The Inspirations of the “Truth” Illustration by Portia Po Chapman were Indigenous Story and Storytelling.

Portia Chapman’s Indigenous Illustrations Published

This week, during National Day for Truth and Reconciliation week, Queen’s University featured the Indigenous Illustration, “Truth.” I was commissioned to create these illustrations by the Queen’s Indigenous Initiatives Department for their website. Since then, the illustrations have been beautifully featured as integral elements to the Queen’s University Truth and Reconciliation Task Force Implementation Report – Year 3. This week, “Truth” is being shared on various sites, apps and pages. Also, a Zoom / Microsoft Teams background with the illustration was created so that you can use it for your meeting backgrounds, especially Queen’s departments today. Today is Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters. The following is a short video of me explaining the inspiration that guided my creation of this beautiful image.

Indigenous Story and Storytelling inspired me.

Since I wanted the illustrations to be interpretive, I struggled to provide art interpretations. But as I was creating these images, I could hear and see words. For this illustration, I kept seeing and hearing: “Truth.” But the truth that I kept repeatedly experiencing was not the word, but rather the action and essence of Truth. There were times that I could feel the Sprit of Truth guiding me as the spirit whispered in my ear with faint drumming and singing surrounding us.

As a visual storyteller with Indigenous heritage, generations of my ancestors were silenced as their/our culture was wiped from public display. It was only through story and storytelling did I learn my family’s story. It was because of story and storytelling that I grew to cherish my heritage and ancestry. Our truth may have been hidden from the general public, but it remained alive in our family. Now with my aging family, so many have died but their story is alive as ever.

In the illustration, you will notice a circle of people sharing stories of TRUTH. At the top of the gathering circle, there is a pinkish, larger figure. To me, she represents both Spirit and Clan Mother / Grandmother. She exudes story and the embodiment of truth. She is active and alive as she shares the Truth with the generations to follow her. The orangish space in the middle is a ceremonial fire gathering everyone together.

So as you can see, “Truth,” tells a living story or storytelling. After everything that has been lost, gained or changed over time, Indigenous STORY and STORYTELLING has continued to tell TRUTH!

As an integral part of the Truth and Reconciliation process, please hear the stories of Indigenous Peoples from across this land. It is through hearing the stories shared that we may all, in Truth, move forward together.