A new photo exhibition showcasing the works of Indigenous photographers is reclaiming the space of one of Calgary’s oldest buildings — The Grand.
The show, called Mino-Pamatisiwin, is a Cree word for the “good life” — a concept that is used to describe when the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental aspects of life are in balance.
It was curated by archeologist and artist Autumn Whiteway, who is Sauteaux-Métis and lives in Calgary.
“There is a great awakening right now to the travesties that have happened to Indigenous people throughout history,” said Whiteway.
“We’re hopefully coming out on the tail end of that so I wanted to look at more of the joyful aspects of Indigeneity.”
Keegan Haze, who is Plains Cree, had one of his photographs selected for the exhibit — his first ever — and traveled from Edmonton to Calgary to see it on display.
“It’s very inspiring to see all these people come out and show [that] they exist,” said Haze.
Haze’s photo, called Dance with me till sunset, depicts his cousin Chrissy Nepoose and her boyfriend Dustin Stump, dancing in full powwow regalia.
“I wanted to show off their love for each other, the way that they work together is really beautiful.”
The Grand, an event and theater space located on First Street S.W., has been operating in Calgary since 1912, and is a significant landmark of Calgary’s downtown core.
Whiteway says bringing the show to the Grand is a way of decolonizing a piece of the city’s history.
“Just seeing it all come together with such striking, powerful images, it makes me feel really emotional being in that space.”
Jenna Klein-Waller, director of programming and engagement at the Grand, says she hopes that the exhibit will be the first of many intent on amplifying the diverse voices of the Calgary arts community.
“A high priority of ours is this space becoming inclusive and for everyone and giving the spaces back to the communities that need them.”
Mino-Pamatisiwin is running until Feb. 26.
