What Belongs to All: Grassroots Protests as More-Than-Human Reconciliation

Jesse Matas, University of Manitoba (Canada)

What Belongs to All builds on post-graduate research to develop evidence through arts-based, musical inquiry using field research, and reflexive practice. A field study was conducted to observe human-stone conflict on the Haldimand Tract in Ontario. The researcher observed interactions between geological formations, flora, fauna, and humans. Challenges of peaceful coexistence were evident given development, deforestation, and destruction of non-human habitat. Themes of colonial land tenure regimes, capitalist land expansion and human-generated pollution repeatedly revealed themselves and the research was contextualized by broader conflicts including Fairy Creek, BLM, and the Irish troubles. The methodology introduces new research approaches to Peace and Conflict Studies, drawing on established methods of artistic inquiry. The project’s goal is to mobilize new epistemologies within the field by broadening its range, perspective, and potential and listening to heart/spirit. This work continues in perpetuity in the presentation of the research at festivals, music venues, conferences and workshops.

This presentation is part of a proposed panel on "Mine-ing What’s Ours: Creative Peacebuilding Responses to Extractive Violence."