- by Paul Conway
In early October the artist David Robinson, speaking on behalf of Truth and Reconciliation, smote the villagers of Kimberley hip and thigh for their taste in public art. You can see what he said, and how, by searching this site for "InkQuinox", episodes 1 TO 6 and 8. His craft is impressive, and worth seeing.
A few days ago I drove out to Kimberley to see for myself. I studied the giant photograph, I digested the plaque, I read all about Historic Kimberley, I took in the whole installation, noting its placement beside the library, close to the street, and commanding an impressive view of Old Baldy. I took pictures and studied them when I got home. I formed my conclusions carefully, with due regard to sensitivities on both sides.
For what it is intended to be, I found the installation pleasing in every way but one, which was the thunderous typographical error on the first line of the 
plaque. The villagers wanted to tell their story to the extent feasible in such limited space, and they have told it tastefully and with due respect for its importance to them. As a visitor I was happy to be introduced to the villagers in this way, although I confess I did not linger to meet them further, as the scenic prospect of the Beaver Valley drew me onward.
Concerning the content of the texts, as one fully committed to the pursuit of both Truth and Reconciliation, I found myself agreeing with Mr. Robinson on the one hand, and disagreeing on the other. The story he wants to be told should be told. It is an important story. The people of Kimberley have their story too, however, and are entitled to tell it, especially in the middle of their own village. The world of people’s stories is a both-and, all-inclusive world, or ought to be.
I would by all means encourage David Robinson, or perhaps better the indigenous people of the area, to tell their story in similar style and create a display to put beside the other. That would enhance the installation significantly, elevating it from a pleasing bit of community narration to a worthy representation of essential Canadian discourse.
Both stories are people’s stories. Neither Truth nor Reconciliation can mean the suppression of one in favour of the other. Yelling at the villagers for putting up their story in their space advances the cause of Reconciliation not one inch, no matter how cleverly it is done.
