To all concerned,

 It is my strong opinion that the H.G. Glyde mural  “Alberta History” must not be destroyed and that it must be kept in situ. This allegorical painting is largely based on historical fact. Yes, there is some difficult content there, for sure. Settler colonialism is a difficult subject for many to address, especially in Alberta. This is a young province.

 Rather than destroying the mural, a didactic panel is needed; one that gives context to this complex subject matter. The mural “Alberta History” can be an important teaching tool about settler colonialism. Where better than a University to address this subject? We do not need to “slow pitch” difficult conversations at the University of Alberta. Difficult conversations exist in the practice of teaching and learning. The Glyde mural is exactly where it needs to be.

 The Glyde mural is a living document. The spirit of the individuals are manifested in the mural itself. As a First Nation person, I am truly upset to learn that this work could be destroyed. The important historical Indigenous events depicted in this mural should not be subject to erasure. here is truth embedded in this mural with rich narrative about the treaties, tribal relations, a Blackfoot-Cree battle, the establishment of the North West Mounted Police, Smallpox, the Métis, and the Riel Rebellion. It is all in this mural. It is “Alberta History”. The problem is that the University of Alberta Museum and Collections area has been delinquent in providing adequate historical information to address the content of the mural. This is an opportunity for academic scholarship. In keeping with the spirit of the TRC Calls to Action, Truth must be told. Quaecumque vera. Anything else is a step backward. 

 The H.G. Glyde mural is a cultural asset in this regard. It is valued at approximately one million dollars, but it is worth much more than that to the community, students, and staff. Several conservators, external to the University of Alberta, are openly opposed to the steps that are being proposed by U of A Museums and Collections. I have never heard of a conservator’s report suggesting that a work of art be destroyed. It is antithetical to the profession. 

 I find the rationale behind the initiative to destroy the mural to be wrong-headed. There is an obscurity to this matter that is disturbing. 

 Tanya Harnett 

TANYA HARNETT, RCA, MFA
Associate Dean (Indigenous Relations), Faculty of Arts
Associate Professor, Department of Art and Design
 University of Alberta
ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Amiskwacîwâskahikan)