What does it mean to reclaim and rematriate your sense of self? How do we express these common threads, while supporting and loving each other and our unique perspectives?
This project is about writing our own narrative through collaborative conversation. There are stories in our histories and present existence that have yet to be shared. There is empathy to be developed, conversations to be had, and ideas to explore.
There is beauty in creating something new in partnership. We are a small piece of a larger movement of deciding—on our terms, what it is to be welcomed and what it is to be us, on this land known as Treaty One. We are exploring our collective histories and our unique, but intertwined futures—to create threads of kin and belonging. This is our home, and we have a say.
Featured artists
This project is co-produced with Synonym Art Consultation.
Meet the Curators
Elliott Walsh Elliott Walsh
Elliott Walsh (Nestor Wynrush) is the founder and artistic director of Trinnipeg Live Mixtape; A multi-tiered music collaboration, mentorship, workshop and art exhibition project.
He is a Winnipeg-based emcee, writer, organizer and workshop facilitator. His practice draws from his Caribbean roots and passion for hip hop music. Walsh’s work explores ideas of identity, collaboration, disability, personal and Black Prairie histories. A pioneer of Hip Hop arts programming in Manitoba. Raised on Folklorama and lessons at ACAM Hall. His talents have brought him to working with The Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq, Remai Modern in Saskatoon, Graffiti Art Programming, Synonym Art Consultation’s Wall-to-Wall Mural Festival and Manitoba Music as a board member.
With a long history of columns in Winnipeg street papers and producing community radio, he recently completed work as a consultant on the book “Gritty City: An Oral History of Winnipeg Hip Hop 1980-2005” by Nigel Webber. He is also extremely proud of having written works featured in “The Black Prairie Archives” (WLU Press).
Julia Lafreniere Julia Lafreniere
Julia Lafreniere (she/her), recipient of the 2023 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, is a passionate advocate for cultural understanding, reconciliation, and community service. A proud Michif and Anishinaabe woman, Julia belongs to and is claimed by Minegozhiibe Anishinabe First Nation on Treaty 4 territory. She is the Head of Learning, Indigenous Ways & Equity at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, where she has been since 2019. Julia leads initiatives aimed at fostering deeper understanding and bridging cultural gaps and has had the privilege of sharing her work at institutions across Turtle Island, most notable at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where her presentations focus on integrating Indigenous knowledge into institutional practices.
In addition to her role at the gallery, Julia works as a consultant on transformative projects, advising organizations on how to better include Indigenous perspectives and develop policies that prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all staff and clients. She is the Indigenous Inclusion Consultant for Equitable Solutions, where she supports efforts to create more inclusive and equitable environments. Julia’s projects have been recognized with awards, most notably the Canadian Museums Association (CMA).
Recently, Julia was selected for the 2024-25 Business/Arts Emerging Leadership program and invited by the U.S. State Department to participate in their International Visiting Leadership Program. Julia holds a Masters of Arts degree in Cultural Studies from the University of Winnipeg and is deeply committed to advancing reconciliation and equity, inspiring others along the way. Her work is a continuous journey of learning, and she is honored to be part of broader efforts to build a more inclusive future.
Supported by
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Thank you to The Centre for Human Rights Research at the University of Manitoba.
In the News
CBC Manitoba: New WAG-Qaumajuq exhibit highlights work of under-represented Black, Indigenous artists, January 25, 2025
To plan your visit, check out wag.ca/visit
