L to R: Ari Gilbert, Naima Rain Young Pine & Lorali Day Chief. (Photo submitted by United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta)

By Justin Goulet

Winners announced in Expressions of Reconciliation Art & Media Contest

Dec 9, 2021 | 10:43 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The winners of the fourth annual Expressions of Reconciliation Art & Media Contest have been announced.

Every year, the contest is open to artists of all ages and abilities in Lethbridge and the surrounding area. Different submissions are made and can include photographs, drawings, paintings, poetry, etc. The prizes were collectively sponsored by the contest’s partner organizations, United Way, the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee and the Lethbridge Indigenous Sharing Network.

The theme for this year’s competition coincided with Reconciliation Week and was “Voice & Representation”. On December 3, the four winners were presented with a cash prize at a small, informal gathering at CASA in Lethbridge.

The first, second and third place winners were selected with the help of a jury, while the “People’s Choice” prize was awarded based on the results of a social media vote on Facebook.

The winners are as follows:

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• 1^st place: Naima Rain Young Pine (age 16) for the poem, “Life in My Eyes”
• 2^nd place: Lorali Day Chief (age 12) for “Stories From Our Hearts”, a written account and accompanying image
• 3^rd place: Ari Gilbert (age 12) for “Who I Am”, a poem
• People’s Choice Award: Darlene Urban for “Every Child Matters”, a folded book design
  People’s Choice winner Darlene Urban. (Photo courtesy United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta)

When Naima Rain Young Pine received the news that she had won first place, she was shocked.

“I thought, ‘this is unbelievable’. I told my family all at the same time at dinner, and they were really happy for me, too.”

Her poem serves to remind readers that there is much more to someone than what can be seen on the surface. It also illustrates the harm that can be caused by perpetuating stereotypes.

She stated, “I wrote this poem to bring light to real issues affecting my community, and I wanted to make a difference through something powerful and simplistic.”

“There are a lot of issues that are brushed over or ignored. I wanted to help people see what I see, and help them understand how important it is to listen.”

Young Pine gave credit to her English teacher Jodie Babki for helping her to find her passion and develop her poetry writing skills.

Perry Stein, the City of Lethbridge’s Indigenous Relations Advisor said, “arts and culture have a way of tapping into our shared humanity in a way that no other medium can.”

“In its fourth year, this contest continues to offer an accessible, inclusive way for Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), other Indigenous peoples, and non-Indigenous peoples to speak their truths, share their experiences and move our community forward in truth and reconciliation.”

Treena Tallow, who serves as one of the co-chairs of the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee echoed Stein’s statements, and remarked that reconciliation is an artistic journey in itself.

She said, “through art, we have the capacity to build connections, and transform the hearts and minds of communities.”

“Education and awareness are key to opening our spirits to these connections. “

Tallow added that there are many ways for the community to get involved in reconciliation.

“Reading the Truth and Reconciliation report, and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is a good place to start. We can donate to Indigenous-led and focused organizations, or volunteer at one of the many meaningful programs or committees within the city. The most important thing is to start somewhere, and keep going.”

Each of the works submitted to the Expressions of Reconciliation Art & Media Contest will be on display at CASA throughout December in the south showcase on the main floor.