In light of the overwhelming response to this event, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is postponing the Speakers of Truth: Pretendians or Indigenous Fraudsters, which was scheduled for January 23, 2025.

To ensure the safety and accessibility of our multiple communities, we would like to take the necessary time to continue our consultations. 

As part of our strategic plan, and our dedication to examining and understanding our responsibilities regarding Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, we are committed to providing space for important and sometimes difficult discussions.    

We are grateful for the trust that has been placed in us to be a home for the ongoing Speakers of Truth series.  

Speakers of Truth: Pretendians or Indigenous Fraudsters will explore the issue of “Pretendians,” which is a term used to describe people who falsely claim Indigenous identity.

This talk was designed as part of the ongoing Speakers of Truth series of talks led by Indigenous activists, protectors, and educators, covering topics essential to Truth and Reconciliation. Speakers of Truth was developed and is led by facilitator Lyndon George (Nawalka-Geeshy Meegwun), an Ojibwe of the Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation, who serves as the Indigenous Justice Coordinator at the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic. Moderated by George, Pretendians or Indigenous Fraudsters will feature speakers from the Ghost Warrior Society – Crystal Semaganis and Jeremy Bomberry.  

As part of our strategic plan, and our dedication to examining and understanding our responsibilities regarding Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, we are committed to providing space for important and sometimes difficult discussions. This Indigenous-run and supported event will be a respectful conversation about the harm done to the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples by “Pretendians.” The talk will be an educational opportunity to explore a complex and important issue. 

Previously, the series explored such topics as the legacy of Federal Day Schools; art and appropriation; MMIWGT2S (Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, Trans and Two Spirit); Monuments; Two Spirit Pride; and the impact settler holidays have on Indigenous celebration and ceremony. The topics and speakers of the Speakers of Truth series are chosen by members of the Indigenous community, who understand the nuances and undercurrents of the issues being discussed. 

The AGH invites everyone to attend Speakers of Truth: Pretendians or Indigenous Fraudsters which will be an in-person event and live-streamed on Zoom.  

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