Hamilton Volkswagen apologizes for 'insensitive' social media post featuring Indigenous artist's work
CBC
A local Indigenous artist has welcomed a Hamilton car dealership's apology over its use of her art installation in an "insensitive" post on social media, hours after Canada observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
On Sunday, Hamilton Volkswagen posted a photo on Instagram of a black SUV parked in front of the newly unveiled All Our Relations public art piece — created by Angela DeMontigny — on the city's waterfront.
The post drew widespread criticism, including from DeMontigny who re-shared it on Instagram, saying the dealership's use of her art on the day meant to recognize the impact of residential schools was "disgusting."
"To make it even worse, you did this without my permission and without compensation to myself and my team. SHAMEFUL," DeMontigny wrote in the post.
On Friday, DeMontigny told CBC Hamilton that while she was initially "upset" over Hamilton Volkswagen's action, it has "turned out to be kind of a really great situation."
She said the company's general manager Tim Johnston called her and made a "heartfelt" apology.
The company deleted the Instagram post and posted an apology saying it has "learned from this situation." The company also said it will continue to show support and exercise greater sensitivity for the local community and all individuals.
"Hamilton Volkswagen expresses our greatest apology for a recent insensitive social media post surrounding the installation of the truly beautiful and one-of-a-kind artwork crafted by Angela DeMontigny, Cobalt Connects, Paull Rodrigue Glass, and LaFontaine Ironwerks," the post reads.
"It is with the highest integrity, that our intention was, and still is to promote her unique artwork and assist with building awareness around Indigenous National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. As a local business, it brings a great sense of warmth to have such a wonderful and supportive community, and individuals like Angela contributing to the overall wellbeing."
DeMontigny said she asked Volkswagen to make a donation to the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre.
"I asked Tim Johnston to come down to the centre with me to co-present it to them so that he could meet them and … learn more about what it is that they do," DeMontigny told CBC Hamilton.
"What ended up happening, which is much better, is that they said to him that 'we can't accept your donation, but what we would like to do is have you make a commitment to learning in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.'"
DeMontigny said representatives at the centre also expressed their desire to build a relationship with Johnston, and for him to take their cultural sensitivity training and become a leader in his organization and train his staff.
"So, it turned into this wonderful moment. He was so happy about that and … really wanted to do the right thing. It really is about communication, it's about talking things out. There are going to be misunderstandings and lack of information and awareness, and so that is what truth and reconciliation is about," DeMontigny said.
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