#theworks

Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with Art

The summer solstice has special resonance in Canada as it coincides with National Indigenous Peoples Day.

National Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes and celebrates the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada. First celebrated as National Aboriginal Day in 1996, the day was renamed in 2017. June 21 was chosen for many reasons, including its cultural significance as the Summer solstice, and because many Indigenous peoples and communities traditionally celebrate their heritage on the solstice. 

This weekend presents a perfect opportunity to visit ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞  - Edmonton’s Indigenous Art Park. The result of a deep multiyear partnership between Edmonton’s Indigenous communities and artists, the City of Edmonton, and the Edmonton Arts Council, the park celebrates and tells the stories of ‘this place.’

Situated within the historic Queen Elizabeth Park on the south side of Queen Elizabeth Park Road, the six artworks examine and evoke millennia of Indigenous history. 

Curated by Candice Hopkins, the park features: iskotew - Amy Malbeuf (Rich Lake, Alberta), pehonan - Tiffany Shaw-Collinge (Edmonton, Alberta), mikikwan - Duane Linklater (Moose Cree First Nation, Ontario), mamohkamatowin (Helping One Another) - Jerry Whitehead (James Smith First Nation, Saskatchewan), Reign - Mary Anne Barkhouse (Nimpkish Band, Kwakiutl First Nation, British Columbia), and Preparing to Cross the Sacred River - Marianne Nicolson (Dzawada'enuxw Nation, British Columbia).

Earlier this month, ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ was the only Canadian public art project to receive recognition as one of the 50 most compelling public art projects in North America through the Americans for the Arts Public Art Network Year in Review. You can read more about ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ here. 

Here are a few more events to take in.

Art Gallery of Alberta: Today, the AGA offers free admission all day (until 5:00pm) and special programming. Take in exhibitions featuring the work of First Nations and Métis artists, including Cul-de-Sac and Fix your hearts or die. 

Royal Alberta Museum The RAM fills its space with artists and performers presenting music, dance, storytelling, and art in celebration of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. Activities include lessons on making a drum, bark basket or moss bag. Go behind the scenes to tour RAM’s Indigenous Studies collection. Join in with traditional dance and drumming performances or hear stories in the courtyard. Activities and performances run until 8:00 pm.  

Friday, June 21, 2019

IndigiSoulstice - National Indigenous Peoples Day: Two stages and one night of Indigenous art, fashion and music. Live performances, special guests and Natives Got Talent Music Challenge. Located at the Art Gallery of Alberta (2 Sir Winston Churchill Square) until 8:00 pm

The Works Art & Design Festival

The Works Stage (Alberta Legislature Grounds) 2:00 – 10:45 pm The Works, in collaboration with Festival Edmonton Chante, presents a day of music words from a variety of Indigenous artists and musicians - Chubby Cree, Cindy Paul, Daniel Richer dit LaFlèche, Elisapie, and Samian.

The Appropriation Arsan Buffin Site 1 – Capital Plaza The Appropriation Indigenizes advertising using stock photos highlighting the lack of Indigenous People in media.

Where are the Children? Healing the Legacy of the Residential Schools Site 2 – Legislative Assembly of Alberta Visitors’ Centre - Borealis Gallery Monday – Wednesday; Friday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm / Thursday – 10:00 am – 8:00 pm A powerful traveling exhibition by the Legacy of Hope Foundation that explores the history and consequences of the Residential Schools System in Canada with the goals of contributing to the healing and understanding required for reconciliation. 

Stoney Nakoda Sioux Exhibit Various Artists Site 24 - Galerie Cité – 8627 Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury Monday-Saturday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm / Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Containing diverse works form members of the Stoney Nakoda Sioux Audio Visual Club, this exhibition rallies the power of story and the potential of the Nakoda people.

The Future, All At Once Lauren Crazybull Site 25 – McMullen Gallery 8448 112 Street (Main Floor - U of A Hospital)Monday Friday 11:00am-7:00 pm Saturday & Sunday 11:00 a, - 5:00 pm (Closed July 1) Alberta’s first Artist in Residence, Lauren Crazybull, wishes to tell a story of Indigenous Futures from the perspective of her younger self.

Saturday June 22, 2019

Edmonton Indigenous Peoples Festival Edmonton Expo Centre, Hall A & North Plaza - 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. A day of free & family-friendly interactive experiences, cultural demonstrations, artisans, cuisine, and live concerts celebrating First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples and cultures.