What do John Galt and the Canada Company, the Upper and Lower Canadian Rebellions of 1837-38, a canal-building enterprise, and current (and future) land claims all have in common?

Using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, this exhibition examines the failed enterprise of the Grand River Navigation Company (1832-1861) as a lens through which we can explore historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and settler-colonial communities within and along the Grand River watershed.

The exhibition dives into the rich and varied historical tapestries of human settlement in the lands currently known as the Grand River Valley in Southern Ontario, from 1700 to present day.

In addition to historical archives, the display includes stories and creative expressions by Indigenous and settler artists who annually paddle the Grand River in symbolic renewal of the Two Row Wampum.

Cover images: Left: Mohawk Canal, just east of the Alfred Street bridge in Brantford, circa 1911 (earliest postmark for this card is September 2, 1908) Right: Photo courtesy of Two Row on the Grand / http://www.tworowonthegrand.com/

Unsettling the Grand is guest curated by Robert Flewelling and funded in part by a grant from The Guelph Community Foundation—Musagetes Fund.

Left: Map of Grand River, 1821
(Ridout)
Right: Plan of the
Grand River & Location of 6 Nations of Indians, 1828 (Lugger)