An Exhibition on Indigenous Lands, Hydropower, and the Rights of Nature
The exhibition explores the tension between hydropower, Indigenous rights, and the rights of nature. Its starting point is the James Bay Notebook, a collaborative work by artist Rainer Wittenborn and journalist Claus Biegert. The artistic exploration focuses on the largest hydropower project of its time—the James Bay Hydroelectric Project in the province of Quebec—and its impact on the James Bay Cree. Built in the 1970s, the project flooded Indigenous lands, with far-reaching consequences for the Cree way of life. Hydropower is considered green energy. But what price do the affected communities pay for it? What about Indigenous rights? And should rivers also be granted rights? The exhibition gets your thoughts flowing and invites you to delve into in-depth water-related topics.
In cooperation with journalist Claus Biegert, Cree filmmaker and film producer Ernest Webb, Cree artist Linda Chewanish, and artist Stefanie Zoche. The James Bay Notebook is on view for the last time in Europe at NONAM. Afterward, it will return to Chisasibi, where its journey began in 1981—it will be added to the collection of the Cree Culture and Heritage Centre.
