In a formal opening on September 19, Redeemer University unveiled a new exhibit about the history of the land on which its campus stands. The exhibit honours the rich First Nations heritage of the area, showcasing artifacts that speak to the deep cultural roots of the land.
The ceremony was a coming together of local First Nations leaders, students, faculty, staff and guests. The exhibit, housed in the Commons, a central space in Founders Hall, aims to honour First Nations history and links to a website that aims to educate visitors comprehensively about the history and culture of all those who have stewarded the land.
The ceremony began with remarks from Redeemer president Dr. David Zietsma, who emphasized the importance of acknowledging the history of the land and working to build meaningful relationships with First Nations people. “Examining a land’s history is part of a calling to care for it,” said Zietsma. “This involves acknowledging the positive and negative parts of its history, including the uniqueness and giftedness of the people who have lived here, as well as the injustice and brokenness that are consistent themes in every land’s history. It is our prayer that telling this story as truthfully as we can, will contribute to the pursuit of justice and reconciliation with First Nations and Indigenous communities.”
It is our prayer that telling this story as truthfully as we can, will contribute to the pursuit of justice and reconciliation with First Nations and Indigenous communities.
Councillor Larry Sault also brought remarks from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. “I thank you for this land history because it is a story that needs to be told as we move forward in a spirit of reconciliation.”
Rev. Dr. Bill DeJong, Redeemer’s faculty chaplain, shared a prayer and Scripture reading, and Shakokwenios Joseph Martin of Six Nations of the Grand River gave an Indigenous blessing.
Nicole Benbow, academic development manager, adjunct professor of history and lead researcher on the project, provided context and acknowledgements. “Our desire was that visitors to this exhibit and to the website would hear voices from the First Nations people who live in our midst to this day,” said Benbow. “We especially wish to acknowledge those who lent their voices to this work and who contributed their knowledge, insights and cultural perspectives to the re-telling of this story.”
Finally, representatives cut a ribbon to officially open the exhibit. The exhibit itself is a carefully curated collection of artifacts, photographs and interpretive panels that tell the story of the land. From ancient tools to pottery fragments, the display offers a glimpse into the lives of the First Nations peoples who have called this area home.
The land on which the Redeemer community learns, lives, works and plays has a rich and complex history. Within the boundaries of what is now the Redeemer campus, a large Indigenous settlement was excavated by archaeologists dating to 1280-1330 CE. The excavation of an Attawandaron village took place in 2008 and resulted in the recovery of more than 50,000 artifacts. These artifacts included pottery, stone tools such as anvils, wedges and whetstones, and many items of worked bone including beads, bracelets, hair pins and gaming pieces. A small number of artifacts have been on display on campus for a number of years. With First Nations people having such a significant legacy on the land, Redeemer has undertaken efforts to develop its response to a broken past.
Our desire was that visitors to this exhibit and to the website would hear voices from the First Nations people who live in our midst to this day.
In 2021, Redeemer set out to research and properly acknowledge this history in consultation with representatives from Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations. Since then, with assistance from Archaeological Research Associates Ltd., artifacts have been carefully selected that best respect and honour the wishes of the First Nations communities. In addition to the artifacts, a history of the land was researched, written and developed into a rich web-based exhibit.
“The commitment to working with communities to ensure their cultural history is respectfully interpreted and presented is admirable–Redeemer has set a high benchmark for future projects!” says Shelby Haggerty, laboratory services team lead and conservator at Archaeological Research Associates Ltd.
The opening of this exhibit is part of the university’s broader work to listen, learn, reflect and show compassion to its First Nations neighbours that has also included Listening Fridays–a bi-weekly reading of excerpts of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission–and the development and launch of a new introduction to Indigenous studies course.