Reserving: Tuberculosis, Ruth Cuthand

Through vibrant, intricate beadwork, First Nations artist Ruth Cuthand explores the historical connections among colonialism, race, and disease by depicting microscopic views of pathogens like tuberculosis (shown here), whooping cough, measles, HIV, and, most recently, Covid-19. Historically, infectious diseases disproportionately affected Indigenous communities, and similar health disparities continue today as a result of deep-seated inequity and ongoing systemic violence against Black and Indigenous populations and other people of color. Cuthand’s chosen medium further reflects this complex history. Like many infectious diseases, glass beads were first introduced in the Western Hemisphere by European colonizers who traded the inexpensive items for valuable furs and other goods; like infectious diseases, they fundamentally disrupted Indigenous ways of life.