…since forever…, a celebration of Indigenous existence, resistance and survival. From its inception, this exhibition has recognized the importance of critical reflection upon Indigenous peoples’ inherent right to be heard.
The thematic content of the works each address celebration juxtaposed with history. Their work was not produced in the service of a sesquicentennial anniversary. Theirs is an honest statement from the perspective of Indigenistance. In this respect, …since forever… contributes to the dialogue and process of healing and reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and Canadians.
This exhibit creates a platform for Indigenous peoples to have that dialogue with Canadians. As we confront the troubles of the past and present, we recognize the importance of reconciliation. Visitors will discover the significance of Indigenous existence; an existence which has persevered on Turtle Island since creation, …since forever …
ARTIST BIOS
Elizabeth Doxtater
Elizabeth Doxtater is Mohawk Nation born and raised on Six Nations of the Grand River. Doxtater celebrates ‘Indigenous – freedom’ through her work as an Iroquoian: cornhusk sculptor, painter and author. Her work includes a set of cornhusk dolls depicting the ratification of the Great Law; the Journey of the Peacemaker, and her (2016) book ‘Art of Peace’ demystifies concepts found within the Great Law of Peace. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released in 2015 identified 94 Calls to Action. In ‘Art of Peace’ Doxtater provides: Call to Action #95, ‘Let’s call upon ourselves…’ Doxtater has been recognized for the 2016 ‘Emerging Indigenous Artist’ award from Ontario Arts Council, 2015 Six Nations Community Scholar recognition and runs ‘Everything Cornhusk’ a small gallery/shop in Ohsweken. Doxtater also works with 6 youth artists from Six Nations called: ‘The Group of Six.’
Barbara-Helen Hill
In addition to being a published author, Helen is a mixed media/textile Figurative Artist creating one of a kind Art Dolls and illustrations for books in addition to wall hangings. She is the cover artist for Shaking the Rattle, Collective Consciousness and Peacemaker’s Lullaby CD. Helen returned to school at the wonderful age of 48 and received an Associate’s Degree in Creative Writing and Fine arts from the En’owkin Centre in Penticton, British Columbia and then went on to get her BA with a Special Major in Native American Aesthetics/Creative Narrative and Visual Arts from SUNY at Buffalo 1997 completing her Master’s Degree in 2000 from SUNY Buffalo.
Tracey Anthony
Tracey studied drawing and painting at The Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for four years. He also split his studies at OCAD exploring printmaking and other various artistic disciplines like wood and metal design. In addition, Mr. Anthony studied animation at Sheridan College in Oakville for a semester. Although the program at Sheridan was excellent the environs of OCAD drew the artist back to Toronto to finish his schooling. Tracey has original works in the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario, The Collection of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, and The Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford, Ontario. Tracey’s mother is Mississauga (Ojibway) from the New Credit of the Mississaugas First Nations reserve and his father was Delaware (Lenni Lenape) from the Six Nations reserve in Ontario, Canada. In his artwork, Tracey incorporates Ojibway, Delaware, and Iroquoian influences in conjunction with many mixed media.
