Indigenous Intergenerational Exchange
Gerry Ambers, Aya Clappis, Ace Harry, Lisa Kenoras, Laura Manson, Jessica Mayhew, Feather Nault, Marianne Nicolson, Ross Neasloss Jr, Stephanie Papik, Nikki Sanchez, Coral Shaughnessy-Moon, Nicole Stanbridge, Marika Swan, Nabidu Taylor, France Trepanier.
The Indigenous Intergenerational Exchange was an online gathering space created by artists Marianne Nicolson, Marika Swan and educator/media maker Nikki Sanchez in collaboration with 12 invited participants who are contributors to social justice and frontline activism heir respective communities.
This group gathered bi-weekly from late February through May 2021 to share cultural teachings, critical understandings, and creative processes within a healing space. This culminated in an evolving exhibition titled Holding Ground that was on view at the Gallery from July through October 2021. Through Holding Ground, they set the powerful intention to host an open floor for the group to participate in an active interplay of creative sharing. This evolving exhibition was inspired by the conversations and creative processes that were shared through these online gatherings, sharing a glimpse into the continuum of Indigenous resistance across generations.
Learn more about this program by tuning into the AGGV’s #WIP Podcast to hear from some of the participants. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and visit our YouTube Channel for ASL interpretations and captions.
Previously on view in the Founders and Drury galleries from July 17, 2021 through October 17, 2021
Holding Ground: to hold space, to hold up, to care for, to support, to refuse to let go.
“Our children are sacred and their desire to continue to advocate for our worldviews is a sacred undertaking. As such, the gallery space and the time occupied by the exhibit is reserved and recognized for them.” Marianne Nicolson
At the center of the exhibition was a curtain collaboratively made by members of the group. Traditionally these curtains hang in the Big House for ceremony such as Potlatch and act as a transitional space between the physical and spiritual realms:
“We will be creating a curtain to transform our space at the AGGV. This anchor will allow us to create our own microcosm of the universe. Within this we can re-enact the nature of our inter- relationships with each other and to the land. In community, each generational role is necessary. Isolated we are vulnerable. But in formation we have great strength in the diversity of our offerings.” Marika Swan
On July 17, 2021 the floor was opened with the curtain in place, holding space for the participants to share throughout the run of the exhibition. Visitors were invited to watch as the space evolved and encouraged to revisit throughout the months and witness the evolution of the shifting space. We extend our gratitude and appreciation to all of the participants involved in this project for their unique contributions, their time and generosity.
“We hold the space so that what is happening in the now will have a presence.” Marianne Nicolson
