2016 Mamawapowuk – Maawanji’idiwag

a header that has an illustrations of traditional indigenous art

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.

a sub-header that reads 'a gathering on metis art aesthetics & sovereignty'

CONFIRMED PARTICIPANTS

side profile of a man with glasses and a baseball cap

JASON BAERG

Independent Artist, Toronto

portrait of a woman with short hair and rectangular glasses. she is wearing small, dangly earrings and a top and cardigan

SHERRY FARRELL-RACETTE

Associate Professor, University of Manitoba

portrait of a woman with large, dark hair and bangs. she is wearing dangly earrings

ERIN MARIE KONSMO 

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

headshot of a woman with short hair and dangly earrings. she is wearing a green sweatshirt

AMY MALBEUF

Independent Artist, Alberta and Newfoundland

headshot of a brunette man with two braids, he is wearing a red, blue, and white plaid button-up and a gray blazer in front of a red, brick building

DYLAN MINER

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

headshot of a woman with short, curly hair and bangs

SAMANTHA NOCK

Education Coordinator, Bill Reid Gallery, Vancouver

headshot of a woman with shoulder-length, curly hair. she is wearing a black top and is smiling while looking to her right

JESSIE SHORT

Independent Curator, Edmonton

headshot of a woman with long, dark hair with bangs

DAYNA DANGER

Independent Artist, Montréal

headshot of a woman with long, brown hair with bangs

TARAH HOGUE

Curator, grunt gallery, Vancouver

headshot of a woman with shoulder-length brown hair. she is wearing purple feather earrings and a black top

ELIZABETH LaPENSÉE

Assistant Professor, Michigan State University

a brown medallion with the msu spartan logo printed on it

CATHY MATTES

Assistant Professor, Brandon University, Manitoba

headshot of a woman with short, brown hair with black glasses

MICHELLE McGEOUGH

PhD Candidate, The University of New Mexico

portrait of a woman with bangs and glasses, she is wearing a striped top and scarf

TIFFANY SHAW-COLLINGE

Independent artist, architect, and curator, Edmonton

portrait of a woman with tied back, brown hair

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