Since Trudeau’s government greenlit a controversial liquefied natural gas terminal, however, Davidson’s feelings have changed. We’ve been shut out for centuries, out of any connection to the wealth that we were born into, and I certainly tip my hat to the promises and am waiting to see the results.” I strongly believe that once First Nations have equal footing, all of Canada will benefit. “I feel hopeful that the change will be good and beneficial for all of us.
On the subject of Trudeau’s promises, Davidson told me at the time: Did he consider it cultural appropriation for Trudeau, a white guy, to wear a Haida design on his arm? In Canadian Art’s Spring 2016 issue, and then later online, we published an edited and condensed version of Davidson’s responses. It emerged that Davidson hadn’t given explicit permission for Trudeau to get his design permanently inked into his skin, but that, overall, he and his daughter Sara, who collaborated with him on the original design, “felt more humoured than upset.” I wanted to know how Davidson felt about it all. Outside of Canada, international media outlets developed a crush on Canada’s new leader, praising his boy-band good looks and “badass” tattoo.
Trudeau pledged “real change” and “sunny ways,” and, in general, Canadians seemed hopeful that he would deliver (indeed, recent polls indicate that he’s still popular). Last December, I interviewed Haida artist Robert Davidson, whose artwork Raven Bringing Light to the World was adapted into a tattoo that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wears on his left arm.Īt the time we spoke, the new PM had been in power for just a few months, after the Liberal party’s sweeping victory to a majority government in October 2015.
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