
MAMAWAPOWUK – MAAWANKI’IDIWAG – MÂMAWIHITOWIN
A Gathering on Métis Art, Aesthetics, and Sovereignty – 2016
Mamawapowuk – Maawanki’idiwag – Mâmawihitowin is an intentional gathering space for contemporary Métis artists, historians, curators, and cultural workers to convene as a community and theorize what it is that we do, make, and write. We take the name from the Michif, Anishinaabemowin, and Cree words that describe a gathering of people.
We are especially interested in the role that artists and cultural workers play in articulating decolonized forms of Métis sovereignty We imagine that Mamawapowuk – Maawanki’idiwag – Mâmawihitowin will expand our existing kin networks and artistic relationships within our community, as well as create a space where Wiisaakodewininiwag – Otepemisiwak – Michif – Métis artists, writers, and cultural workers can further conceptualize what it is we do and the role that visual art plays in asserting Métis sovereignties.
We hope that Mamawapowuk – Maawanki’idiwag – Mâmawihitowin will lead to the publication of an edited collection of texts that are produced as a result of our coming together. Much like previous gatherings for Indigenous artists and historians, Mamawapowuk – Maawanki’idiwag – Mâmawihitowin will provide the space and time for artists, scholars, and curators to think and create together. Over three days in October, we will convene to discuss ideas and issues regarding Métis art histories, methodologies, art criticism, art writing, and curation, among other concerns. In the face of recent issues faced by Métis people and communities, as well as recent legal decisions, we want to make sure we think seriously and critically about the role that artists play in asserting Métis sovereignty.

CONFIRMED PARTICIPANTS

JASON BAERG
Independent Artist, Toronto

SHERRY FARRELL-RACETTE
Associate Professor, University of Manitoba

ERIN MARIE KONSMO
Media Arts Justice & Projects Coord., Native Youth Sexual Health Network

AMY MALBEUF
Independent Artist, Alberta and Newfoundland

DYLAN MINER
Director, Am. Indian & Indigenous Studies, Michigan State University

SAMANTHA NOCK
Education Coordinator, Bill Reid Gallery, Vancouver

JESSIE SHORT
Independent Curator, Edmonton

DAYNA DANGER
Independent Artist, Montréal

TARAH HOGUE
Curator, grunt gallery, Vancouver

ELIZABETH LaPENSÉE
Assistant Professor, Michigan State University

CATHY MATTES
Assistant Professor, Brandon University, Manitoba

MICHELLE McGEOUGH
PhD Candidate, The University of New Mexico

TIFFANY SHAW-COLLINGE
Independent artist, architect, and curator, Edmonton

ERIN SUTHERLAND
Predoctoral Fellow, American Indian & Indigenous Studies, MSU
PhD Candidate, Queen’s University, Ontario
A Gathering on Métis Art, Aesthetics, and Sovereignty
October 13-16, 2016
Hosted by Michigan State University and
Ziibiwing Center for Anishnaabe Culture and Lifeways