The Faceless Doll Project
to
Art Gallery of Grande Prairie 103-9839 103 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 6M7
“The Faceless Doll Project,” 2024
(courtesy of the Gallery)
The Faceless Doll Project began in June 2021 as a collaboration between the Pikiskwetan Mental Health program and the Wahkotowin Seniors program, initiated in response to the discovery of 215 unmarked graves at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in May 2021. This project aimed to foster understanding and healing in the wake of that revelation. Led by residential school survivor Elder Loretta and Lead Facilitator Brittany Wilson, the project unfolded in two stages: first, sharing Loretta’s personal stories of her experiences in residential school and her connection to the Faceless Dolls, followed by a presentation in local high schools. There, students learned to sew their own Faceless Dolls, which will be on display at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie and the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre.
In Indigenous tradition, it is believed that giving a doll a face bestows a spirit upon it. However, doing so may unintentionally cause the doll to resemble someone who has passed, potentially disturbing their spirit. By leaving the dolls faceless, we honour and remember both the children who survived residential schools and those who did not make it home, ensuring their spirits are respected and undisturbed.
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