Christian’s creation of the painting called
Seven Fallen Feathers is yet another instance that highlights how, in the absence of any real structural justice, Indigenous people are forced to find their own solace in the traditions of their past and in their spiritual lives. Christian’s painting commemorates the “seven fallen feathers” as individuals—as people—which in itself is a rebuke to the way that Canadian history, policy, and institutions have refused to see Indigenous people in general and these seven students in particular. In the absence of answers from the government or authorities, people like Christian must create closure and meaning for themselves.