Healing Forest Artists Featured in Online Gallery

Val Vint working on a beading project.

Beaded Artwork by Val Vint, co-chair of the Keepers of the Forest, along with the Healing Forest Grandmother Stones' artistry by Natalie Rostaddejarlais, are featured in an online gallery space.  The online gallery, featuring photos of artworks by Indigenous artists across Turtle Island on the theme of Transforming Relationships, was curated by Mennonite Central Committee, a partner with the Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest. Val Vint is also featured in a short video accompanying the gallery called "No reconciliation without Truth."  In the video she reiterates one of the core convictions of the Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest, "There's no reconciliation possible until the truth comes out."

Reflecting on her experience painting the Grandmother Stones, Natalie writes, "The messages the stones share from the images, both obvious and subliminal, come full circle to offer an insight of authenticity and raw emotion. A place of reflection is this healing garden, a sacred and honoring space inspired by the memory and suffering of Residential School children."    

Natalie Rostaddejarlais sharing about the imagery on the South Grandmother Stone at the Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest.