The Art Gallery of Hamilton is honoured to be hosting fifteen Inuit elders who survived physical and psychological abuse in tuberculosis sanatoriums in the 1950s-70s, accompanied by five Inuit youth.

During their visit to Hamilton, they will visit the site of the former TB sanatorium in Hamilton, the cemetery where Inuit who died while at the TB sanitorium were buried, and participate in healing circles and workshops with trauma councillors and religious leaders. The visit, the first of its kind in Canada, is organized by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and SeeChange at the request of the elders and is part of the Tuberculosis Sanatorium Survivor Healing and Closure Initiative, which addresses the underlying trauma and stigma surrounding TB in Inuit communities.

As the stewards of the Chedoke Collection of Inuit Art since 2016, due to the generosity of an anonymous gift, we appreciate the opportunity to host these honoured guests and provide space and opportunity for them to engage with the collection as part of their healing experience.

We hope you will join us for the public portion of the proceedings.

A reception with the Inuit Elders, and Mayor Andrea Horwath followed by a film screening, as well as an opportunity to see a display of the art created by Inuit who were treated at the former TB sanatorium in Hamilton.

Schedule of Events

5:30 – 7:30 pm – Reception with Inuit Elders and Mayor Andrea Horwath & Viewing of Chedoke artworks (Remarks at 6:30 pm)

7:30 – 9:30 pm – Screening of “The Necessities of Life” Movie Followed by  Closing Circle