Honoring Truth and Reconciliation

Categories: IBEW, Membership, Social
Posted by chandra on September 30, 2026 at 8:00 am

IBEW Local 993 is incredibly proud to share this powerful piece of Indigenous artwork created by our Brother, Darren Thompson. Darren’s artwork carries a deep and personal meaning, reflecting strength, resilience, family, identity, and the lasting impacts of residential schools. Every element tells part of a story and reminds us of the importance of listening to and learning from the experiences of Indigenous Peoples. As IBEW 993 Brothers and Sisters, we encourage everyone to take time today to reflect, educate ourselves, and continue learning about the history and ongoing journey of Truth and Reconciliation. Thank you, Brother Darren, for sharing your story, your culture, and your incredible artwork with our membership. Every piece of art has a story, and this is one worth taking the time to understand. I chose to use a hand because our IBEW logo has a hand… working hands of the working class. It is a female hand. From my own personal experience, as I’m sure with many others, it was my mother and grandmother that had the strength and determination to do their best to provide a safe and happy home for us kids. To walk away from the intergenerational traumas of the residential schools. It was difficult and often came with scars… emotional and physical. But it was the children that mattered. I am forever grateful to have had my mother and grandmother there for me. I am happy my mother was a survivor. The index and pinky finger designs are the scars. The abusive history. The anger that came from residential schools. The inner fingers represent the inner strength. An eagle feather is a symbol of that incredible strength. It’s the power, the voice, the heart. And the other is simple cultural designs to show we have identity. And the palm of the hand holds a child. Innocence and love. Every child matters.

IBEW Local 993 is incredibly proud to share this powerful piece of Indigenous artwork created by our Brother, Darren Thompson.

Darren’s artwork carries a deep and personal meaning, reflecting strength, resilience, family, identity, and the lasting impacts of residential schools. Every element tells part of a story and reminds us of the importance of listening to and learning from the experiences of Indigenous Peoples.

As IBEW 993 Brothers and Sisters, we encourage everyone to take time today to reflect, educate ourselves, and continue learning about the history and ongoing journey of Truth and Reconciliation.

Thank you, Brother Darren, for sharing your story, your culture, and your incredible artwork with our membership. Every piece of art has a story, and this is one worth taking the time to understand.

I chose to use a hand because our IBEW logo has a hand… working hands of the working class.

It is a female hand. From my own personal experience, as I’m sure with many others, it was my mother and grandmother that had the strength and determination to do their best to provide a safe and happy home for us kids. To walk away from the intergenerational traumas of the residential schools. It was difficult and often came with scars… emotional and physical. But it was the children that mattered. I am forever grateful to have had my mother and grandmother there for me. I am happy my mother was a survivor.

The index and pinky finger designs are the scars. The abusive history. The anger that came from residential schools.

The inner fingers represent the inner strength. An eagle feather is a symbol of that incredible strength. It’s the power, the voice, the heart. And the other is simple cultural designs to show we have identity.

And the palm of the hand holds a child. Innocence and love. Every child matters.