What does it mean for today’s settlers – those among us who have lived here for generations, and those who have just arrived – to acknowledge our own position in relation to Indigenous presence in these lands? How can we develop place-based narratives of belonging that do not shy away from confronting the ugly truth of ongoing settler colonialism? How can we live as good guests on these lands?
From July 22nd to August 1st, 2024, artist Aaniya Asrani showcased her work focusing on understanding our relationship to belonging on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples as part of the Belonging in Unceded Territory project. This project was initiated by UBC’s Centre for Migration Studies to bring settler colonialism into the centre of conversations on social belonging in Vancouver.
The dialogue sessions facilitated by Aaniya Asrani at the Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) as part of this project, aimed to address these questions and served as the inspiration for her artist residency with STEPS Public Art. Through the artwork, she seeks to amplify personal narratives that span diverse positionalities: Indigenous voices rooted in this land, those from distant shores, immigrants seeking new beginnings, settlers laying down roots, and refugees searching for sanctuary. Each perspective brings a unique lens to conversation about belonging, negotiating aspects of identity, history and our shared existence on unceded territories.
“When we talk about belonging, we’re talking about belonging to the land. One thing that is important to people in our culture is water. It’s the first thing that comes to my mind. […] The ocean, the rivers, creeks, and mountains; that’s important to us. It comes to spiritual cleansing, getting back to what pre-contact Squamish people did.” – Buddy Joseph
Photo by Thomas Jose
The ‘placemat’ of belonging weaved by participants during the workshop is a testament to our interconnected lives, where individual paths intersect to form a vibrant collective. It’s a dynamic, evolving process, enriched by every new participant who shares their story. This body of work aims to invite dialogue and introspection about belonging, the functions of memory, and how we are shaped by our relationships to each other and the land. It is a call to reckon with our past, engage with our present, and envision a future where we are active participants in the ongoing reconciliation process.
“This project was such an incredible learning experience for me. I am so inspired and moved by the stories shared with me and humbled by the trust of my collaborators. I feel like I’ve formed a deeper connection to the land and community, and it's impacted my own sense of belonging.”
Weaving Belonging_News image
Photos by Thomas Jose
