Call to others who have lost someone to drug poisoning in Canada – Tracey-Mae Chambers
Grief is universal, but not all loss is socially supported; this is disenfranchised grief. When a loss is unrecognized, or the grieving person is marginalized (e.g., due to addiction or mental health issues), their pain is often unseen.
As a grieving mother and artist, my project ‘they are loved – an epidemic of grief‘ aims to raise awareness of the lives lost across Canada and physically show that each person was loved. Though born from my personal loss, this project will grow to represent hundreds of loved ones.
The installation, which will be on display at the Museum from May 1-29, uses textiles donated by families surviving a loss due to substance consumption. These fabrics are cut into strips and tied together, binding our shared pain. Families without a textile can choose one from my collected database to commemorate their loved one.
Sadly, this project will likely continue to expand unless we improve mental health support. Please contact me if you would like to participate.
Hugs from a broken momma’s heart.
With special thanks to our partners:
National Overdose Response Service (NORS)
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce Mental Health & Addictions Services
Indigenous Services Canada, Government of Canada
Mino Bimaadsawin Health Centre
M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre
Supportive Outreach Service CMHA (SOS)
Public Health Grey Bruce Harm Reduction Team
