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Wanda Nanibush left the Art Gallery of Ontario AGO in what was described as a mutual decision. However, insiders indicates that her resignation came against the backdrop of her long-standing public support for Palestinian rights, which had become a point of contention within the gallery and its wider community. This tension was exacerbated by the Israel’s violent response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel.   Nanibush's prior advocacy had included drawing parallels between the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada and Palestinians, particularly in a 2016 feature for Canadian Art magazine[1]. Stephan Jost, AGO’s CEO, acknowledged Nanibush's honesty and her role in elevating Indigenous art and artists at the museum, despite these causing "difficult conversations."[2]

Wanda Nanibush left the Art Gallery of Ontario AGO in what was described as a mutual decision. However, insiders indicates that her resignation came against the backdrop of her long-standing public support for Palestinian rights, which had become a point of contention within the gallery and its wider community. This tension was exacerbated by the Israel’s violent response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel.   Nanibush's prior advocacy had included drawing parallels between the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada and Palestinians, particularly in a 2016 feature for Canadian Art magazine[1]. Stephan Jost, AGO’s CEO, acknowledged Nanibush's honesty and her role in elevating Indigenous art and artists at the museum, despite these causing "difficult conversations."[2]

On October 16, 2023, Israel Museum and Art, Canada (IMAAC) sent a letter to Stephan Jost, CEO of the AGO, expressing concern over Nanibush's public statements against Israel and accusing the AGO of not containing her alleged promotion of hateful disinformation[3]. The letter sent by IMAAC accused Nanibush of "inflammatory, inaccurate rants against Israel," pushing for antisemitism sensitivity training and the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism by the AGO[4]. This letter reflects the contentious debate over the IHRA definition, criticized by some as potentially silencing legitimate critique of Israeli policies[5]. This sparked Nanibush's departure from the AGO around November 21, 2023[6]. The AGO confirmed Nanibush’s departure without detailing the reasons, citing personnel matters[7]. However, insiders indicated that her vocal opinions on Palestinian and Indigenous rights, among other issues, had both enriched the institution and caused internal friction[8]. 

Why is this incident considered Anti-Palestinian Racism (APR)?

The resignation of Wanda Nanibush from the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) exemplifies how supporting Palestinian rights and criticizing Israeli policies can lead to misrepresentation and punitive actions, including job loss, under the guise of anti-Palestinian racism (APR), as defined in the Arab Lawyers association report on APR. The ACLA definition of APR Clearly states that “Anti-Palestinian racism takes various forms including excluding or pressuring others to exclude Palestinian perspectives, Palestinians and their allies; defaming Palestinians and their allies with slander such as being inherently antisemitic.”[9] The incident is an example of APR where even indigenous voices and solidarity for Palestine are being silenced by settlers in Canada supporting the atrocities of settlers in Palestine.

This incident highlights the difficulties faced by those in institutional roles who aim to address historical injustices and advocate for human rights, particularly when their political views, such as supporting Palestinian causes, come under scrutiny. Additionally, the use of antisemitism accusations to dismiss or silence legitimate critiques of Israel's policies demonstrates a troubling blend of political commentary with hate speech allegations. Such actions not only violate the principle of free expression but also sideline advocates for Palestinian rights, embedding APR more deeply within cultural and educational environments.

Additional Background to the Incident

Nanibush’s departure led to an immediate public outcry and the publication of multiple open letters in her defense, including a notable letter signed by over 3,500 cultural workers accusing pro-Israel donors of silencing her advocacy for Palestinian freedom[10]. Following this, the AGO's response came through Stephan Jost's open letter on November 30, acknowledging the need to revisit the museum's stance on political and artistic expression and reaffirming the institution's commitment to supporting Indigenous artists[11]. The "Let Wanda Speak" campaign, initiated by the Indigenous Curatorial Collective (ICCA), demanded Nanibush be allowed to freely share her perspective, highlighting the broader call for transparency and accountability from the AGO regarding her departure[12]. This sequence of events underscored the tension between advocating for Palestinian rights and facing accusations of antisemitism, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and transparent dialogue within the arts community.

