About
Winnipeg is a city with deep histories of Indigenous art and visual culture knowledge practices. These histories are sporadically documented through the programming history in local artist-run-centres and theatre groups, some of which are no longer in operation today. More recent exhibitions – such as Frontrunners, curated by Cathy Mattes at Urban Shaman, or Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. Group of Seven, curated by Michelle Lavallee which originated at the MacKenzie Art Gallery and that toured to venues across Canada – provide important research on activities in and associated with Winnipeg. At the same time, there are stories and knowledge that have not been recorded.
Otakosiik Tapwa’win (Yesterday’s Truth) is a project that was developed as a way to visit with Indigenous artists and community members who have knowledge of the arts in the city, to record stories about the arts in Winnipeg, and to share this in an accessible online format for future access. Initially, the project focused on happenings in the city between 1970-1996 to highlight the years between Daphne Odjig’s Wah Sah Gallery in the 70s and then, the opening of Urban Shaman in 1996. While this remains the project emphasis, due to the noticeable lack of research on Indigenous art during this time, the stories and visual culture practices of artists in the city have at times extended outside of the original parameters to reflect an ongoing and contemporary art history.
Click through the map to listen to stories about Winnipeg’s Indigenous art histories by foundational artists, musicians, and writers.
About
Winnipeg is a city with deep histories of Indigenous art and visual culture knowledge practices. These histories are sporadically documented through the programming history in local artist-run-centres and theatre groups, some of which are no longer in operation today. More recent exhibitions – such as Frontrunners, curated by Cathy Mattes at Urban Shaman, or Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. Group of Seven, curated by Michelle Lavallee which originated at the MacKenzie Art Gallery and that toured to venues across Canada – provide important research on activities in and associated with Winnipeg. At the same time, there are stories and knowledge that have not been recorded.
Otakosiik Tapwa’win (Yesterday’s Truth) is a project that was developed as a way to visit with Indigenous artists and community members who have knowledge of the arts in the city, to record stories about the arts in Winnipeg, and to share this in an accessible online format for future access. Initially, the project focused on happenings in the city between 1970-1996 to highlight the years between Daphne Odjig’s Wah Sah Gallery in the 70s and then, the opening of Urban Shaman in 1996. While this remains the project emphasis, due to the noticeable lack of research on Indigenous art during this time, the stories and visual culture practices of artists in the city have at times extended outside of the original parameters to reflect an ongoing and contemporary art history.
Click through the map to listen to stories about Winnipeg’s Indigenous art histories by foundational artists, musicians, and writers.
About
Winnipeg is a city with deep histories of Indigenous art and visual culture knowledge practices. These histories are sporadically documented through the programming history in local artist-run-centres and theatre groups, some of which are no longer in operation today. More recent exhibitions – such as Frontrunners, curated by Cathy Mattes at Urban Shaman, or Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. Group of Seven, curated by Michelle Lavallee which originated at the MacKenzie Art Gallery and that toured to venues across Canada – provide important research on activities in and associated with Winnipeg. At the same time, there are stories and knowledge that have not been recorded.
Otakosiik Tapwa’win (Yesterday’s Truth) is a project that was developed as a way to visit with Indigenous artists and community members who have knowledge of the arts in the city, to record stories about the arts in Winnipeg, and to share this in an accessible online format for future access. Initially, the project focused on happenings in the city between 1970-1996 to highlight the years between Daphne Odjig’s Wahsa Gallery in the 70s and then, the opening of Urban Shaman in 1996. While this remains the project emphasis, due to the noticeable lack of research on Indigenous art during this time, the stories and visual culture practices of artists in the city have at times extended outside of the original parameters to reflect an ongoing and contemporary art history.
Click through the map to listen to stories about Winnipeg’s Indigenous art histories by foundational artists, musicians, and writers.
The name of this project, Otakosiik Tapwa’win, was gifted by Cree Elder Wilfred Buck. Translated from the Cree language as “Yesterday’s Truth”, Otakosiik Tapwa’win references the project’s purpose to support the sharing of foundational knowledge in Indigenous arts.
People
Integral to this project have been the contributions of artists, musicians, and arts administrators who have shared their stories:
Lita Fontaine
Knowledge Keeper
Intermedia artist Lita Fontaine describes herself as tri-cultural: Dakota, Anishinaabe, and Métis. Born in 1958 in Portage la Prairie, a member of Long Plain First Nation, Fontaine spent her childhood in the north end of Winnipeg. She grew up with a deep understanding of Dakota and Anishinaabe cultures which is evident in her art practice. Also an educator, Fontaine believes that art nourishes emotional, physical and spiritual growth. Like many Indigenous people today, Fontaine feels as if she is living in two worlds at once. Lita has provided guidance for this project as a Knowledge Keeper.
Leah Fontaine
Leah describes herself as tri-cultural – Dakota/ Anishinaabe/Metis – with ancestry that is connected to the Sagkeeng and Long Plains First Nations, both located in Manitoba. Leah’s Spirit name is “nagweyaab ikwe, nindizhinikaaz.” Translated from Anishinaabe, it means “Rainbow woman.” These cultural roots have contributed to the philosophical base that assists her with her artistic and educational praxis in teaching and learning. Leah believes that teacher and learner can create a Red Intersectionality of Indigenous and Western education that encourages respect, relationship building and reconciliation. Leah has provided guidance for this project as a Knowledge Keeper.
Louis Ogemah
Louis Ogemah, whose traditional name is Kiizhe Anaquot (“Fast Cloud”), is an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) artist from Obashkaandagaang First Nation in Kenora, Ontario. He has lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba, since 1975. Ogemah works as a visual artist in painting, theatre design and installation art. His art practice focuses on a wide range of themes, including traditional forms of knowledge, Indigenous healing and the legacy of residential schools. He is co-founder of the Urban Shaman Gallery in Winnipeg and frequently works with youth and emerging artists. Louis has provided guidance for this project as a Knowledge Keeper.
The project was conceived of and implemented by:
Suzanne Morrissette, Creative Director
Suzanne Morrissette (she/her) is an artist, curator, and scholar who is currently based out of Toronto. Her father’s parents were Michif- and Cree-speaking Metis with family histories tied to the Interlake and Red River regions and Scrip in the area now known as Manitoba. She is an artist and arts-based researcher working between Winnipeg and Toronto.
Scott Benesiinaabandan, Photography + Audio
Scott Benesiinaabandan is Anishinaabe, a member of Obishkkokaang/Lac Seul First Nations.Scott is an intermedia artist that currently works in experimental image making and sonic materials. Scott has recently completed a MFA in photography at Concordia University and is currently exploring research interests are intersections of artificial-intelligence and Anishinaabemowin.
