The following statement was read yesterday by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation:
Minister Dempster congratulates artist, Bronson Jacque.
Speaker, I would like to tell you about a visual artist from Labrador whose work is delivering a powerful message.
Bronson Jacque is Inuit, and he is a proud son of Labrador who hails from Postville on the North Coast. He has been giving expression through his art for more than 10 years, but his most recent creation may just be his most powerful.
The Nunatsiavut artist was commissioned by the Aboriginal Women’s Association of Prince Edward Island to paint a commemorative group portrait. The mural depicts 10 family members and friends of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Each subject in the portrait is holding an object that connects them to a missing loved one.
The mural is more than artwork. It tells a human story and reminds us of that family members who have suffered personal loss never truly escape the mourning. Before taking paintbrush in hand, Bronson studied photos of women he was painting, and he listened to their heartfelt stories over a period of several months. He calls it the most important project that he has worked on to date.
Speaker, the mural has had a profound effect on many people who have admired the painting. Those who have viewed the portrait have reflected on the love, the fight for justice, the culture, and the strength. Each of the lives lost had value and meaning. We must resolve ourselves to make this a cause for change.
Please join us in congratulating Bronson Jacque of Postville for helping us increase our understanding of the resilience of Indigenous women and the power of healing.