Trial of Tears

1991

Canadian, Kwagu'l, born 1960

A gifted photographer, carver and printmaker, Neel commemorates the disappointing decision of the Canadian government regarding the land claims and sovereignty of the Gitksan/Wet'suet'en people of northern British Columbia. In 1991, after a three-year trial that cost 2.5 million dollars and included 9,200 exhibits and tens of thousands of legal documents, Canadian First Nations are no closer to redressing injustices regarding the loss of ancestral territories. In the center of the composition, Native elder Mary Johnson reacts to the ruling. Tree images on either side reference the territories and their resources. Four of the shield-shaped "coppers"-a traditional symbol of wealth-are broken, indicating a dispute, while four white ravens depict the ever-changing "trickster" government.

Silkscreen

28 x 22in. (71.1 x 55.9cm)

Gift of Simon Ottenberg, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

2005.123

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, YOU ARE ON INDIGENOUS LAND: places/displaces, Apr. 6, 2019 - June 28, 2020 [on view Apr. 6 - Dec. 6, 2019].

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

Learn more about Equity at SAM