Redhawk
Noel Steele
Oil on Canvas
h 16" x w 20"
The mistreatment of native people is often associated with the western-expansion-era of the United States. This is obviously untrue; we as Canadians are just as guilty. The residential school system was initiated with the intention of "white washing" or Westernizing the native youth to become part of the new society and the institutions existed from the 1840's until the last one was closed in 1996. The subject of this painting is Wantuta, the source photo was taken by H.W. Gould and can be found in the national archives of Canada. I've been unable to find out more about him, nor Mr. Gould as a people, but I've been told the white armband is a significant because it's a symbol of mourning.
