Latest news with #culturalpride
CTV News
28-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- CTV News
Mi'kmaq artist uses mythical inspiration for Halifax exhibit
For Diane Langevin, art is a way to bridge cultural gaps for the younger generation, which is why her exhibit 'Hunting the Jipijka'm' at Treaty Space Gallery is focused on a mythical Mi'kmaq sea serpent. 'Art and culture, they are very important. They go together and I have an opportunity to work in Indigenous exhibitions with art and understand the importance of, how art ties so closely to identity,' she said. 'I think that was something that just sparked in me, and it was a way for me to also express my own identity.' Langevin came up with the idea because of her grandson. 'I was raising my grandson Link at the time from about 16 months to almost four years,' she explained. 'And I realized that there was a gap in cultural toys, and especially in the toys that can teach through play. 'I think that when children see themselves represented in this way and their stories represented in this way, it becomes an easier way for to foster cultural pride. And it also lends to or maybe fosters a greater amount of respect.' Diane Langevin exhibit Diane Langevin's exhibit is on display at the Trinity Space Gallery. (Source: Brianne Foley/CTV News Atlantic) As the story goes, the mythical sea serpent can appear at any time. 'It's a shapeshifter, and it will randomly appear to bring you to the world underneath the water if it gets you,' said Langevin. 'Honestly, we're not really certain what goes on in the world underneath the water. But that's the whole point of this, I think it's got a lot to do with transformation.' The Jipijka'm exhibit allows people to touch, smell, see and hear the creatures created by Langevin and other artists. 'You'll see different designs on the sides and they all sort of look different. And that's because other artists and makers have worked on them as well in order to bring forward, their knowledge and their stories,' she said. 'People can add their own story. And I think that's also an important part, that people have a sense of shared story and it gives them some agency.' Sharing stories and traditions is how Indigenous culture survives, according to Langevin. 'Indigenous knowledge is cumulative. It happens across time, it happens through repetition. And it's important to be able to have that access,' she said. 'And sometimes when you're affected by colonialism in this way, that I am, for instance, when you're not in community, I was raised in Springfield, it becomes more difficult. 'And I think that within the urban center, it's especially difficult. And we need that knowledge to come through so that we can continue. And that was one of my main points behind this was to be able to offer that in, in a way that educates, other children, especially in urban centres.' Langevin reached out to the Millbrook First Nation, her band, and found others interested in her project and telling their stories. Her love of toys and representing her culture are at the root of why this was important to her. 'This was a way for me to do something that mattered, give back in that way. Story is a very important cultural vessel, for continuance of Indigenous people. I really wanted to make sure that I was adhering to those community needs.' Sea serpent "Hunting the Jipijka'm" is on display in Halifax. (Source: Brianne Foley/CTV News Atlantic) Treaty Space Gallery was happy to have this particular exhibit. 'Treaty Space is also a gathering space. We're also trying to make it more into an Indigenous student centre where we have a back area where people can come and have tea and hang out,' said Natalie Laurin, exhibit coordinator at the gallery. 'Diane's exhibition really combined the two. It was so lovely to see community join together in celebrating her, but also having young children running around and picking up the art that's meant to be played with and bringing that joyful spirit into the space.' For Laurin, this story is a new and fun way to bring back some history. 'I actually learned of the Jipijka'm story through Diane and her work on these pieces. It's such a fun way to take that story and really imagine where it can go and involve other people from other cultures,' Laurin said. At the centre of the exhibit there is a display easel that holds a creature. That wood is from Langevin's grandson's crib, which continues to help her find her own centre. 'It became a way to combine my art practice, my academic work and my familial experience, to support cultural transmission across generations,' she said. Diane Langevin Diane Langevin's new exhibition runs until June 6. (Source: Brianne Foley/CTV News Atlantic) For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Arab News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Bahrain, Japan charting shared horizons at Expo 2025
