sʔi:ɬqəy̓ is exhibited on the Banners at Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch, from October 2023 - May 2024.
Kitty’s goal for this series that illustrates the story of sʔi:ɬqəy̓, the double-headed serpent is to bring forward ideas of decolonization and work toward Truth and Reconciliation. The legacy of sʔi:ɬqəy̓ is a significant part of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) history and the origin of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm name.
Kitty's thoughts on this project and her process:
“Decolonization involves loads of education to identify and unlearn colonial ways of knowing. The story of sʔi:ɬqəy̓ provides insight into this land outside of dominant, westernized truths that many had been taught in schools. Learning about the history of different territories helps in becoming more cognizant of its peoples' cultural ways. In this case, recognizing the land as its own reflects xʷməθkʷəy̓əm ways of life. This knowledge provides a better understanding of how and why certain actions may be helpful or even harmful when working toward Truth and Reconciliation.
To share this piece of the past directly connects to decolonization and Truth and Reconciliation as it demonstrates xʷməθkʷəy̓əm values and eternal connection to the land. Opportunities to share ancestral history are powerful, in turn, our story allows us the chance to establish better structures for moving forward together, as Host Nations and guests.
As a xʷməθkʷəy̓əm person, I wanted my work to serve as an example of the possibilities that Indigenous artists possess individually, outside of traditional stylization.
For this reason, I created this series of artwork with the exemption of traditional Coast Salish elements. Distancing Indigenous peoples from the misconception of being “one and the same” is important in relation to individual identity. Indigenous people are more than just the group we belong to.
We are people of varying cultural backgrounds, with separate minds, differing experiences, and unique personalities. That is why I created this work in a style that is personal to me.
Traditional art plays a significant role in the revitalization of Indigenous culture, as well as in understanding Truth and Reconciliation. With that being said, I believe that the celebration of Indigenous artists and artwork shouldn’t be limited only to the artists who have access to learning traditional art. In other words, “authentic Indigenous artwork” includes each and every work produced by an Indigenous person, whether their style demonstrates traditional elements or not.
My goal isn't to remove myself from any association with my ancestors, but the opposite. I want to bring myself closer to them by representing xʷməθkʷəy̓əm in a way that is unique to my own imagination and visualization as I reflect on our history.
My approach for this work was to allow education through art. Historically, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm didn’t use orthography to express themselves or describe events. We learned through our art and oral teachings, passed down generationally. With this, I decided to represent xʷməθkʷəy̓əm history in a way that reflects this particular tradition in hopes that it will invite Host Nations and guests the opportunity to understand our differences in a way that is intimate to myself as an individual.”