Monday, February 8, 2010

Birthday wants* list

There is a book in my school library called A Stó:lō-Coast Salish Historical Atlas. Apparently there is ‘no room’ for this atlas among the plethora of 'world' and 'Canadian' Atlases listed throughout the aisles. So, it is regulated to a hidden bookcase at the end -completely invisible to any student looking for an alternative perspective of Canadian (geo) graphy and geopolitics. Historical experience is expressed through multiple viewpoints that are often conflicted -one side frequently being degenerated and censored by the dominant enforced society. Western institutions neglect these historical interpretations and Coast Salish artistic practice is repeatedly seen as 'second rate' to the art production of northern indigenous communities (Olympics anyone?). This book is integral to the representation of Coast Salish and Stó:lō perspectives on historical experience and knowledge. It shouldn't be assigned to a dusty corner, segregated from so called 'legitimate' articulations of place and territory; especially when it is just as -or more correctly more so- appropriate to interpretations of land use and cartography.

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