The eyes of the world last month turned to the city of Osaka as Japan inaugurated Expo 2025 under the timely and fitting theme 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives.' This theme, along with its sub-themes 'Saving Lives,' 'Empowering Lives' and 'Connecting Lives,' reflects a global desire for inclusive innovation, human dignity and a sustainable future for future generations. It is in this spirit that Bahrain proudly joined the global community in presenting its fourth national pavilion at a World Expo. Our participation, organized by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, is not only a showcase of cultural pride and sustainable design, it is a reflection of our enduring friendship with Japan and our shared aspirations for the future. The Bahrain Pavilion, titled 'Connecting Seas,' pays homage to the kingdom's rich maritime legacy, which stretches from the ancient Dilmun civilization to the thriving nation we are today. Designed by renowned architect Lina Ghotmeh and located in the Expo's 'Empowering Lives' district, the pavilion draws on both Bahraini and Japanese craftsmanship, combining sustainability with symbolism in a structure made from more than 3,000 pieces of unengineered wood. This fusion of cultures — Bahraini artistry and Japanese woodworking — beautifully embodies the strong, deep and multifaceted connection we aim to highlight. Our seas have always been a source of connection: routes of trade, dialogue and discovery. Today, Bahrain continues this legacy as a gateway between East and West, offering an open, resilient and innovation-driven economy. The pavilion's upper floor, curated by the Bahrain Economic Development Board, invites visitors to explore Bahrain's strategic advantages, investment climate and vision for sustainable development. Bahrain and Japan are two island nations deeply connected to the world through the sea Ahmed Mohamed Aldoseri Cultural exchange lies at the heart of our participation. From the culinary artistry of chef Tala Bashmi, who brings Bahraini flavors to life with Japanese sensibility, to the multisensory exhibition designed to engage sight, sound, scent and touch, the pavilion offers an immersive experience that reflects Bahrain's dynamic identity — deeply rooted, yet boldly forward-looking. As Bahrain's ambassador to Japan, I see Expo 2025 as more than a world fair, it is a testament to the enduring ties between our two nations. Bahrain and Japan have long shared a relationship grounded in mutual respect, cultural affinity and economic cooperation. Bahrain and Japan are two island nations deeply connected to the world through the sea. For centuries, our peoples have looked outward, not only to trade and explore but also to build bridges of understanding, cooperation and friendship across continents and cultures. In many ways, the theme of Expo 2025 Osaka speaks to that same spirit of connection, resilience and innovation that has long defined our bilateral relationship. Our ties stretch back even before the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972. In 1934, Japan became the first international recipient of a crude oil shipment from Bahrain, marking not only the kingdom's emergence as the Gulf's first oil producer, but also Japan's distinction as the first country in the world to receive crude oil exports from the Gulf region. This historic exchange symbolized the beginning of a relationship grounded in mutual benefit and shared economic vision. In 2023, bilateral non-oil trade between Bahrain and Japan reached an impressive $820 million, underscoring the growing strength of our economic ties. Bahrain and Japan trade key commodities, from industrial materials to high-end consumer goods. Re-exports from Bahrain to Japan also played an important role in our trade relations, with parts for turbines and jewelry among the top products. A robust framework of bilateral agreements continues to anchor this relationship. Landmark memorandums of understanding have been signed in the fields of agriculture, sanitation, oil and gas exploration, education and cultural exchange. Recent milestones include the 2023 entry into force of a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and special passport holders and active collaboration in cancer research, academic exchanges and archaeological preservation. Expo 2025 offers a timely opportunity to reaffirm these bonds and to explore new areas of synergy Ahmed Mohamed Aldoseri Bahrain also remains a strong supporter of Japanese investment in the region, with many partners, agencies and branches of Japanese companies operating in Bahrain and with investments surpassing $400 million. Japanese companies continue to play an important role in Bahrain's economic diversification and industrial advancement. Likewise, Bahrain has engaged in collaborative platforms such as the Japan-Bahrain political dialogue and defense exchanges, highlighting the strategic trust between our nations. Together, these efforts form a dynamic and evolving relationship, one that is not only grounded in history but also oriented toward a future of innovation, peace and sustainable growth. Expo 2025 offers a timely opportunity to reaffirm these bonds and to explore new areas of synergy that serve both our peoples and the global community. As Bahrain proudly opens its pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, we do so not only as a participant, but as a partner and friend to Japan. Our histories and aspirations are intertwined and together we will continue to chart a course toward a more connected, sustainable and innovative world. As Japan welcomes the world to the Kansai region, Bahrain invites the world to discover our story — a story of resilience, innovation and connectivity. And we are confident that the seeds of dialogue sown here will blossom into new partnerships and ideas that benefit not only our nations but humanity at large. So, I warmly welcome all visitors to Expo 2025 Osaka to experience the Bahrain Pavilion — a space where heritage meets innovation and where the spirit of the sea continues to guide us toward a shared future.
