The Water Initiative is a joint project between WAG-Qaumajuq and the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER). The goal of the project is to bring together emerging Indigenous artists for a residency at WAG-Qaumajuq where they will receive mentorship from established Indigenous artists and collaborate on an artwork that speaks to their relationship with water, to be exhibited at the WAG-Qaumajuq. The exhibition title is pimâtisiwin nipi/bimaadiziwin nibi/tu besudi.
The artist leading this residency is Redsun, a Denesuline and Nehitho Land Defender, writer and multimedia artist who works in film. The residency is also meant to provide the young artists with opportunities for professional and skill development.
Mainly coming from communities in northern Manitoba where Cree and Dene modes of subsistence are threatened by extractive industry that negatively impacts waterways, the artists participating in the residency each have a unique perspective on the importance of having access to water. These perspectives will inform the creation of a new artwork that will be exhibited in the Muriel Richardson Auditorium at WAG-Qaumajuq starting at the end of August 2024.
Residency Lead
Victoria Redsun / Sahgothé
Victoria Redsun / Sahgothé is Denesuline, Nehitho land defender, writer & multimedia creator. The spirit of the land and people inspires the creation of their art. As a filmmaker they found guidance through mentorships & training programs in Toronto and Winnipeg with Video Pool & the Indigenous Filmmaker’s Collective and POV. Sahgothé’s projects and life path are intertwined and expressed through dreams, visions & the natural way we flow through our bodies and spirit. They have won multiple awards within Canada for their film “High Altitude” and have been screened and published internationally. They now work independently producing their own films focusing on Denesuline sovereignty, off reserve and providing youth workshops.
Resident Artists
i just moved to winnipeg from southern ontario last year in an attempt to learn my language and make connections with more nêhiyaw people. my dad is nêhiyaw from northern MB (im unsure exactly where as he was scooped and i dont think he even remembers at this point), and my mom is irish, and she was born in sandy cove, nova scotia. my art practice is multidisciplinary and always evolving; it is a way for me to relate to myself, my past future and present, my loved ones, god, my ancestors and the land, among other things. i sing – i use techniques from pow wow singing, more western styles, and sean-nós, a traditional irish singing style; i enjoy performing. i am a dancer, although due to progression of a genetic disorder i am rarely able to dance anymore, but i have been training in fancy shawl and sean-nós dance. i write a lot of poetry and the odd personal essay, and i hope to eventually publish a collection or two of poetry. i am autistic and writing has been a good way for me to learn about and explore certain things. language, nehiyawewin and Gaeilge, are immensely important to me.
I am a self-taught artist and have been drawing since I was a child. I like to use paint on a canvas when I have the time. I can also draw characters such as characters from anime or cartoons. I am still learning about different techniques in art and would like to continue in this hobby of mine.
My real name is Ozawa onong ikwe (Yellow Star woman) but my government name is Jasmine Fontaine—you can call me either. I am a 2 spirit ikwe from Sagkeeng First Nation advocating for our environment and 2spirit Indigenous peoples through my voice, art & jewelry, and clothing. My mission is to protect, heal and live a beautiful life by sharing and helping others heal through art and my own experiences. I practice sustainable fashion, sobriety, and ceremony to my best ability. I like to create through multiple mediums and am self-taught. I am always looking for growth, community, and like-minded folks with the same passions and message. I have been working and learning about history for years, including colonial impact and have studied applied counselling. From a global scale, understanding the social injustices and cycles in the world is how I understand now what’s most important: revitalizing and ensuring my culture survives this genocide that is still happening today, and protecting our planet’s last resources while living a soft and healthy life as best I can.
Paige Miswagon turns her personal experiences into art-based medicine for her community. Paige is a painter, traditional Indigenous beadworker, University student, and member of Norway House Cree Nation. She works with community members to support the health and well-being of children and families. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Paige created large-scale murals for Norway House Cree Nation and Jordan’s Principle Program while mentoring youth all along the way. In the future Paige is committed to building a studio art space in her home community where she can offer arts-based programming for youth.
Born in Winnipeg, my community is valley river aka Tootinaowaziibeeng. I am a self taught artist with my strengths in acrylic aerosol and tattooing, although I love to push myself with new mediums such as installations and sewing.
nipî, our mother of the moon (Audio Version)
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