This land-based iteration of the Indigenous Youth Residency program took place in Thunder Bay over the course of 5 intensive weeks. Youth worked through a curriculum that explored relationships to self, ancestors, community and homelands with a focus on how white supremacy and racism in Thunder Bay impacts their lives, bodies, communities and homelands. This iteration involved a trip to Fort Frances to learn from Elder Agnes Kabatay as well as a trip to Southern Ontario to engage with the Art Gallery of Guelph. Cree artist and previous participant of the program Alesha Solomon curated and facilitated our time in Guelph to include many workshops, engagements and trips within Guelph and Toronto. This cohort exhibited their work at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Check out the work they did below.
THE ARTISTS
Regan Ferris, Bethany Koostachin, Adrian Polson, Corrina McKay, TJ Munroe and Megan Slipperjack (not pictured).
THE WORK
Rise Above, 48 x 72", mixed media on canvas. On exhibit at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery August- October 2018.
THE CELEBRATION
WORKSHOPS, TRIPS & STUDIO TIME
Learning about manoomin, Anishinaabeg governance and self-love with Jana-Rae Yerxa.
The many ways we practice a relationship to the land workshop w/ Jean + Leanna Marshall.
Working with birchbark with my grandmother Agnes Kabatay and Auntie MaryLou Adams on Stanji Rez.
Spruce root harvesting workshop with Helen Pelletier at Fort William First Nation.
Beading workshop with Lucille Atlookan and Mary McPherson.
Beginning our road trip from Thunder Bay to Southern Ontario.
Residents arrive at the Art Gallery of Guelph, hosted by Alesha Solomon, a previous participant of the program.
Spray painting workshop hosted by Deshaun Whyte at the Art Gallery of Guelph.
Indigenous Youth Residency Program reunion. Multiple cohorts gather at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
At the final celebration for the program at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.
