The Indigenous Spirit Matters art collection exhibit at the Canada Summit Centre hopes to transform attitudes through art.
Past Huntsville resident Bryan Bowers and his family have been collecting work by Indigenous and Indigenous-spirited artists for over 40 years. Bryan’s family narrative of having Indigenous ancestry led him on a life-long learning journey of exploration, ultimately giving birth to the Indigenous Spirit Matters art collection. The art piece that sparked this collection, “Rock Manitou,” was acquired in 1976 and was created by Huntsville artist, Brenda Wainman Goulet.
“I hope that viewers of this collection will be transformed and inspired to learn more about the true history of our great country, both its dark side and its bright side, as we celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial,” says Bryan. “I feel humbled to have had so many Indigenous cultural carriers come into my path in my quest and I am honoured to share this work.”
The Indigenous Spirit Matters exhibit invites Canadians to explore art pieces that carry stories, memories and teaching in celebration of our Indigenous heritage. The collection is on exhibit at the Canada Summit Centre through Monday August 14, 2017 and is open, free and accessible, whenever the building is open. Viewers of the exhibit can learn more about this narrative by reading the labels accompanying each piece on display.
“We live in times of choice and we stand at a critical juncture, at a crossroads, in time,” says Bryan. “Before all Canadians are two paths: one leads to healing and restoration and the other leads to death and destruction. This art collection takes viewers back in time and we hope to transform attitudes and inspire healing.”
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I find this exhibit interesting in that the one in TO was closed down before opening due to cultural appropriation matters, and that a writer resigned over his article. Mr. Bowers speaks of “Indigenous-spirited artists” and I admit i don’t know what that means.