Lex̱éywa - Recalling of a Residential School Experience

As we continue to celebrate National Indigenous History Month, we invite you to take part in a learning opportunity.

In 2018, Robert Bateman Secondary offered a unique Art Activism class, which empowered students to become leaders in their community through art. Every year students take on a different social issue and seek to make a difference and promote awareness through community art fundraising events.

The Art Activism Project - titled Lex̱éywa, meaning “Torch” in Halq’eméylem - calls us to consider the history and impact of residential schools on a national level, as well as on a local scale. This art project visually narrates the life story of Bea Silver; a prominent Elder, educator, leader, and residential school survivor. Twenty large-scale paintings have been paired with audio recordings that relay Bea Silver's story chronologically, uncovering an individual experience that speaks to the lasting impact of residential schools, as well as universal truths, struggles and ultimately, the resilience of one exceptionally strong survivor of this history we all share.

Podcast recordings by Bea Silver were created to support the visual elements of the exhibit. It will take you approximately 30 minutes to complete.

ACCESS THE PODCASTS

Since 2018, the Lex̱éywa exhibit has travelled throughout the community, supporting education through the arts. The art pieces and audio were also produced into a book titled “Lex̱éywa: I Pass the Torch to You” by Bea Silver, which can be found in the Ray & Mille Silver Library at the Mamele’awt Indigenous Centre.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kayla Stuckart | Manager, Communications
Ph: (604) 614-5207 | mkayla.stuckart@abbyschools.ca