Sexual Assault: The Roadshow

On July 6th an opening ceremony was held at the A'nowara'ko:wa Arena for the 'Sexual Assault: The Roadshow' a travelling, pop-up, participatory art gallery in a shipping container. The Roadshow aims to raise awareness and change conversations about sexual assault. From the outside it just looks like a shipping container with graffiti all over it, but one thing that stands out as soon as you lay eyes on it, is the words drawn across the container "Sexual Assault: The Roadshow". It makes you think, what kind of roadshow it this? But that's the point, it is supposed to make you think and make you want to find out more about what's inside.

The project was originally funded by the Ontario Arts Council, which geared it towards people who experienced sexual violence, but it is meant for anyone to see and learn. The Roadshow has travelled all over Ontario since it began its journey in June 2016. Now it is here in Akwesasne, where there is definitely a need for dialogue on this subject. The Akwesasne Family Wellness Program is hosting the roadshow and is conducting workshops throughout the weeks that the roadshow is in our community. The container has been open for the public to view the exhibit inside the container. There have been presentations and classes held since The Roadshow has been here. The art work made by community members throughout the time The Roadshow is displayed inside.

Evey community is different, and Akwesasne is no exception. Although just about every community has sexual assault, Akwesasne suffers from the lasting effects of sexual assault, which has been passed down from the boarding schools. No one is comfortable speaking about their experience to others, and many feel ashamed about it. The whole point of this roadshow is to get our community in a place where they feel safe to express themselves and share their experience, without being judged. Too many times the victims are made to be the ones that are ashamed, when they should feel safe enough to speak up and know that someone is listening and believes them.

This roadshow is only here for a couple weeks, but the impact that it will have on some in Akwesasne will last a lifetime. Who knows how long someone has been living with a secret they have never been able to tell anyone. To have a place made especially about and for survivors of sexual assault is definitely encouraging. Although someone may not speak about it directly, they will have the opportunity to use art as an outlet. The beading and basket making classes being held at the roadshow are for anyone, but everyone has a story to tell whether it be through words or art. Just about everyone in our community has been or knows someone that is a survivor of sexual assault. So, to have an open dialogue about sexual assault here in Akwesasne is promising that it may continue long after the roadshow has left. The 'Sexual Assault: The Roadshow' will be here until July 29th, at that time, a closing ceremony will be held.