Open to students, staff, and faculty, the series offers opportunities to explore important topics, engage with diverse perspectives, and build a more inclusive community. Participants are also welcome to suggest future topics by emailing Suzzie Smith at Suzanne.Smith@umanitoba.ca.

Events

Session #1: Land-Based Learning with Brian Rice
The inaugural Lunch and Learn event took place on October 28, 2024, and featured a campus walk led by Professor Brian Rice from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management. An expert in land-based learning, Professor Rice guided participants through a grounding exercise and land acknowledgment, fostering a connection to the campus environment.

The walk concluded with light refreshments, providing a welcoming atmosphere for further reflection and conversation.

Presenter: Brian Rice, Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

Session #2: Visit to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
The second session in the series offers a guided tour of the NCTR, November 28, 2024, an important space on Fort Garry campus dedicated to continuing the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). Participants will learn about the Centre’s initiatives, resources, and ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

Light refreshments will be served after the tour.

Stay tuned for more events in the Lunch and Learn series as we continue to explore topics that deepen our understanding of diversity and inclusion in creative and meaningful ways.

This year, the program focuses on celebrating the creative process through workshops that encourage participants to explore their interests, strengths, and vision. By engaging in various artistic mediums and processes, the participants will learn not only about art but also about themselves. The initiative underscores the belief that art is a gift for both the present and future generations.

In partnership with Willow Tree Action Therapy, Seeing in a Good Way will invite Indigenous youth involved in action therapy programs to delve into Indigenous ways of seeing and being through art. The program is led by professional Indigenous artists Jaime Black, Jessie Jannuska, Claire Johnston, and Peatr Thomas, and has been developed in close consultation with Elders.

Program Launch:

Opening Celebration: Indigenous-Led Birding Walk and Build-a-Bird Workshop

Seeing in a Good Way will kick off with a public celebration on Thursday, June 27, from 5:00 to 8:30 PM at the School of Art Gallery, University of Manitoba. The event is free and open to all, offering a range of activities that highlight the intersection of nature and art.

The evening will begin with an Indigenous-led birding walk organized by the University of Manitoba Indigenous Birding Club. This will be followed by a Build-a-Bird art-making workshop led by the School of Art Gallery’s Indigenous Art Education team: Dee Barsy, Rosie Beck, and Jory Thomas. Participants will have the chance to learn about birds’ unique vision and reflect on how these qualities resonate with their own creative processes.

Schedule of the Opening Event:

• 5:00-5:45 PM: Birding Walk
• 5:45-6:30 PM: Prairie Wildlife / Wildlife Haven Presentation
• 6:30-7:00 PM: Dinner and Build-a-Bird Introduction
• 7:00-8:30 PM: Build-a-Bird Workshop

The summer program will culminate in open studio sessions at the School of Art Gallery on a date to be announced. These sessions will be open to all, providing an opportunity for new and returning students, participants, families, and friends to learn from and collaborate with the young Indigenous artists who took part in the workshop series. These sessions will also allow participants to continue working on their art in a supportive environment, fostering a sense of community and comfort within the School of Art.

Seeing in a Good Way is more than just an art program; it’s a journey of self-discovery and cultural connection. By creating a safe space for artistic expression, the program aims to build courage and self-understanding in young Indigenous artists, helping them to see themselves and their creative potential in a new light.

Learn more about the program: https://umanitoba.ca/art/seeing-good-way

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM CST

Location: 136 ARTlab, 180 Dafoe Road W. University of Manitoba

Registration (FREE event) : www.eventbrite.ca/e/patricia-bovey-my-senate-reflections-tickets-753280210387

The School of Art is thrilled to invite the public to a captivating event featuring The Honourable Patricia Bovey. Join us on Thursday, November 23, 2023, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, as Patricia shares her invaluable reflections on her tenure as a Senator. This evening promises an insightful exploration of various topics, including the arts, legislative processes, and cultural policy.

Patricia Bovey: A Remarkable Journey

Patricia Bovey’s journey to the Senate of Canada is a testament to her commitment to the arts, culture, and the well-being of her community. Appointed as an Independent Senator from Manitoba in November 2016, Patricia’s remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on Canadian society.

During her time as a Senator, Patricia served on various committees, including the Foreign Affairs & International Trade Committee, Rules, Procedures, and the Rights of Parliament Committee, and the Official Languages Committee. She also took on significant roles such as Deputy-Chair of the Special Senate Committee on the Arctic and the Transport and Communications Committee. Notably, Patricia chaired the Senate Artwork and Heritage Advisory Working Group, emphasizing the importance of art and culture in the Senate and throughout society.

As the first art historian and museologist to be appointed to the Senate, Patricia Bovey approached her duties through the lens of arts and culture. She passionately advocated for the arts’ positive impact, particularly in areas such as health and crime prevention. Her dedication to showcasing the work of Black Canadian Artists in the Senate, for the first time since 1867, is a testament to her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts.

A Distinguished Career in the Arts

Patricia Bovey’s influence extends beyond the Senate chamber. With a background as a gallery director, art historian, professor, and arts and culture management consultant, she has made significant contributions to the arts and culture sector. Notably, Patricia served as the Director of the Winnipeg Art Gallery (1999-2004) and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (1980-1999). She was also the Founder of St. Boniface Hospital’s Buhler Gallery and played a pivotal role in establishing the University of Winnipeg’s Arts and Culture Management Program and MA in Curatorial Practice.

An author and lecturer on Western Canadian art, Patricia’s publications include works like “Don Proch: Masking and Mapping” and “Pat Martin Bates: Balancing on a Thread,” among others. Her ongoing work on “Impacts and Turning Points: The Western Voice in Canadian Art” promises to be a valuable addition to the field.

