By Odette Auger Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A recent exhibit of colourful paintings was held in the British Columbia city of Port Alberni. The exhibit, held at the Alberni Valley Museum on Sept. 28, featured paintings created by children forced to attend the Alberni Indian Residential School (AIRS) in the 1950s and ‘60s. The show was an opportunity to learn from survivors’ experiences, and the connection between art, healing and storytelling. When Port Alberni artist and teacher Robert Aller passed away in 2008, his family donated a collection of paintings to the University of Victoria. Aller had volunteered art classes, pushing chairs to the edges of the room and inviting children to sit on the floor with him. He taught children how to paint, not what to paint. Dr. Andrea…
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