Under the shade of the 361 year old Coquito de la Iglesia de Jalatlaco tree, onlookers (and bloggers like yours truly), dignitaries, media, and the artists of the Tlacolulokos collective gathered for the inauguration of the previously mentioned new mural in Jalatlaco.
The mural, “Nuestro sol se ha ido” (Our sun has gone) is a collaboration between Rolande Souliere of the “Anishinaabe” people in Canada and the Zapotec Tlacolulokos urban art collective from Oaxaca’s central valley.
The mural’s inauguration was live streamed on Facebook on the Secretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca page.
Unfortunately, Rolande Souliere could not travel to Oaxaca. However she described some of the symbolism of the mural: “We decided to portray the mythological beings of the Canadian thunderbird and the Zapotec deity of the Cosijo throne, these fantastic beings are responsible for the thunder and rain that the world experiences and that come together thanks to the clouds…. symbolic imageries such as Zapotec patterns, the route of thunder and the four directions of the first nations represented by the colors red, black, yellow and white… important signifiers in both communities since they represent the continuation of indigenous culture in contemporary society.”
Dario Canul, representative of the Tlacolulokos colective further explained, “The mural, ‘Our sun has gone,’ is a representation of celebration, life, rain, thunder, and tears that all indigenous peoples have shed over time.”
The inauguration launched the 2-1/2 week long Encuentros indígenas: Canadá-Oaxaca 2021 (Indigenous encounters: Canada-Oaxaca 2021) — a series of activities in Oaxaca city and surrounding villages — that runs from September 20 to October 8, 2021.
In remarks by Graeme C. Clark, the Canadian Ambassador, at the inaugural event and reports from this article, the collaboration seems to be an expression of the mea culpa by the Canadian government with regard to their historic treatment of the first peoples of the territory that is now called Canada. Better late than never. The indigenous peoples of the USA are still waiting.
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View From Casita Colibrí 
That was special. Excellent.
Very special!
Thank you for sharing this and everything else! I had hoped to come to Oaxaca next month, but my husband fell and broke his hip, so we will have to wait until next year. Until we are able to return, I’m glad that to get my “Oaxaca fix” through your wonderful posts!
Thank you for your kind words. But, so sorry for your husband’s injury. However, Oaxaca has been here for a very long time and will still be here next year for your return!
Thanks for sharing this powerful mural with related backstory. Yes, lot of soul searching and shame up here north of el norte re indigenous treatment, children in particular. So inspiring the Anishinaabe”in Canada have connected with the Zapotec way down south on this revealing project
I hope the recognition and healing goes far beyond this small step in Oaxaca. Unfortunately, as for the USA, I am not holding my breath. Take care and be well!
Canadians are being confronted with our dark history of genocide and assimilation of First Nations.
On a lighter note, I love Jalatlaco ; the church has a beautifully restored historic organ. Check it out on the Oaxaca Historic Organs Institute website.
Yes, I know Cecilia Winter and have been to a couple of organ concerts at the church in Jalatlaco. It’s a wonderful project!
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