Stranger in one's own country
Asked what motivated her to research and produce the graphic novel, Dufour is philosophical:
"I think my journey is similar to that of many Quebecers. I realized I'd travelled to something like 40 countries without ever meeting the First Peoples from my own country, even if my own family has been here for 200 years," she says.
She refers to a statement Ojibwe activist and broadcaster Jesse Wente posted on Twitter: “If non-Indigenous Canadians artists want to make work about residential schools, why not tell the part of the story that is yours? The story of survivors is really not yours to tell. But there is a side of the story that you should explore deeply.”
And so this new chapter looks critically at Indigenous underrepresentation in society and in the Quebec education system in particular, the effects of the Oka Crisis and the negative impacts of stereotypes, among other issues, all in the hopes of keeping the dialogue going.
"Reconciliation concerns everyone. I think that's the message that's starting to spread. Misunderstanding leads to stereotypes and prejudice and this prevents empathy and understanding of the issues facing First Nations people,” Dufour adds.
“Dialogue necessitates that we do this little bit of work on a personal level, and I think this is the least we can do."
Emanuelle Dufour’s research-creation project "Des histoires à raconter: D'Ani Kuni à Kiuna" is on display now until October 27 in room 2.635 of the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (1515 Ste-Catherine Street West).
You can also keep an eye on Emanuelle Dufour’s website for the release of her graphic novel, expected in spring 2020.
Find out more about Concordia’s Department of Art Education.