historic narratives

Two new projects are challenging Edmonton’s historic narratives with fresh perspectives on our cultural heritage, sharing stories of Aboriginal and multicultural communities through poetry, dance, visual art, and comics.

WireService.ca Media Release (08/12/2015) Edmonton, AB – Heroes of 107^th-a collaboration between writer Kristina de Guzman, illustrator Jermaine Curtis, and community organizers Poushali Mitra and Suraj Khatiwada-will engage with Avenue of Nations residents and adapt their personal stories of disconnection and marginalization into tales of heroism and empowerment in comic or graphic novel form.

“107^th Avenue suffers from a negative image that revolves around criminal activity, poverty, and being a cultural ghetto,” says de Guzman. “We’re helping to turn this perception around by encouraging residents to actively tell their own stories. Heroes are central figures in comics, so perhaps we’ll discover some ‘everyday heroes’ on Avenue of Nations.”

Likewise, Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail and Miranda Jimmy of Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton (RISE) are working alongside artist Jennie Vegt and poet Anna Marie Sewell to create Reconciling Edmonton, which draws attention to pivotal moments in Edmonton’s Aboriginal history. The project involves the creation of seven painted panels and spoken word poetry inspired by historic photographs. The final artistic creations will be unveiled together as a performance at a Community Round Dance Celebration at City Hall in late November.

With the latest round of Edmonton City as Museum Project (ECAMP) Partnership Demonstration micro-grants, Edmontonians were challenged to create projects that spark change by empowering Aboriginal and multicultural Edmontonians. These grants extend ECAMP’s approach to collaboration and encourage individuals and organizations to explore the city as a living museum, encouraging fresh collaborations and bringing stories forward from unique and unexpected people and places.

To discover more about the Edmonton City as Museum Project, visit citymuseumedmonton.ca. For more information on the Edmonton Heritage Council and its initiatives, visit edmontonheritage.ca.

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The Edmonton Heritage Council is a not-for-profit organization that supports and promotes heritage in Edmonton and the surrounding region. Our vision is of a place where heritage is understood and valued by all members of the community as an integral way of life.

Media Contact:

Ryan Stephens
Communications Assistant
Edmonton Heritage Council
tel: 780-429-0166, ext. 299
edmontonheritage.ca

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