This exhibit is small, just five pieces, each curated to evoke connections to family, culture, and the seasons of life. It is mixed medium and features art from Faye HeavyShield, Jennine Krauchi, and Jerry Saddleback. 

The photo installation, Matriliminial, by HeavyShield, features an archival photo of Kate Three Persons, the artist’s paternal grandmother. The artist posed Kate’s great-granddaughters in a similar manner, creating a tableau of women meeting across time.

Two other pieces by HeavyShield are entitled The Women, a collage, and the Red Line II. 

Saddleback's installation, Puts Meal on Table features a bow, suitable for buffalo hunting, with silencers on the string. He created the bow from birch, hickory and maple wood. The display is a reminder of the traditional season of harvesting and storing food before winter.  

An intricately beaded and embroidered moss bag is the result of 15 years of work by Métis artist Jennine Krauchi. Beginnings is mounted on an acrylic base. The moss bag appears to float above water, where polished stones from the artist's family are set.

Accompanying me to the exhibit were two women from the Congo. During our English lessons, we have looked at the history of treaties and the experiences of colonialism in both the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Canada.

The women survived the genocide in their home country 30 years ago. Said one of her reaction to the exhibit, “Our stories are the same, we search for connection and consolation in our culture, for healing from our experiences.”

Gallery staff welcomed the women. In a mix of French, English, and with a little help from technology, the tour was conducted and connections made between cultures.

The exhibit continues until December 6th, 2025. It is open Wednesday through Saturday, 12 - 5 p.m. at 10124 96th Street.

Ociciwan welcomes group tours. These can be booked by emailing Carmen van Soest, the Community Outreach Coordinator, at community@ociciwan.ca.

Gail Silvius is happily retired and living in McCauley.