... A Chance To Be Treated Like Humans For Once
Political Background
Cole Pauls' work presented here had a very special source of inspiration. He tells us:
"I am planning on drawing a comic about the 1973 document Together Today for our Children Tomorrow. It was a self-governing and land claims document Yukon First Nations wrote together and presented to Parliament in Ottawa. It is the reason why Yukon First Nations have the rights we practice and use today. The document is public and you can read the whole thing here if you’d like."
Why is reconciliation as a theme important to you?
Reconciliation is important to me because it gives us First Nations a chance to be treated like humans for once. But it's completely up to non-Indigenous people to practice Reconciliation. The people who created the barriers around our culture and way of life have to break them themselves for "Reconciliation" to be real.
What was the creative process like in creating this artwork? (Do you map it out in a plan beforehand, do you work on text first and then illustration or vice versa? You can also talk about the medium or methods you use in creating the work.)
I read this document for the first time while researching for
Dakwäkãda Warriors.
It has always been on the back of my mind. I wanted to write an Indigenous Reconciliation story and this was the first thing to pop in my head.
I'll reread the document, then thumbnail the comic layout. Once I have figured out my story pacing, I move from my sketchbook and start working on the original page.
Penciling everything first, then inking the text bubbles and panels. Inking the characters and background follow those steps. After inking I scan and digitally add screentones and colour.
Instagram: @tundrawizard
