A Winnipeg, Man., arts organization has streamlined its approach to Indigenous consultation—by replacing its entire advisory board with cardboard cutouts of smiling Indigenous people.
The Classical Dance Foundation made the switch following years of conflicts with its human Indigenous advisory board, which had demanded greater inclusivity and input in decision-making.
“We were hoping our previous token Indigenous advisory committee would have been more token-y,” spokesperson Lily LeBlanc told reporters.
“Now we can parade this smiling new board every time we have an event, without all those pesky ‘complications.’”
The new board is comprised of cardboard cutouts of an equal amount of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, and can even fold down to be conveniently carried to events and meetings or whisked away when people start asking questions.
Although silent, the organization said they are expecting updated versions in the coming months which can utter land acknowledgements, but nothing else.