Exhibits

In 1972 one of the most important alliances was formed in Canadian Art History, the Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporated (PNIAI). Legally incorporated in 1975 the group worked to raise the profile of Indigenous People and Indigenous Art. Now almost 45 years, later the group is just as important today as they were then.

Renowned Indigenous artist Daphne Odjig is the founder of the Indian Group of Seven. Her works range from sketch studies to exploration of woodland’s style to her own unique style, often featuring Indigenous women.

Indigenous art continues to thrive thanks to the Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. Artists such as Carl Beam, Kent Monkman, George Littlechild and Jane Ash Poitras have followed in their footsteps and filled the world with their profound works.

Traditional Hide Tanning is not learned over a small amount of time. It takes years of practical experience and skilled labour with the Elder to understand the elements of Mother Nature that surrounds traditional hide tanning.

The Museum was awarded a 25th anniversary commemorative grant from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts to develop the exhibition.

The distinct style of Northwest Coast is easily recognizable worldwide. Most recognize the Haida and Kwakwaka’ wakw designs, but most do not realize region is made up of numerous nations and can be grouped into larger main groups: the Haida, the Tlingit, the Tsimshian (including Nisga’a and Gitksan), Nuxalk (Bella Coola), the Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka and includes the Haisla, Heilstuk, Oweekeno), Northern Wakashan, Kwakwakw’waka (Kwakuitl) and the Coast Salish.

Inuit Art was brought the mainstream public in the late 1950s by James Houston. James Houston travelled to Cape Dorset in 1956 as a northern service officer with the Canadian Government’s Department of Northern Affairs.

The Portage College Museum of Aboriginal Art and Artifacts (MOAPAA) proudly showcases traditional works from various Indigenous cultures across Canada. The exhibit tells the history of these original art forms from precontact to modern day and features exquisite pieces showcasing wonderful craftsmanship.

A range of styles and materials highlighting Indigenous cultures across Canada is showcased in MOAPAA’s extensive basket collection.

The Alberta Artist Gallery is part of the museum and houses the museum store as well as shorter length exhibitions.

The Portage College Museum of Aboriginal Peoples’ Art and Artifacts (MOAPAA) has been awarded $112,500 from the Government of Alberta through the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) to commission three pieces of work from Indigenous artists for MOAPPA’s Celebrating New Dawn project.

The Woodland School of Art was started by Norval Morrisseau, the bold visual style interprets oral stories, legends and world views with paint, canvas and other art media.

Inspired by the work of Benjamin Chee Chee, a second wave of woodland artists emerged in the early seventies.