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It was a pleasant and impressive display of community, history and art at the miskowehtawowin Indigenous Artist Market Collective's first exhibit opening and fundraiser.
Beautiful pieces were placed in and around the venue, telling stories of the past. But it wasn't all about the past. This event was more focused on our present with an aim and a goal for the future.
This new collective has the purpose of bringing new direction and light to our local Indigenous artists.
"miskowehtawowin is an exhibit all about the exploration of Indigenous Cultures with a contemporary lens. Often seen within a binary or Traditional or Contemporary, Indigenous Arts today is much more fluid, dynamic and often uses and adapts what is near to it. Every piece in this exhibit mixes traditional mediums with contemporary ones or contemporary mediums with Indigenous themes and issues."
--Dawn Marie Marchand
The evening featured many artists including Garett Strawberry, Thomas Baril, Jordan Pearson, Aaron Lee, Corine Neilson, Florence Shone, Reanna Lorraine Savard and Dawn Marie Marchand.
There were some amazing Indigenous musicians performing as well. That included headliner Jay Gilday, Tammy Lamouche and a debut performance by BrokeFix. We can't forget Deadly Nedly, the DJ that filled the voids with some hip beats between sets.
I overheard one attendee say, "There is just so much talent in this room today". She was very right!
There were some big names hitting that stage for speakers as well. Councilor Scott McKeen shared some kind words of encouragement while Councilor Aaron Paquette shared his story on how he became an artist.
There was a beautiful prayer said by Elder Mary Cardinal-Collins, wonderful welcome messages by Dawn Marie Marchand and ATB Branch Director Ben Spencer, and of course, emcee Marie Burke carried the night through.
Between the delicious spread of goodies from Culina, to the silent auction, the live auction, the give-aways the art and the music, it was an amazingly enjoyable night. I wish them this much success and more in all of their future endeavors and efforts!!