Relatives for Justice Remembering

GAA star Peter Canavan and Michelle Gildernew MP pictured with some of the young people who took part in the film project

THE Relatives for Justice Young People’s Group have created a short film worthy of professionals. All from East Tyrone and aged between 10 and 16, and bereaved through the recent conflict in Ireland, they worked together, exploring their own identities, sense of belonging and community, using art and photography to develop a DVD looking at their uncles’ lives, hopes and dreams.  
Relatives for Justice development worker Louisa McKee said:
“It is important that we recognise the achievement of these young people in acknowledging and transforming their experiences in this creative and dynamic way.
“This project has been designed and directed by the young people themselves. They have operated cameras and sound equipment, interviewing in English and Irish, sensitively exploring their individual and collective loss, supporting one another and their families. Their journey is an example to us all.”
As one participant put it:
“This film gave us permission to ask questions we never asked for fear of upsetting someone. I never knew my uncle because he was killed before I was born. Now I feel I know him a bit better and maybe am a bit like him.”

QUILT
The Relatives for Justice Remembering Quilt is an amazing sight. Nine quilts, each formed from 49 squares, commemorate over 450 lost lives. Each square is lovingly created by hand by family members who wish to remember loved ones lost through the conflict in creative and positive ways.
Some squares include personal items and clothing belonging to those who have died. The experience of viewing it cannot be described as different squares catch the attention and you realise that each square is a life cut short. It really must be viewed to be experienced.
Working on squares, families come together to share experiences and recognise that they are not alone. Siobhan Nugent said: “Making our square brought us together as a family, remembering Malcolm in a positive way, what he loved, who he was rather than how he died.”
Together the squares form nine quilts, representing the enormity of loss but also celebrating those lives, and reflecting the families’ own contribution to truth, telling some of that truth about their loved ones and the loss of their lives.  The quilt also challenges those responsible for the deaths to publicly reveal and validate that truth and explain the reason why.
The exhibition has been displayed nationally and internationally over the past number of years, including San Francisco, New York, Wicklow, Belfast and has recently been touring Tyrone.

•  The Remembering Quilt will be on display in Galbally Hall, County Tyrone, on Saturday, 17 May, from 1pm to 6.30pm. Young people’s film on show in Galbally hall on Saturday 17th May 7pm