"We Are All Treaty People", A Call to Action

Canada's National Ballet School is committed to going beyond a Land Acknowledgement to share space with Indigenous artists and leaders.

Recently, a new artwork was unveiled at NBS, titled "We Are All Treaty People". A collaboration between Indigenous speaker Michael Etherington and non-Indigenous artist Melissa Morrow, "We Are All Treaty People" is more than just a painting; it is a call to action, inviting all who encounter it to reflect on the principles of respect, collaboration and shared responsibility. Through this project, Michael and Melissa aim to inspire dialogue, foster understanding and highlight the interconnectedness of all people as stewards of the land and its history.

Michael and Melissa's paths crossed and ignited a shared vision, leading them to create this project that has been generously gifted to NBS and is now featured in the central square of our main campus building. The project seeks to illustrate how the NBS community and all Canadians can work together to honour treaties and cultivate mutual respect and understanding by building relationships with small everyday interactions.

Watch the following video from the artwork unveiling to hear Michael and Melissa speak about the project and share more about the rich symbolism throughout the painting.