Continuing the Conversation

Julia Lafreniere and Nestor Wynrush. Photo: Iman Ali
The exhibition, co-curated by Nestor and Julia Lafreniere, WAG-Qaumajuq Head of Indigenous Ways & Learning, celebrates the histories and futures of Black and Indigenous people on Treaty One Territory.
Nestor and Julia have been friends for about 20 years, both are passionate advocates for cultural understanding, community service, collaboration, and fostering feelings of empathy and love – themes that are abundant in the new show. “Working with Ness has been extremely rewarding, we are very fortunate to have his curatorial voice at the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq,” says Julia.
Art helps us learn about each other, understand each other, it creates empathy, it’s a very powerful tool and I’m excited to share this with people – Nestor Wynrush, co-curator
Both curators emphasize the importance of sharing stories and having the opportunity to learn from each other, “we’re stronger together,” they say. The exhibition is part of a larger conversation, one that’s been happening long before this exhibition and project and will continue long after. “My hope is that Threads of Kin and Belonging creates a space for this conversation to flourish. We will be hosting workshops with artists over the next few months, and we look forward to welcoming the larger community to join in the conversation,” says Julia.

Installing display. Photo: Iman Ali
One of the moments that stuck with Julia throughout this process was seeing all the artwork together for the first time. “Seeing all the chosen pieces was a powerful and emotional moment for me. I could feel the energy as I walked into the gallery and I’m looking forward to sharing it with the public.” Something else visitors will notice about the exhibition is accessibility. The artworks are hung lower on the walls, the pedestals are closer to the ground, there is a wheelchair accessible desk in the space, and each label has a QR code that links to an auditory description of the artwork. These small changes make a big impact in allowing more people to fully experience the show.
What helps disabled folks helps everyone…the future has to be accessible. – Nestor Wynrush, co-curator
“I think that when you are creating and curating, you can’t necessarily think about how the message will resonate with everyone. I work with my grandparents and my future ancestors in mind, and hope that other people can share in my point of view,” Julia explains. “Empathy, understanding, and moving forward together are all principles that my ancestors cherished, so if I embody those qualities as I curate, and as I move in the world as a human, they are naturally embedded into the narrative of the show – that is what I believe. I want Indigenous and Black folks to feel welcome, safe, loved, and cared for when they walk into the Gallery.
We hope that the conversations sparked in this space are extended into the community and people can take these important topics and stories with them into their lives. – Julia Lafreniere, co-curator
Everyone is invited to join us for the FREE opening celebration of Threads of Kin and Belonging on February 7 at 7pm opening in conjunction with Black History Month this February. Click here for programming in honour of the month and save the date for our next iteration of Black Professionals in Music on February 28, details to be announced soon!
The exhibition generously supported by the Canada Council for the Arts runs until September 30 with programming taking place throughout the duration of the show.
Join Us!
Everyone is invited for the FREE opening celebration of Threads of Kin and Belonging on February 7 at 7pm. The exhibition runs until September 30 with programming taking place throughout the duration of the show. Watch for events on the page below.
Join Us!
Everyone is invited for the FREE opening celebration of Threads of Kin and Belonging on February 7 at 7pm. The exhibition runs until September 30 with programming taking place throughout the duration of the show. Watch for events on the page below.
More Stories
To plan your visit, check out wag.ca/visit