Art in Focus: “From Residential Schools to Reconciliation”

From Residential Schools to Reconciliation, 2017; Painting; acrylic on canvas; Kevin Pee-Ace: Born 1972, Kelvington, Saskatchewan; University of Alberta Museums, University of Alberta Museums Art Collection; 2018.3.1

From Residential Schools to Reconciliation (2018.3.1) by Kevin Pee-Ace is a large, visually striking painting. The artwork depicts a black and white image of a large face staring out to the viewer, which shows contrasting landscapes – indeed, different realities – on each side of the face. Within the features of the face, there are also a number of visual details, such as an imprisoned person in a teardrop, an image of a buffalo skull at the chin, and contrasting landscapes of buildings and tipis on the forehead. Altogether, the work powerfully contemplates the detrimental history and lived experiences of Indigenous people attending the Residential School system in Canada. 

This painting also marks a significant milestone in Kevin Pee-Ace’s artistic career as it symbolizes his journey of rediscovering his past in the context of reconciliation and the trauma of the Residential School system. Pee-Ace reflects, “The face is of the mothers and grandmothers who witnessed the pain of having their children and grandchildren taken away from them. Having experienced this firsthand, I have come to understand that this chapter in many children’s lives would forever change. Gone are their innocence, their childhood happiness, their language, culture and traditions. The very fabric of their lives would be torn, everything they held dearest to them would be ripped away.” 

In response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report (2015), the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation was established in 2021 to recognize and honour survivors, families and communities of the Indian Residential School System¹. The day marks a time for reflection and acknowledgement of Canada’s history and the need to hear the truths of Indigenous experiences today. From Residential Schools to Reconciliation can be viewed in person on the main floor of the Education Building (North). This work of art is also part of the online exhibition From These Lands: Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Treaty No.6.

Pee-Ace is a member of the Yellow Quill First Nations and the Peter Chapman First Nations. He completed a fine arts studio diploma program from the University of Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, British Columbia, in 1993 and continued his education at Capilano College in North Vancouver, British Columbia. The artist lives and works in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

To learn of the ongoing work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, please visit: https://nctr.ca/about/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada/ 

If you are a Survivor and need support, please contact the Residential School Survivor Support Line (24/7): 1-866-925-4419.

1. “National Day of Truth and Reconciliation,” https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html. Accessed September 3, 2026.

This web story is part of the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection Spotlight Series, a collection of web stories aimed at sharing works of art from the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection with the world. Posted monthly, these stories connect works of art in the Collection to important matters on our campus and in our world.