CANMORE – At a young age Holly Kaquitts was told by her elder she was going to be an artist.
“Most times our elders can tell what the child will be when they grow up," said Kaquitts. "It has been part of my life growing up because whenever I could get my hands on something like a pen, marker or whatever, I’d go crazy on the wall."
Her grandpa was right as Kaquitts followed her love of art from scribbling on walls to now creating works of art for galleries across Canada, including in Canmore.
The artist is showcasing three pieces of art alongside 11 Indigenous creatives at the Three Sisters Gallery on the second floor of Elevation Place.
The opening reception is Thursday (May 30) at 6 p.m., when the gallery will be blessed by prayer and smudging alongside cultural singing and dancing. The gallery will continue to be available for viewing until Aug. 26.
Each artist is from the Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda, Tsuut’tina, Blackfoot and Métis nations, all sharing their history, culture and stories through visual art.
“The intention is that we heighten everyone’s awareness and learn about Indigenous relations, truth and reconciliation, and that we have not treated First Nations people as well as we should have,” said Sue Hayduk, Town of Canmore arts and culture coordinator.
“We really want to hold space for new artists, emerging artists, and especially Indigenous artists having so many connections to Stoney Nakoda Nation, Tsuut’tina Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy.”
Patrons can expect to see 29 works featuring beadwork, leather, paint on canvas, silk screening and poetry.
“You’re going to have a lot of artists’ expression from a Truth and Reconciliation perspective, you’re going to see implications of residential schools on generations of artists,” said Hayduk.
Kaquitts will be showing a piece called “Agony” with an excerpt she wrote on the feelings and story the painting expresses.
“My world is dying, but the magpie says, ‘hang in there with me, carry your sufferings for I can transform your pain into an eagle feather. Let that feather guide you and be healed. Let me be your hurt,’” she said, reading part of the passage.
National Indigenous History month in Canmore
Two events will be taking place with the Town of Canmore for the National Indigenous Peoples month in Canada.
“Every June we celebrate National Indigenous History month and National Indigenous Peoples Day to recognize and honour First Nation, Inuit and Métis history. Also their heritage and culture and to celebrate the diversity and inclusion of First Nation traditions,” said Janie Macpherson, Town of Canmore arts and culture supervisor.
On June 15 at the Civic Centre plaza, the Town will be hosting a celebration with dancing, drumming, a market and story telling. The events will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“To position these events and to celebrate Indigenous cultures is in line with supporting self determination of Indigenous peoples and learning to work together to understand what that is and to build reciprocity with indigenous nations to promote and affirm that right,” said Macpherson.
For National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 the Town is partnering with the Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda Nation for its traditional pow wow at the Goodstoney Arena to provide a free shuttle to the powwow from Elevation Place in Canmore and back. The Town is also providing a free shuttle on June 15 from Mînî Thnî to Canmore.
For more details and the event schedule visit www.canmore.ca/NIPD.
Additionally, Banff is hosting its Iiniskim Cross-Cultural Powwow on June 8.
