Our Place and Responsibility
The foundational work of Rural Artists Against Hate (RAAH)—the healing, the unlearning, and the creation of beauty—occurs in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Mi’kmaq Nation.
This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, signed between the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Passamaquoddy, and the Crown beginning in 1725. It is critical to understand that these treaties were not about the surrender of lands and resources; rather, they recognized Mi’kmaq Title and established the rules for what was intended to be an ongoing relationship of mutual respect between nations.
In Mi’kma’ki, we are all beneficiaries and bound by these Treaties. We encourage every visitor, partner, and artist to deepen their understanding of the Treaties that influence our shared lives and to recognize their individual and collective responsibilities as Treaty People.
Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
As artists dedicated to transformation, RAAH commits its work not only to challenging hate in the present but also to actively working towards Truth and Reconciliation. We believe that true, lasting public healing requires addressing the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism.
We actively support work that addresses the 94 Calls to Action, as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, understanding that art, education, and community dialogue are powerful mechanisms for systemic change.
Resources for Learning and Action
We invite our communities to join us in the ongoing process of learning, listening, and taking action.
Digital Learning Resources (Links open in a new tab):
- native.land.ca
- TRC Website – NCTR
- 10 pieces of art to help you engage with truth and reconciliation | CBC Arts
Learning Resources to Watch (Links open in a new tab):
- Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair – NFB
- (Content Warning: Stories from Residential School Survivors include details of abuse, sexual violence, descriptions of Cultural Genocide, and Legal/Institutionalized racism.)
- Holy Angels – NFB
- (Content Warning: Stories from a Residential School Survivors include details of abuse, violence, and descriptions of Cultural Genocide.)
Learning Resources to Read:
- Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga
- All of Our Relations by Tanya Talaga
- Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Rural Artists Against Hate 