Alert Bay Item Number: 432/25 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Six photographs, four in black and white and two in colour, in an upside down V-shape across a horizontally rectangular, black background titled 'ALERT BAY' in white pastel. Photos depict outdoor scenes. From the bottom left to the fourth at the top and the last two down to the right, the pictures are as follows: boats at a dock including the ‘White Wave’; boats at a dock including ‘LONDON ?’ and ‘J14’; more boats; a winter snow scene; a totem pole with two smaller ones and a fence behind; and a totem pole that has three-feathered wings at the top in front of a smaller one. Poster is covered with clear plastic sheeting attached by masking tape.

Narrative

From a collection of Northwest Coast inspired artwork produced by First Nations children at the Alert Bay Residential School during the 1968 to 1969 school year. The works were also part of an exhibition of student drawings, displayed at the Charles Sanderson Library in Toronto during 1970. Residential schools were operated by religious organizations and followed the regular provincial curriculum. The Alert Bay Residential School was operated by the Anglican Church of Canada. According to the Van Drielens, art was discouraged at the School because 'they couldn't make a living at it'.

Item History

What

Name
Alert Bay
Identification Number
432/25
Type of Item
poster
Overall
height 55.9 cm, width 71.2 cm

Who

Culture
Kwakwaka'wakw
Previous Owner
Ralph Van Drielen and Enid Van Drielen
Received from
Enid Van Drielen (Donor) and Ralph Van Drielen (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
'Yalis (Alert Bay), British Columbia, Canada

When

Creation Date
during 1969
Collection Date
during 1969
Ownership Date
before January 26, 1978
Acquisition Date
on January 26, 1978

Other

Item Classes
works on paper
Condition
good
Accession Number
0432/0025