Shaping the Future Through Tradition

Produced with guest curator Michael Bourquin (Tāłtān/Gitxsan), a filmmaker from Iskut First Nation, this exhibition showcases works by artists who are redefining how their stories are told using diverse and contemporary mediums.“Today, a new generation of Indigenous artists is expanding the boundaries of cultural expression, blending ancestral knowledge with contemporary forms of media. Their work honors the past while boldly shaping the future. This exhibit creates a space that both complements and contrasts the historical art of Indigenous culture, offering fresh perspectives rooted in continuity, resilience, and innovation.”Michael BourquinGuest CuratorTāłtān/Gitxsan/Gitxsan Get Tickets » Included with any admission.Featured Artists Kristi Lane Sinclair, Haida, Cree BreakMedium: Music (Music Videos) Statement: My name is Nang SG̱áan K'ajúu, “The One who is the Killerwhale Singer,” or Kristi Lane Sinclair. I am a Haida/Cree musician from the Yagulaanaas Clan, currently running a recording studio I built in Haida Gwaii, Kaagan Naay Studios/“Tracea House.”The “Break” video was shot on Haida Gwaii in the time of Covid. The importance there was that we had been separated for so long that this video was more ceremony than “just” a music video. My Aunties held space as our Ancestors and my sister, cousin, and best friends hold me up as I tackle a hard subject and take power back alongside the throat singing of our dear Kelly Fraser, who has made her journey.Biography:Kristi Lane Sinclair is an artist completely unafraid to plumb the darkness in search of a glimmer of light. That’s precisely what this Haida/Cree powerhouse does on her album, Super Blood Wolf Moon, an awe-inspiring collection that reflects harrowing experiences women suffer at the hands of domestic abusers.Grinding guitars and soaring strings accentuate SBWM’s roller coaster ride of emotions, which has always distinguished Sinclair’s work.“To boil it down, anger and love are the two main forces at the heart of this album,” she says. “I wanted it to be a true account of how it feels to live with domestic violence and PTSD. And it’s not only about what I’ve been through, but also what I’ve learned from women I’ve encountered in many areas of my life.” Alvaro Keding/© AMNH Danika Saunders, Nuxalk, Gwa’sala-Nakwaxda’xw One Dot at a TimeMedium: FilmStatement: Danika Saunders’s art follows the traditional rules of Northwest Coast formline design principles, while also integrating contemporary mediums. From painting acrylic originals, creating jewelry in metal, digitally designing on the iPad, or handpoke tattooing, her art is methodical and thoughtful.Saunders is inspired by history, language, nature, wildlife, and everyday activities. Spending time on the land and waters helps fuel her inspiration. Education is powerful, continuously exploring new mediums and connecting with other skilled artists, Saunders enjoys expanding her own knowledge and understanding in new mediums. Saunders’s art journey has opened many doors to amazing opportunities, not only for herself but also her community. Being able to share her knowledge and pass it on to the next generation is what inspires her. Biography: Danika Saunders was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1997. Raised Nuxalk from Bella Coola, BC, and bloodline to the Gwa’sala-Nakwaxda’xw, Saunders started practicing Northwest Coast art in 2010 while attending Acwsalcta School. After graduation, she attended the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, obtaining her diploma in First Nations Fine Arts. Two-time YVR Art Foundation Scholarship recipient, and the inaugural recipient of the Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artists Award. After the Freda program, Saunders attended the Earthline Tattoo Residency where she learned the handpoke and skin stitch tattooing techniques. Recently she has focused on her own art career, dedicated to creating either digitally, with paints, through tattoos or jewelry. "Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life."