Tristan Durocher and Walking With Our Angels crosses the bridge travelling south through Prince Albert. (Brandon White/submitted by IPAC)

By Alison Sandstrom

Art, ceremony, protest

P.A. photo exhibition chronicles Walking With Our Angels journey

Sep 10, 2020 | 2:58 PM

Images from a months-long ceremony to protest the provincial government’s response to suicide prevention are on display at the John V. Hicks Gallery at the Prince Albert Arts Centre.

The exhibition, which features photographs by journalist Brandon White, chronicles fiddler Tristan Durocher’s 600 km walk from La Ronge to Regina and subsequent 44-day fast on the lawn of the Regina legislature.

Exhibition organizer, Michel Boutin, Artistic Director of the Indigenous Peoples Artist Collective (IPAC) told paNOW it was important for the collective to boost Durocher’s message and show solidarity. He explained IPAC has been collaborating with the musician for the past five years.

“My hope is that when people come see the show they get a sense of the smallness of Tristan but the size of what he’s done and what’s been triggered here,” Boutin said.

In Boutin’s favourite photograph in the collection, Tristan’s back faces the camera as he stands in front of a crowd on the steps of the Regina legislature.

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“I find it very iconic,” Boutin said, referencing the photograph. “The whole small man in front of power type of idea.”

“I’m hopeful that people can get the idea that humility and vulnerability can be your strength even in the face of extreme prejudice,” he continued.

IPAC Artistic Director Michel Boutin says this photo of Durocher standing in front of the legislature is his favourite in the exhibition. (Bradon White/submitted by IPAC)

On Sunday, as Durocher ends his 44-day ceremonial fast, IPAC will hold a vigil on the lawn of the Prince Albert Arts Centre.

Elders and spoken word artists from the Indigenous Poetry Society will speak. Poetry and other pieces written by Durocher during the experience will be read. Boutain explained they’re also hoping to have some young fiddlers who Durocher has taught travel to Prince Albert to perform.

The vigil and reception will be Sunday from 4 to 6 pm.

The Tristan Durocher: Walking With Our Angels exhibition runs from Sept. 8 to 24.

(Brandon White/submitted by IPAC)

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom