Tour 150 Nakatamaakewin Travel Schedule

Manitoba 150 and the Winnipeg Art Gallery announce destinations and dates for Tour 150 to safely bring Inuit art across the province this summer

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Treaty 1 Territory, June 29, 2021: The Manitoba 150 Host Committee and the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG), are excited to announce the summer schedule of destinations and dates for Tour 150, presented by Manitoba’s Credit Unions. With an eye on ensuring safety and respecting health restrictions determined by the Manitoba Government, Tour 150 provides a flexible, educational, and fun summer experience!
Tour 150 will travel across the province to communities this summer in celebration of Qaumajuq, the new Inuit art centre at the WAG. The custom retrofitted tour vehicle, named Nakatamaakewin [na-kah-tah-MAA-kaywin], a Michif name gifted by Language Keeper and Elder Verna Demontigny meaning “to leave something behind,” will bring a culturally-rich and diverse display of art to communities across the province.

“We’re excited to be announcing the Tour 150 summer schedule. Communities across the province will get to experience the stunning artwork from Qaumajuq,” said Monique LaCoste and Stuart Murray, co-chairs of Manitoba 150. “This is a fun learning experience for the whole family and an interactive way to deepen connections to our province and its diverse cultures through Manitoba’s art museum, the WAG!”

The vehicle is wrapped in the beautiful artwork of local Inuit artist Kailey Sheppard and depicts the natural beauty of our province. Inside is a collection of Inuit art in soapstone, felt,print, textiles, and other materials.

“In this inaugural year of Qaumajuq, the WAG is thrilled to increase access to this world renowned collection not only through the Inuit art centre, but with the launch of this travelling exhibition. We are grateful to Manitoba’s Credit Unions, the Government of Manitoba, Birchwood Automotive Group, and the Manitoba 150 team for this incredible legacy that will bring art and learning to communities across the province for years to come,” said Dr. Stephen Borys, Director & CEO, Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq.

Tour 150: Nakatamaakewin – Bringing art to you! incorporates both in-person and online components such as:

• An interactive experiential exhibit that will be switched up on a regular basis
• Contemporary art from the four regions of Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homeland in Canada through prints, textiles, stone sculptures, along with audiovisual stories and Inuit voices
• Educational resources on Inuit art and culture

Natamaakewin will remain an asset to the community after the Manitoba 150 celebrations finish, ensuring that the legacy of art education for all Manitobans continues into the future.

“We have learned to adapt and to do so many things differently over the past year and a half. These new approaches are creating greater opportunity for involvement,” said Cathy Cox, Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage. “Making this incredible art more accessible to more Manitobans is a very exciting venture, and I hope it inspires their admiration and curiosity to see more by visiting Qaumajuq, WAG’s new Inuit Art Centre.”

Tour 150 presented by Manitoba’s Credit Unions will travel across Manitoba in July and August to bring an inspiring collection of Inuit art directly to communities.

“Credit unions are excited to bring art from one of Manitoba’s newest gems — the WAG’s Qaumajuq centre — directly to communities all over the province,” said Garth Manness, CEO of Credit Union Central of Manitoba. “As member-owned cooperatives, credit unions are deeply committed to the communities they serve. They have always been a focal point for all kinds of activities, which makes sponsoring and hosting the Nakatamaakewin tour a natural fit for us.

“Indigenous History Month is a timely moment to lift up Inuit art and stories,” he continued. “My hope is that, as the year goes on, many will join us in celebrating Manitoba’s 150th anniversary by taking in this unique exhibition,” he added. “It’s an opportunity to experience some remarkable art, and to learn more about this vital aspect of our province.”

This fully-accessible exhibition, with vehicle support from Birchwood Automotive Group, is designed to be flexible and adapt to various health and safety guidelines determined by the Manitoba Government. Program plans will adjust according to regulations and will adhere to all Provincial health and safety protocols.

About the Manitoba 150 Host Committee

In 1870, Manitoba became Canada’s fifth province – the only to enter Confederation under Indigenous leadership. The Manitoba 150 Host Committee Inc. (Manitoba 150) is an independent, not-for-profit organization facilitating and supporting commemorative activities for our province’s 150th anniversary.
This is a time to be proud of who we are as Manitobans, to be in awe of our province’s beauty, to respect our past, and how it has created this unique experience of being Manitoban, and to appreciate the cultures that surround us.

We hope that all Manitobans will continue to celebrate our people, heritage, and beauty well beyond Manitoba 150.

Additional information on Manitoba 150 can be found at www.Manitoba150.com

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