Art Gallery

The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) has compiled and curated one of the world’s finest collections of Indigenous art from across the Americas. It is on display at NWAC’s new Social, Economic, and Cultural Innovation Centre in downtown Gatineau, Que. Each piece is for sale, with money from the sales supporting artists. Many of the pieces can be seen on this page. Take some time to scroll through the gallery for your enjoyment, or with intention for purchasing a truly beautiful and authentic example of Indigenous artistry.

Can Indigenous artwork be part of reconciliation?

Art’s impact on people and society is well documented. Museums and galleries across the planet have known how art can influence humanity; it has shaped the cultural mosaic of mankind for centuries and will continue to do so for eons.

Art enhances brain function by affecting brain wave patterns, emotions and the nervous centre. Art also has an impact on society in its ability to change opinions, instill values, and translate experiences across space and time. It has been said that “anything is possible through art.” Indeed, the field of psychology recognizes that art can break down cultural and social barriers; it can make people “feel.”

The Seven Grandfather Teachings is a set of teachings that guides Indigenous Peoples. They are integral to our way of being and are reflected in the many things we do as a people.

When Indigenous artists create artwork (not artifacts, sacred items, or ceremonial pieces), they are often do so for a purpose. Many times, the art reflects an Indigenous artist’s perspective of the past, the present, and the future. This Indigenous lens and worldview often references traditional teachings, ceremony, cultural expressions, and scenes and symbolism of spirituality, life, nature, and mankind.

Indigenous artists are important to Indigenous communities. They transfer knowledge through their art and are able to channel their ability to know, heal, and see into an art piece that in itself can reflect and promote healing, decolonizing, and reconciliation.

When displayed with intention and prominently positioned, Indigenous artwork can greatly influence the energy of a room and the people in that room. If done respectfully and in accordance with protocols, artwork by Indigenous people can Indigenize a space.

Indigenous artists recognize the importance of their work and strive to promote Indigenous culture, healing, and reconciliation.

Organizations working towards reconciliation should be applauded for recognizing the impacts and importance of art on people and society. But organizations need to do more than hang a few pieces of Indigenous art on their walls.

Reconciliation requires dialogue. In the same way that space was made for Indigenous art, so should space be made for dialogue—for teaching, education, and creating reconciliation opportunities for staff, guests, and visitors.

Unknown

By: Chief Lady Bird

Joyous Motherhood

By: Cecil Youngfox

Returning Home

By: Cecil Youngfox

This Land

By: Dawn Oman

Stargazers

By: Lee Claremont

Eager Beaver

By: John Balloue

Girl On Fire

By: Eric Tippeconnic

Crab

By: Sue Coccia

Bee

By: Sue Coccia

Unknown

By: Unknown

This Is Winter

By: Kirk Brant

Salmon

By: Sue Coccia

Beaver

By: Sue Coccia

Horse Play

By: Vallentina LaPier

Harvesting the Hair of Mother Earth

By: Jackie Traverse

April Moon

By: Betty Albert

Two Spirits Meet

By: Betty Albert

This is Winter

By: Kirk Brant

Humpback Whale in Green Water

By: Alan Syliboy

Caribou with Red

By: Alan Syliboy

Raven

By: Sue Coccia

Snowy Owl

By: Sue Coccia

Buffalo

By: Sue Coccia

Polar Bear

By: Sue Coccia

The Healer

By: Dawn Oman

Denendeh

By: Dawn Oman

Three Feathers

By: Dawn Oman

Unknown

By: Unknown

Unknown - Pink(Round)

By:

Mother & Moon

By: Betty Albert

Quiet Moments

By: Maxine Noel

Spring Morning

By: Maxine Noel

Circle of Life

By: Maxine Noel

Night's Protection

By: Maxine Noel

Great Horned Owl - Sold

By: Sue Coccia

Frog

By: Sue Coccia

Hawk

By: Sue Coccia

Bee

By: Sue Coccia

Bee

By: Sue Coccia

Unknown

By: Unknown

Unknown

By: Jackie Traverse

Unknown

By: Abraham Monias

Unknown

By: Unknown

Unknown

By: Unknown

Unknown

By: Unknown

Unknown

By: Unknown

Unknown

By: Unknown

Unknown

By: Unknown

Unknown

By: Unknown

Water is Life - II

By: Christi Belcourt

Water Is Life

By: Christi Belcourt

Unknown

By: KG Bridgeman and Lisa Shepkuel

Sunflower

By: Lorenzo Cruz

Sea Turtles

By: Lorenzo Cruz

Unknown

By: Unknown

North

By: Iayan Mani

Unknown

By: Unknown

Unknown

By: Lorenzo Cruz

Coho in a Tidal Rip

By: Rick Beaver

Stealth

By: Rick Beaver

Fallen Shields

By: Vallentina LaPier

Danza de Los Bisontes

By: Amado Pena Jr.

Winter Moon with Hares

By: Rick Beaver

Botanical Bodies Collection

By: Monica Loney

Botanical Bodies Collection

By: Monica Loney

Botanical Bodies Collection

By: Monica Loney

Botanical Bodies Collection

By: Monica Loney

Drago

By: Rande Cooke

Zofia

By: Rande Cooke

Macchiato - On Hold

By: Rande Cooke

Morado

By: Rande Cooke

Lola

By: Rande Cooke

Fallen Warrior

By: Vallentina LaPier

Ruby Dawn

By: Micgaela Jones

Thunder Rolls - Sold

By: Micgaela Jones

Kindred Spirits -Sold

By: Micgaela Jones

Wild Hearts Can’t be Broken

By: Micgaela Jones

Spring Harvest

By: Nikki Manitowabi

A New Dawn

By: Nikki Manitowabi

Lady Jay

By: Doug LaFortune

Singing Wukus

By: Doug LaFortune

Hitching a Ride

By: Doug LaFortune

Inuit Boy with Puppies

By: Dorothy Francis

Tesoros en Colores

By: Amado Pena Jr.

Winter Walk - Sold

By: Cecil Youngfox

Tres Tejedoras

By: Amado Pena Jr.

Mujer Con Yeis

By: Amado Pena Jr.

Joyous Motherhood - Sold

By: Cecil Youngfox

Silver Wolf III

By: Jose Manuel Alvarez Arrojo

Golden Eagle II

By: Jose Manuel Alvarez Arrojo

Polar Bear

By: Jose Manuel Alvarez Arrojo

Returning Home

By: Cecil Youngfox

Joyous Motherhood

By: Cecil Youngfox

Winter Mother - Sold

By: Cecil Youngfox

Family

By: Cecil Youngfox

Blue Pony

By: Eric Tippeconnic

Girl on Fire

By: Eric Tippeconnic

Smooth Operator

By: Eric Tippeconnic

Come on, Let's Play

By: Dorothy Francis

Southern Thunder

By: Eric Tippeconnic

Mates Mates

By: Dawn Oman

Lucky Rabbit

By: Dawn Oman

Keeper of the Peace

By: Becky Schultz Olvera

Powwow Dancer Percy

By: Becky Schultz Olvera

Powwow Dancer Mickey

By: Becky Schultz Olvera

Powwow Dancer Ray

By: Becky Schultz Olvera

Stargazers

By: Lee Claremont

Blue Moon

By: Lee Claremont

Storyteller

By: Lee Claremont