Juno Beach Centre Honors Indigenous Veterans Through Art in New Exhibition
The Juno Beach Centre (JBC) is proud to announce its newest exhibition, Faces of Canada Today, which pays tribute to National Indigenous Veterans Day. The centerpiece of the exhibition is a major art installation featuring poppies crafted by three talented Indigenous artists from the Métis, Inuit, and First Nations communities. Originally established in 2003, the Faces of Canada Today permanent exhibition has undergone a $1.25 million renewal project to reflect the modern Canada shaped by the contributions of Second World War Veterans.
A Powerful Art Installation
As visitors enter the gallery space, they will be greeted by a breathtaking sight - 3,000 floating poppies suspended against the backdrop of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Juno Beach. Alongside the traditional Royal Canadian Legion poppies worn on Remembrance Day, the installation will showcase beaded, sealskin, and birchbark and quill poppies created by the Métis, Inuit, and First Nations artists, respectively.
A Symbol of Gratitude and Remembrance
Marissa Magneson, a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario, crafted the beaded poppies as symbols of gratitude and respect for those who sacrificed to protect our collective freedom. Crystal Gloade, from Millbrook First Nation, created the birchbark and porcupine quill poppies as a way to remember all Veterans and those who lost their lives in service. Inuk, an Inuvialuk from the Northwest Territories, designed the sealskin poppies to honor Inuit and Indigenous Veterans and their families.
The inclusion of these artists' poppies was made possible through the Commemoration Program of the Métis Veterans Legacy Program, with support from First Peoples Group, an esteemed Indigenous advisory firm. The JBC is proud to have collaborated with First Peoples Group to develop content that accurately represents Indigenous Peoples in the Faces of Canada Today exhibition.
With the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaching in 2024, Faces of Canada Today aims to provide a reflective and honest portrayal of the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of Canada's diverse population since 1945.
About the Juno Beach Centre
Established in 2003, the Juno Beach Centre serves as a permanent memorial and educational institution dedicated to the Allied victory in the Second World War. Located in Normandy, France, the Centre honors the nearly 45,000 Canadians who lost their lives during the war, including 5,500 during the Battle of Normandy and 381 on D-Day. Designated a site of national historic significance to Canada, the Centre is owned and operated by the Juno Beach Centre Association, a registered charitable organization based in Burlington, ON, Canada. For more information, please visit www.junobeach.org.
Media Contact:
Louisa Simmons, Interpretation and Outreach Manager
Juno Beach Centre Association
louisasimmons@junobeach.org
The Impact of Indigenous Art on New Businesses
The Juno Beach Centre's latest exhibition, Faces of Canada Today, offers a unique perspective on how art can play a pivotal role in honoring history and promoting cultural diversity. This exhibition, which features an art installation of poppies crafted by Indigenous artists, demonstrates the power of art in fostering understanding and respect for different cultures and histories. For new businesses, this exhibition serves as a prime example of how incorporating cultural elements can enhance their brand image and appeal to a broader audience.
Embracing Cultural Diversity
By showcasing the work of Métis, Inuit, and First Nations artists, the Juno Beach Centre is not only honoring Indigenous veterans but also promoting cultural diversity. New businesses can learn from this approach by embracing diverse cultures in their operations and marketing strategies. This can help them appeal to a wider audience and foster a more inclusive brand image.
Learning from History
The Juno Beach Centre's exhibition also highlights the importance of acknowledging and learning from history. New businesses can take a leaf from this book by understanding the history of their industry, learning from past successes and failures, and using this knowledge to inform their strategies and operations. This can help them navigate the business landscape more effectively and achieve sustainable growth.
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