Interview with Jace Pillon, Waawiiatanong Forever

Dani Ellis

Jace Pillon is a co-curator of Waawiiatanong Forever based here in Windsor Essex Country. Through a curatorial mentorship program, he played a key role in the creation of Waawiiatanong Forever, a project that has been in development for several years.

Waawiiatanong Forever is a photography and postcard project at Art Windsor Essex that celebrates the representation of women, two-spirit folks and their families within our vibrant community. It weaves together the threads of history, culture, and personal identity and aims to showcase the rich diversity of Indigeneity represented. Listen to the voices, stories, and get to know the Indigenous presence on this land forever celebrated.

During my time as the Engagement and Impact Intern at AWE, I had a chance to interview him about this wonderful project and ask a few questions about his experience.

DE: What inspired you to co-curate Waawiiatanong Forever?

JP: I’ve always loved art and have been interested in working in the space for a long time. This was an incredible opportunity I stumbled upon and believe it has been an amazingly welcoming experience and a very unique and special starting point.

DE: What were you looking for when curating Waawiiatanong Forever?

JP: Most of my work centered around the physical space and research for the work so I spent a lot of my time looking over papers and books and designing the space.

DE: What’s something most people don’t know about the exhibit?

JP: The word “Waawiiatanong” means “Where the river bends” and was the name given to the area of the Detroit/Windsor River by Ojibwe settlers.

DE: What do you want your audience to take away from Waawiiatanong Forever?

JP: I want the audience to be left with a feeling of pride in oneself. This exhibit showcases strong Indigenous individuals who proudly stand here after many thought they wouldn’t have any longer. Individuals who are proud of themselves, their families, and their homes. So I’d hope for the audience to let a slight bit of their pride to rub off and to apply it to themselves.

DE: Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the beginning of this journey?

JP: To take my time and stay calm, collected, & consistent.

DE: How have you been enjoying AWE so far?

JP: It’s been a wonderful space full of creative and caring people who have only helped me in every way possible, so I’ve been enjoying it very much!

Waawiiatanong Forever will be displayed until September 22nd, 2024, in the South Project Gallery on the 2nd floor.

—

Dani Ellis is the Engagement and Impact Intern at Art Windsor Essex for the Winter 2024 semester through the University of Windsor’s Communication, Media and Film program.

The Fund for Gender Equality is supported by a collaboration between Community Foundations of Canada and the Equality Fund, with support from the Government of Canada.

For more information about Waawiiatanong Forever, please visit our website.