Cultural Connections Cowichan presents Thu-It

THU-IT [Truth] starts with THU-ITSTUHW [Telling the Truth]

“There will be many things you must remember. Not only to help you in life, but for what I teach you now to be passed on. You must remember so that they can’t take away your thu-it...”

Thus begins the journey of Thu-it [Truth] - in a time prior to the arrival of the settlers to Quw’utsun’ territory. Thu-it [Truth] is equal parts storytelling, digital imagery and sound, participatory experience and art installation that will run at the Cowichan Valley Art gallery from September 6th to October 6th.

“The Thu-it project is a beautiful piece of art that is a crucial tool to understanding the true events in history and in the present. It is storytelling through an Indigenous point of view, it is reclaiming the space that is rightfully ours, it is using our voices that have been silenced for too long, it is pain, it is forgiveness, it is healing, and much more. This is only the start and we hope that it brings understanding, empathy, critical thinking/ analyzing and inspiration as well as an opportunity to look within oneself. We encourage our fellow friends, neighbours, and community to partake. Remember, this beautiful project isn’t about blame, it is about working together as one, aka “Naut’sa mawt”.” Mariah Thomas, Thu-it Co-Creator and Researcher

Thu-it [Truth] tells the story of our colonial history in a visual and sensory multimedia experience that uses historical and current imagery as well as the personal stories and experiences of a unique group of Indigenous Elders. They know that for us to walk forward together we must know and understand the truth of our shared history.

“Thu-it has been an opportunity for me to learn about this history in an up close way. I’ve learned mostly from my Elders in their personal stories. It’s been very interesting and cool to be a part of this communitybased project and creating in a collaborative way. I hope that everyone can learn this history and be open to learning and hearing what this storytelling project has to say.” Isaiah Harris, Thu-it Co-Creator and Writer

Visitors will leave with a desire to learn more and a commitment to personal action. We welcome you to be a part of this journey of our generation and help us co-create the next chapter of our shared story. For more information please visit our website: www.journeyofourgeneration.ca