Quieting

The Doris McCarthy Gallery has partnered with Professors Joe Hermer and Patricia Landolt from the Department of Sociology to reflect on the history of the U of T Scarborough campus land and the Miller Lash Estate. Quieting juxtaposes three elements: the work of contemporary Indigenous artist Lisa Myers, the historical evidence of stolen, unceded lands of Indigenous people in Scarborough, and the way the University memorialises the history of the campus as ‘Our Story’. Brought together, these three elements raise uncomfortable questions about the role institutions like the University play in the continued quieting of Indigenous experiences in Canada.

Exhibition Text:

“The Indian title to these lands has never been distinguished, and I am of the opinion that some arrangements should be made to quiet the title by the payment to the claimants of some compensation in the same way that the Crown has dealt with other Indians whose title has been extinguished by Treaty.” – Report of R. V. Sinclair, Department Solicitor for Indian Affairs, Government of Canada, 1916

University of Toronto Scarborough has modest roots as a turn-of-the-century summer escape from the city heat of Muddy York—as Toronto was then nicknamed—for local businessman Miller Lash. From scenic, pastoral paradise to world-renowned centre of innovation and inspired learning, this is the story of this campus. – from “Our Story”, UTSC Website, 2019

Legend has it that Lash was out for a Sunday drive when he came over the West Hill and down into the valley on the thoroughfare now known as Old Kingston Road. He was so impressed with the picturesque Highland Creek running through it that he returned to the city of Toronto and promptly bought the property. – from the Historical Plaque, Coach-House, Miller Lash Estate, UTSC campus, 2019