The Crosses We Bear

2016
Pen and ink

The mask is made of wood, as I am Labrador Inuk, we have an abundance of wood in the area, the mask represents a historical and geological link to Nunatsiavut. The broken piece signifies a breaking of traditional spiritual beliefs which began during colonization. (The mask is drawn from a picture that I found online about two years ago, but I can't seem to find right now, it is based on an actual Inuit shamans mask and the break in the chin is there. But I can't seem to find that image anymore...)

The three crosses embedded into the back of the shaman are strong references to the story of Christianity. Though here they represent three things, original sin, heaven and hell. Three belief structures that was introduced upon colonialism and missionary work... three things that were thrust onto us that we have been trying to overcome ever since.

While drawing this concept, I thought back to a story that I first saw attributed to Australian Aboriginal peoples but later saw it used in context of the Inuit:

Eskimo: "If I did not know about God and sin, would I go to hell?" Priest: "No, not if you did not know." Eskimo: "Then why did you tell me?" -- Annie Dillard, 'Pilgrim at Tinker Creek'

The blood from the back of the Inuk caused by the crosses is representative of residential schooling and the abuse that took place in many of the cases.

The broken harpoon with the words "in god you will trust" is based on the belief that you are a good Christian and follow the word of god all will be taken care of... it is an expression of relocation to settlements and an attempt to stop the Inuit nomadic way of life. Inuit soon learned to thank god for food that, before Christianity came as a natural part of life.

The broken drum, though broken and torn, had some repair work. Though not fully repaired and will never look as good as new, it is being repaired: this is my thoughts on where I am as an Inuk right now... I will never be able to live as my ancestors have, I am in a path of healing and forgiveness.