Creation Stories: Spirit Heart Mind Body

May 18 – July 7, 2024
Creation Stories: Spirit Heart Mind Body: Catherine Boivin, Samaqani Cocahq, Joanna Katrena Cooper, Oakley Wysote Gray, Cora Kavyaktok, Helen Pelletier, Sally Tisiga
Curators: Lori Beavis, Emma Hassencahl-Perley, Jake Kimble, Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé
The Biennale d’art contemporain autochtone (BACA), 7th edition
Quai 5160 – Maison de la culture de Verdun
Tiohtià:ke / Mooniyang / Montreal, QC

Indigenous bodies are sacred. Intergenerational trauma as well as intergenerational knowledge and blood memory are passed down through our genes, shaping our spirits, hearts, minds, and bodies. Indigenous bodies have experienced generations of abuse, pain, and genocide. For centuries, Indigenous bodies have been objectified, Indigenous minds have been ignored, Indigenous hearts have been taken advantage of, and an ongoing attempt to break Indigenous spirits continues to fail. It was important for us, as Indigenous Peoples, to feature artworks that triumphed our spirits, hearts, minds, and bodies for their strength, resilience, and passion.

The artworks featured in this exhibition were chosen because of their positive energies and strong presence. Each artist has a practice that takes into consideration Indigenous bodies and they create uplifting work that asserts sovereignty over our own bodies and beings. Through a variety of media including photography, film, sculpture, beading and sewing, the artists share with us gentle and powerful ways of being and the realities of walking through this world as Indigenous Peoples and spirits.