Really looking at the person behind the stereotype

The work of Winnipeg artist KC Adams will be displayed around the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry, Bannatyne and William Norrie campuses.

The exhibit, called Perception, will challenge viewers to see a series of portraits through a different lens. The portraits confront the racist stereotypes Indigenous people face. One image of a woman shows her somber face with the insult “GOVERNMENT MOOCHER” running across the top. Next to it, the same woman is shown smiling, with this text: “Kim Wheeler (Ojibway/Mohawk) a mother, writer, publicist, producer, homeowner, golfer, who paid for her own education.”

“I am pleased to be a partner in bringing the Perception project to our U of M campus,” said Deborah Young, executive lead for Indigenous Achievement at the University of Manitoba.

“The project uses the power of photographic images to raise awareness about racial stereotypes and hopefully, in doing so, will help dispel negative images of Indigenous peoples.”

The images will be displayed on televisions and posters throughout the campuses for the next two weeks.