Crescent Heights Mini Galleries: “Connection With The Land”
We asked six Indigenous artists “What is your relationship with the land? What does it look like?”
Their responses show a deep connection with the land as expressed in their own words and through various mediums. Working in part with CIFRS AND Crescent Heights Community Association, together we have curated six mini galleries to showcase the words of these artists.. These exhibits will be on public display in Calgary at Rotary Park, from May 3rd to June 29th 2023.
Meet The Artists
Autumn Whiteway
As long as I can remember my connection with the land was very strong. I felt different from other children, because an injury to the land, and to the animal and plant nations, was something that I felt deep in my soul. I've never felt that humans are superior to other beings with which we share this environment.
Paityn Savoie
My relationship with the land is that of appreciation. I have lived within Treaty No.7 for most of my adult life and the western prairies provide so much for the people living here. The land drastically changes throughout the seasons, providing different harvesting, foraging and ceremonial practice.
Gordon Wesley
As a child , I loved to be outdoors watching the animals that inhabited my local geography. I was always curious about them and their beauty. I am passionate about bringing the life of the wild into a still picture, where I can always have them as memories from my wildlife experiences.
Jeanien Cooper Bell
I am mixed Inuk and Qallunaat, raised on the land, ice and water in the traditional territories of the Innu First Nation and Nunatsiavumiut Inuit, and I am fortunate enough to have been immersed in the traditional land-based community centered ways of my Inuit Ancestors.
Ramsey Kunkel
My relationship with the land goes hand in hand by way of my indigenous ancestry, we have always been known as the people of the land. I try to be mindful in my actions to address the fragility of the earth. I am hopeful we'll get back to where we need to be in respect to the land, but it'll take work and time.
Tory Manywounds
My idea is the connectivity to the land via the bison. Bison have grounded our people, healed us, protected us and provided for generations. The blood of our ancestors flows through the land along side the bison that helped us be strong
Thanks to Crescent Heights Mini-Galleries for hosting this exhibition, the Calgary Arts Development Authority (CADA) and The City of Calgary for supporting this exhibit and artists. This art walk is part of Jane’s Walk, organized by the Federation of Calgary Communities. We would also like to thank the Esker Foundation for featuring the artists.