Awards and Recognitions

Patricia Bovey’s dedication to the arts and culture sector has earned her numerous accolades and honors, including the 2015 Winnipeg Arts Council Investors Making a Difference Award. She is also a Fellow of the UK’s Royal Society for the Arts and a Fellow of the Canadian Museums Association. Her commitment to public service has been recognized with awards such as the Canada 125 Medal, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, and the Canadian Museums Association Distinguished Service Award, among others.

Join Us for an Engaging Evening

We invite you to join us on November 23, 2023, at 180 Dafoe Road West Room 136 in Winnipeg for an enriching evening with Patricia Bovey. Her insights into the Senate, the arts, and cultural policy are sure to inspire and inform. Following her presentation, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in a question and answer session and connect with fellow attendees during a reception.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from a distinguished Senator and arts advocate. Register today to secure your spot for this thought-provoking event: Register Here.

We look forward to welcoming you to an evening of inspiration and dialogue.

August 21 to September 8, 2023

School of Art Gallery, Collections Gallery

Art has long been recognized as a gift that has the power to transcend time, culture, and boundaries. It has the capacity to bridge generations, spark conversations, and cultivate understanding. The art exhibition “Kiskithihta Mīthokwesowin: Discovering our Gifts” embodies this sentiment, showcasing the profound impact of Indigenous art as a means of storytelling, cultural preservation, and empowerment. Curated by Justin Bear L’Arrivee and Jory Thomas, this exhibition takes visitors on a journey into the vibrant world of Indigenous art, with a focus on nurturing the talents of the next generation of Indigenous artists.

Running from August 21 to September 8, 2023, this unique art exhibition is more than just a display of artistic pieces – it’s a testament to the transformative power of art in the context of reconciliation and self-discovery. The exhibition emerges from the Kiskithihta Mīthokwesowin outreach program, which aims to inspire and activate young Indigenous artists, encouraging them to share their perspectives and stories through their artistic creations.

The heart of this exhibition lies in the workshops led by four Indigenous artists: KC Adams, Jaime Black, Jessica Canard, and Sadie Lavoie. These artists lent their expertise and guidance to workshops held at various community organizations, including Ka Ni Kanichihk, Marymound Inc., Rainbow Resource Centre, and Willow Tree Action Therapy Youth Services. These workshops were not only about artistic skill development but also about fostering a sense of community, instilling confidence, and passing down cultural knowledge.

Each workshop was a unique exploration into different aspects of Indigenous culture, creativity, and history. Sadie Lavoie’s workshop at Rainbow Resource Centre delved into the relationship between land, plants, animals, and 2Spirit identity. Jaime Black’s workshop at Action Therapy took participants on a journey through the art-making practices of Indigenous ancestors, connecting contemporary youth with their heritage. KC Adams guided participants from the Summer Program in creating collaborative video art, demonstrating the power of storytelling through visual media. Jessica Canard’s workshop at Ka Ni Kanichihk focused on the intersection of Anishinaabe heritage and urban living, utilizing techniques from graffiti art and muralism.

The resulting artworks displayed in the exhibition stand as a testament to the impact of these workshops. They are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful, reflecting the personal journeys, cultural connections, and creative expressions of the young artists who participated.

The success of “Kiskithihta Mīthokwesowin: Discovering our Gifts” is a collective achievement, made possible through the dedication of the participating youth, the guidance of the guest artists, and the support of community partners. The exhibition serves as a reminder that art is a dynamic conduit for cultural transmission, self-discovery, and empowerment. It embodies the spirit of reconciliation, echoing the sentiment that Indigenous art holds the power to pave the way for a more equitable, just, and decolonized future.

The “Kiskithihta Mīthokwesowin: Discovering our Gifts” exhibition is a living testament to the ability of art to transcend boundaries and create bridges between cultures. It reminds us that the act of creation is not only a gift to oneself but a gift to the community and future generations. Through the unique perspectives and narratives woven into the artworks, visitors are invited to engage with the profound stories that art can tell, stories that have the potential to shape a more inclusive and empathetic world.

Learn more: umanitoba.ca/art/exhibition-discovering-our-gifts

As we engage in the process of reconciliation, we recognize that Indigenous art is a particularly valuable gift, transmitting stories and perspectives that will collectively lead us to a more equitable and sustainable decolonial future.  The Gallery has developed this program to inspire and activate the next generation of Indigenous artists by removing barriers, instilling confidence, and providing them with opportunities to explore art-making to tell their stories. 

By partnering with community organizations, we aim to ensure that these workshops reach a wide audience and have a lasting impact on the participating youth. In addition, through these collaborations, we will tap into our partners’ collective knowledge, resources, and networks, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone involved.

The program will offer a series of art workshops focused on cultural themes, led by professional Indigenous artists, and developed in consultation with Elders from the University of Manitoba. Kiskithihta Mīthokwesowin aims to help Indigenous discover and share their gifts through art. Artwork created by workshop participants will be exhibited at the School of Art Gallery, allowing participants to share their gifts with the public.

We extend a warm invitation to join us for the Opening workshop, taking place Wednesday, June 21, from 5-8 pm and will include a Pipe Ceremony, Medicine Walk, A Monoprint Workshop, and free food and drinks! The evening will also feature guest artist Katherine Boyer!

umanitoba.ca/art/event-kiskithihta-mithokwesowin-discovering-our-gifts

Stay tuned for more details on workshop dates and locations, which will be announced in the coming weeks. 

For further inquiries or to express your interest in this program, please contact jory.thomasblanchard@umanitoba.ca or justin.bear@umanitoba.ca