Pride and Dignity

Excerpts from the Exhibition: Culture Clash

Stereotypes and Culture Clash

Over this century, society has learned to see Aboriginal people in stereotypical poses like this photograph of a group of Blackfoot women. Stereotypes emerge when taken out of context for public demonstrations and this view is the one the public remembers.

The general public has usually just seen one view of Aboriginal people in Canada. On those special occasions, Indian performers, dressed in their tribal best, appeared at events such as the one this group of Blackfoot women appeared in for a 1901 Royal Tour at Shaqannapi Point in Calgary, Alberta, ( PA-012122 ) or events such as the Calgary Stampede, Banff Indian Days and pow-wows.

Stereotypes have emerged from these events C-007819 because most people had never met an Aboriginal person. Until very recently, most Aboriginal people were living on reserves so there was no way to compare everyday realities for Aboriginal people back home on the reserve. Seen out of context, the Indian performer is the view the public remembers. Out of sight and out of mind, the reserve reality goes unrecognized. By juxtaposing these two photographs, a better view of Aboriginal society around the turn of the century emerges for discussion  --  a poignant contrast to the romantic Indian icon. ( C-007819 )

Jeffrey M. Thomas, Onondaga - Iroquois
Guest Curator

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