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Sonny Assu's 'Day School' exhibition at Equinox Gallery coincides with Oka Crisis anniversary and TRC report

exhibition · 2026-04-22

The 'Day School' exhibition by Sonny Assu debuted at Vancouver's Equinox Gallery on September 29, 2023, marking both the 25th anniversary of the Oka Crisis and the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's report. This showcase delves into themes of familial and national history through a blend of political commentary and humor. Notable pieces include Leila's Desk (2013), which alludes to Assu's grandmother's experiences in Indian Day School, and Inherent (2013), which addresses Assu's personal encounters with racism during the Oka Crisis. The exhibition also features Chilkat and Longhouse paintings, the Longing series, and Gone Copper! sculptures, inviting audiences to reflect on Canada's concealed history and empathy towards First Nations communities.

Key facts

  • Sonny Assu's exhibition 'Day School' was held at Equinox Gallery in Vancouver
  • The exhibition coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Oka Crisis, a land dispute between Mohawk peoples and Oka, Quebec
  • It opened as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its convening report on the Indian Residential School system
  • Leila's Desk (2013) references Assu's grandmother's racism experience at an Indian Day School
  • Inherent (2013) addresses Assu's personal racism experience during the Oka Crisis
  • Assu emphasizes the importance of didactics to provide narrative context for his works
  • The exhibition includes series like Chilkat paintings, Longhouse paintings, (b) Longing, and Gone Copper!
  • Assu uses humor and pop culture to discuss recent history, noting the last residential school closed in 1996

Entities

Artists

  • Sonny Assu
  • Kyra Kordoski
  • Chief Billy Assu
  • Leila

Institutions

  • Equinox Gallery
  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
  • Emily Carr University
  • Civilization Museum
  • Indian Residential School system
  • Indian Day School

Locations

  • Vancouver
  • Canada
  • Oka
  • Quebec
  • Vancouver Island
  • Gatineau

Sources