Lt. Gov. of Alberta Salma Lakhani presents a medal to Michelle Thrush at the Esplanade last Saturday afternoon.--NEWS PHOTO SAMANTHA JOHNSON
reporter@medicinehatnews.com
The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Awards were given out this past Saturday at the Esplanade. The presentation of the awards was bookended with a Jingle Dance by Josie Saddleback before and a violin solo by Kaylyn Legere afterward.
In her address, Lt. Gov. Salma Lakhani talked about the world of art and ideas being an integral part of our common humanity. The work of the three artists being honoured “serves to illuminate the very diverse and complex nature of who we are as people, encouraging us to consider our shared past, present and, more importantly, our future through a much broader lens.”
A volunteer mentioned Medicine Hat as the forgotten corner of the province to Lakhani, who assured the audience that it will not be so any longer.
“I have seen amazing initiatives in this place and I am going to become an ambassador for Medicine Hat and talk about it.”
She also gave a shout-out to Elder Charlie Fox, who was in the audience. Fox had encouraged Lakhani to visit the Indigenous Centre at Medicine Hat College and she found time in her schedule to do so.
Arriving in Canada 46 years ago as a stateless person from Uganda, Lakhani never imagined she would follow in the footsteps of the late Honourable Lois Hole, nor that she would become the 19th Lt. Gov. of Alberta.
“I am the first Muslim and first South Asian to be appointed to this position in all of Canada … This is the story of our beautiful country, Canada. It speaks to the hope and promise of this great country. Then I say, that hope and promise should be felt by every single person who calls this place home.”
Playwright Mieko Ouchi is, in her heart, a prairie girl, even though she was born in Toronto.
“There is something about growing up in the foothills of Alberta and on these prairie fields and rolling river valleys that have made this my home.”
While the world is a complicated place, Ouchi believes there are many things that desperately need thinking about. Digging in and working together to improve many past wrongs that need to be recognized.
“These are not easy things, but I think that art, theatre and film in particular have been ways that I have striven and continue to strive to be a part of that conversation,” said Ouchi.
Nehiyaw performing artist Michelle Thrush had many family members in the audience. She talked about how she appreciates the fact they continue to treat her like she isn’t overly special. Prior to receiving her medal, Thrush was presented with a blanket by an Elder from her mother’s tribe. Thrush was honoured to be chosen as a recipient of the award. She told the audience, “It’s not about us, it’s always about the story. I am honoured to allow those stories to come through me. I call all of our ancestors here to be with us because that to me is truly what gives the strength of who we are.”
Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis are creators of animated short films and have been nominated for Oscars three times. Forbis joked with the audience that they now know not to ever follow two theatre people and the Lt. Gov onto a stage because it can only be anticlimactic.
“Science, technology, engineering and math are extremely important, but it’s also a scientific fact that engagement with art increases empathy. We all know we need a lot more empathy in our world” said Forbis. “Art is not about rationality, productivity, or progress, but an ineffable yet important undertaking.”
