The Conversation

Mi’kmaq artist Nelson White enshrines the friendship of two important indigenous figures into art.

Gema Pazmino
Kicker

People can find joy through various things. Family, music, food and community are some of the things that make people smile.

For Nelson White, listening to people who are important to him and his community is something that brings him joy.

“(I enjoy) just sitting around our table listening to conversations, listening to elders speak,” said Nelson.

Nelson is a Mi’kmaw painter who has found great inspiration from his father, elder Calvin White, and all the work he has done. His piece, The Conversation, which portrays a conversation between his father and Chief Misel Joe, represents the influence the pair had on him.

For years, his father Calvin fought for indigenous rights in the province.

“It’s a testimony to the work that we’ve put into the aboriginal movement,” said Calvin.

For Calvin, the painting does not only show the joy of having a conversation with his long-time friend Joe about things that bring him happiness, but also a representation of all the work they have done.

Calvin is a former chief of the Flat Bay band and was once president of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians. Among his many honours, he was appointed to the Order of Canada and the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador

One of the first petitioners of the 1989 legal action by the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, Calvin was instrumental in forming the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation.

The painting will be around long after they are gone, says Calvin, but their spirits and their work will remain portrayed through his son’s piece.

“Reconciliation started with us rising public knowledge of aboriginal people in Newfoundland,” said Calvin.

While the painting helps people reflect on all the work that has been done, Calvin says there is work left to do.

The work is showcased at The Rooms alongside other indigenous artists’ work in an exhibit curated by Jenelle Duval named Tekweywinen tel weljesultiek or Be With Us in Our Joy. The painting is accompanied by a recorded conversation between Calvin and Joe.

The chat was not scripted or planned, says Nelson. It was just a conversation between two friends answering the question: what brings you joy?

It addressed themes of the many things they worked for – the things they have achieved as well as the memories they made.

His recollection of his grandfather Jack always bring him happy thoughts, and reminds him of the nickname he was given at an early age.

“He called me cocoon, which is the wrap of something that continues to unfold,” said Calvin.

Cocoon is something that protects an entity as it develops. Eventually, it develops into something different.

His grandfather was his mentor, and an inspiration for the journey he still travels.

“It’s very fitting that he did that. Because that is what I’ve done for all my life.”

In the room where the piece is being exhibited people are invited to scan a QR code and share experiences and things that bring them joy. Some of the answers were read out at the opening ceremony.

“I want people to think about joy,” said Nelson. “I want people to think about what makes them happy, what makes them smile.”