Nanibush's incident sparked significant controversy, raising questions about the institution's dedication to free speech, decolonization, and diversity, while also impacting its ties with Indigenous and racially diverse art communities. This situation underscores the challenges cultural institutions face in addressing complex political matters, such as advocacy for Palestinian rights, in a manner that fosters dialogue and respect. Moreover, it sheds light on the broader issue of anti-Palestinian racism (APR) within the arts sector, which is intertwined with the dynamics of both private and public funding for art institutions. The call for Nanibush to have the opportunity to share her side openly is seen as a pivotal move towards clarifying the events that led to her resignation. This call is an invitation for rebuilding trust and understanding between the AGO and the communities it aims to represent and serve

Resolution;

Wanda Nanibush resigned from the AGO in November 2023. She never publicly explained the underlying factors behind this decision. AGO, as well, did not provide any further details, but AGO director Stephen Jost noted that all museums were being asked to “better define the rights and limits of political and artistic expression.”[13]

Last Updated

2024-03-25

[1] O’kane, J., “Indigenous curator’s departure from AGO underscores tensions over Israel-Hamas war at art institutions” Nov. 21, 2023, The Globe and Mail, accessed Mar 27, 2024, at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/article-indigenous-curator-ago-wanda-nanibush/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[2] O’kane, J., “Indigenous curator’s departure from AGO underscores tensions over Israel-Hamas war at art institutions” Nov. 21, 2023, The Globe and Mail, accessed Mar 27, 2024, at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/article-indigenous-curator-ago-wanda-nanibush/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[3] Lawson-Tancred, J., “Fallout Over the Surprise Departure of Art Gallery of Ontario’s Indigenous Curator Escalates,” Jan.24, 2024, Artnet, accessed Mar. 27, 2024, at https://news.artnet.com/art-world/fallout-over-the-surprise-departure-of-art-gallery-of-ontarios-indigenous-curator-escalates-2422632#:~:text=The%20Art%20Gallery%20of%20Ontario,guilty%20of%20%E2%80%9Chate%20speech.%E2%80%9D

[4] O’kane, J., “Indigenous curator’s departure from AGO underscores tensions over Israel-Hamas war at art institutions” Nov. 21, 2023, The Globe and Mail, accessed Mar 27, 2024, at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/article-indigenous-curator-ago-wanda-nanibush/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[5] Dekers, J. & Coulter, J., 2022, “What Is Wrong with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Definition of Antisemitism?” Res Publica, 28(4): 733-752, doi: 10.1007/s11158-022-09553-4

[6] O’kane, J., “Indigenous curator’s departure from AGO underscores tensions over Israel-Hamas war at art institutions” Nov. 21, 2023, The Globe and Mail, accessed Mar 27, 2024, at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/article-indigenous-curator-ago-wanda-nanibush/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[7] News Desk, “INDIGENOUS ART CURATOR WANDA NANIBUSH DEPARTS ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO,” Nov. 27, 2023, ArtForum, accessed Mar.27, 2024 at https://www.artforum.com/news/indigenous-curator-wanda-nanibush-departs-art-gallery-of-ontario-543806/

[8] O’kane, J., “Indigenous curator’s departure from AGO underscores tensions over Israel-Hamas war at art institutions” Nov. 21, 2023, The Globe and Mail, accessed Mar 27, 2024, at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/article-indigenous-curator-ago-wanda-nanibush/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[9] “Anti-Palestinian Racism: Naming, Framing and Manifestations,” Apr. 25, 2022, Arab Canadian Lawyers

Association, accessed Mar. 4, 2024 at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61db30d12e169a5c45950345/t/627dcf83fa17ad41ff217964/1652412292220/Anti-Palestinian+Racism-+Naming%2C+Framing+and+Manifestations.pdf

[10] Taylor, K., “AGO loses its cool over equity, reconciliation and Israel-Palestine,” Dec. 2, 2023, The Globe and Mail, accessed Mar. 27, 2024 at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/art-and-architecture/article-ago-loses-its-cool-over-equity-reconciliation-and-israel-palestine/

[11] Indigenous Curatorial Collective, “Let Wanda Speak,” Jan. 30, 2024, accessed Mar. 27, 2024 at https://iccaart.com/let_wanda_speak/

[12] Indigenous Curatorial Collective, “Let Wanda Speak,” Jan. 30, 2024, accessed Mar. 27, 2024 at https://iccaart.com/let_wanda_speak/

[13] Puzic, S., “AGO says it will review policies amid criticism over Indigenous curator’s departure,” Nov.30, 2023, CityNews, accessed Mar. 27, 2024 at https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/11/30/ago-says-it-will-review-policies-amid-criticism-over-indigenous-curators-departure/