Krista Zeghers

    As action towards my own on-going reconciliation endeavors I created an art piece depicting reparations to the long-term consequential damages of North American colonization.  I see my own small actions towards our indigenous people as stitches of healing.

     In “Where Has Our Compassion Gone?” circular rust dyed shapes are embroidered to realize the long time periods represented in three motifs – earth at the beginning of time; navigational travel during the colonization period; and a dream catcher to represent the dreams and culture of indigenous peoples.  Text embroidered on this area uses adapted song lyrics wondering where human compassion has gone amid the fear and prejudice rampant in the world now (based on Pete Seegers lyrics for Where Have All the Flowers Gone). 

     The background is left unfinished to represent the unfinished and ongoing nature of reconciliation where more stitches are needed.  The fibre art is set into a handcrafted hardwood frame representing Canada’s natural resources and soundness of our foundations to enable reparations. 

     As a descendent of Irish, Scottish and British heritage, I realize the role my ancestors played in colonization.  In my life, as a professional educator and a world traveler, I have met and worked with a variety of Indigenous Peoples.  My hope is to continue to be compassionate to all people in an effort to create an example of a human integrated culture that can move forward in a peaceful and cooperative manner.

   This piece was awarded to Daniel Thau-Eleff as an award.  Daniel earned the Human Rights Commitment Award of Manitoba for his work as a playwright, performer, director and producer in promoting topics examining issues involving human rights.