Indigenous Expressions of Truth & Reconciliation +15 Galleries
In 2022, Diana Frost and Sandra Neill from CIFRS began working in partnership with Sanja Lukač from Arts Commons. Together they created the The Indigenous Expressions of Truth & Reconciliation Exhibition. With 8 mini galleries located in the +15 level above the Arts Commons Box Office here in Calgary, they were able to showcase the work of 11 very talented Indigenous artists. The galleries were free to view and open to the public 24/7. The pieces created by each artist were depictions of their culture and their contribution to Truth & Reconciliation. We wanted to share with you the great diversity of ways that Indigenous artists express beauty, culture and spirituality whether through 2D, 3D or media artworks. On display there were paintings, drawings, photography, beadwork, sculpture, sewing regalia, star blankets, leatherworks and much more. There were also interactive buttons on the outside of the displays where you could listen to audio from the artists and later we added a 3D virtual walkthrough for those who were unable to make it down to see the exhibit in person.
We are grateful to all of these artists who courageously share their beautiful and meaningful artwork with us., and thank you to all who worked to make this come together
From left to right: Diana Frost, Sanja Lukač , Sandra Neill
Please enjoy some sample images from the galleries
Meet The Artists
Amber Boyd
Remnants. Traces of our past are all around us, in our histories, culture, traditions, education, language, families, and relationships.
Autumn Whiteway
(“Night Singing Woman”) is a Saulteaux/Métis archaeologist, artist, traditional craftworker, and curator based in Mohkinstsis
Tania & Chris Big Plume
My wife Tania and I have been doing art together for over 26 years. Her medium and mine make unique , one of a kind pieces.
Jeanien Cooper Bell
My artwork is a reflection of lived experiences on the land, water and ice in Nunatsiavumiut.
Morgan Possberg
Learn the truth of Canadian history, understand the history of the area, understand treaty, and to empower Indigenous people.
Priscilla Boulay
I am 3rd generation carver, teaching the 4th; as Urban Inuvialuk I feel the only way I can teach my girls about our culture is through my artwork.
Ramsey Kunkel
The art work I do is a mix of different photographs, camera techniques in images to achieve final image, so often a mix of real and imaginative.
Thea Thomas
I enjoy working from a hands on based approach in my practice. Being able to touch and feel the work throughout its creation is important.
Tim Heavyshields
I have been an amateur photographer for approximately 4 years. I am a Blood tribe and Piikani nations member, raised in Calgary mostly.
Sandra Lamouche
My focus is on dance and healing. I use a nehiyaw storytelling perspective and land-based practices. Sandra is also a dancer, public speaker and writer.