Indigenous Language Sovereignty: Article 13 arrives at WAG-Qaumajuq  

Indigenous languages now have a permanent place throughout the Gallery

Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 9, 2023: The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq is thrilled to introduce new self-guided tours in the Gallery, alongside a new virtual tour platform. The first tour will launch on National Indigenous People Day, June 21, entitled the Indigenous Language Sovereignty: Article 13 Experience. 

The Indigenous Language Sovereignty: Article 13 responds to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, Article 13, which states “Indigenous peoples have the right to revitalize, use, develop and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems and literatures, and to designate and retain their own names for communities, places and persons.” 

The virtual tour platform will be available worldwide, and embraces the Indigenous languages of Manitoba and the different dialects from Inuit Nunangat, connecting Indigenous languages all over the world. Project manager Casey Koyzcan, a Dene interdisciplinary artist, stitched together 360 photos of the WAG–Qaumajuq cultural campus to create a navigable virtual space, increasing accessibility within the Gallery. In-person visitors to the Gallery can access the same tours through QR code and Language Keepers throughout the building.  

The Architectural Elements Experience tour, which embraces Indigenous language connections, led by WAG-Qaumajuq Director & CEO, Dr. Stephen Borys and Treaty One Nation Architect, Dave Thomas, will arrive soon, highlighting their favourite architectural features of WAG-Qaumajuq in the context of Indigenous languages.  

As a permanent addition to WAG-Qaumajuq, these new tour options ensure that the Elders and Language Keepers will always have a place within the Gallery in support of Indigenous language revitalization. 

Quick Facts: 

• Spaces within Qaumajuq all have names in Indigenous languages, including in Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun, Inuttitut, Anishinaabemowin, Nêhiyawêwin, Dakota, Anishininimowin, Michif, and Dene. Inuit and Inuvialuit names from each dialect of Inuktitut are included, and names from all languages of Indigenous peoples of Manitoba.  
• In August 2020, a group of Indigenous language keepers and elders gathered virtually to name the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq, as well as the spaces within. The Language Keepers who participated in this project are asinnajaq, Byron Beardy, Holly Carpenter, Elder Dr. Mary Courchene, Elder Verna Demontigny, Diane Powderhorn, Eric Robinson, Marge Roscelli, Dr. Niiganwewidam Sinclair, Theresie Tungilik, Krista Ulujuk Zawadski, Johnny Kasudluak, and Katie Winters. The Language Learners who participated are Dr. Heather Igloliorte, Julia Lafreniere, Taqralik Partridge, and Jocelyn Piirainen. For more information about the project, please visit WAG-Qaumajuq Naming. 
• The Indigenous Language Sovereignty: Article 13 responds to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, Article 13, which states “Indigenous peoples have the right to revitalize, use, develop and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems and literatures, and to designate and retain their own names for communities, places and persons;” and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, Number 14i, which states “Aboriginal languages are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them.” 
• The Architectural Elements Experience tour, which embraces Indigenous language connections, led by WAG-Qaumajuq Director & CEO, Dr. Stephen Borys and Treaty One Nation Architect, Dave Thomas, will arrive soon, highlighting their favourite architectural features of WAG-Qaumajuq in the context of Indigenous languages.  
• The virtual platform launches June 21, 2023, on National Indigenous Peoples Day! Check it out at wag.ca!  

Quotes: 

“WAG-Qaumajuq has embarked on a journey alongside Indigenous nations towards a future where Indigenous languages are spoken, heard, and celebrated in public spaces. This is just one of the ways we have committed to supporting the revitalization of Indigenous languages throughout the arts sector, and it’s one that will live permanently here at WAG-Qaumajuq, both in-person and online, where everyone can experience the beautiful languages that arose from this place.” 

— Dr. Stephen Borys, Director & CEO, WAG-Qaumajuq 

“Celebrations of our languages must also be accompanied by action to ensure that these languages are heard, learned, and used in our day-to-day lives. These languages arose from this land and carry a wealth of knowledge and philosophy. This is a step forward for all of us to prepare for the resurgence of these languages in the public sphere.”  

— Julia Lafreniere, Head of Indigenous Ways & Equity, WAG-Qaumajuq  

“It has been an honour to create this virtual tour for the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq in order to highlight the important role that these architectural landmarks have in the community, the province, and Canada overall. The tour also generates worldwide accessibility and inclusivity as it enables viewers from around the world to virtually walk through and around the galleries, see the artworks, view videos of Language Keepers and Language Learners, and seeing local professionals talk about the unique architectural elements that make up the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq. Thank You / Mahsi Cho.” 

— Casey Koyzcan, Project Manager 

Support 

WAG-Qaumajuq thanks the Prairies Economic Development Canada Tourism Relief Fund for their support of Indigenous Language Sovereignty: Article 13.  

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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:  

Hanna Waswa
Public Relations Officer
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1295
hwaswa@wag.ca
 

The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq is a cultural advocate using art to connect, inspire, and inform. Playing a dynamic role in the community, we are a place for learning, dialogue, and enjoyment through art. Opened in March 2021, Qaumajuq connects to the WAG on all levels, celebrating the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. The new WAG-Qaumajuq cultural campus is now one of the largest art museums in Canada. To learn more visit wag.ca. 

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