Introduction
Introduction
Embedded Files
Treaties between Indigenous Nations and the Government of Canada continue to play a vital role in civic life today. More than just agreements, these treaties are the legal frameworks for the ongoing relationships and obligations of the British Crown to the Indigenous Nations across current day Canada. Citizens of Canada and First Nations are bound to these treaties, meant to ensure reciprocity, mutual respect and commitment to upholding these agreements.
From These Lands is an online exhibition that examines the art of Indigenous artists from Treaty No 6. in the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection. The works of art presented here highlight some of the ideas, ways of working and people represented in the Art Collection. They also point to the histories that Indigenous artists continue to explore and think about in their work.
This exhibition commemorates the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty No. 6 and the continued efforts to diversify the representation of Indigenous art in the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection. The artworks presented in this exhibition reflect a small number of key works of art from the growing Art Collection.
The University of Alberta Museums Art Collection is composed of over 7,000 objects, and continues to respond to the growing perspectives on art. It has now evolved into one of the largest university art collections in Western Canada.
The exhibition has been developed in collaboration with the Office of the Vice-Provost (Indigenous Programming & Research) and the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection.
Carved by Stewart Steinhauer, a self-taught artist from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Treaty Six Territory Marker: Bear Spirit is one of the most prominent public artworks at the University of Alberta.
Located in the Quad on the University of Alberta’s North Campus, the sculpture acknowledges the university’s location on Treaty No. 6 territory and is a critical part of the university’s efforts to work toward a respectful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and to understand the truths of Canada’s history.
In this work, the Sweetgrass Bear embodies the spiritual connection between land and culture. Steinhauer reflects on this sacred relationship and states, “Sweetgrass Bear, protector of the earth, help me now, with my own work, to share your teachings, to reach out to all people, all of the people who have come to share our land, here in Treaty No. 6 Territory.”
Treaty Six Territory Marker: Bear Spirit, 2016
Sculpture: carved granite
Stewart Steinhauer
Born Saddle Lake Cree Nation, 1952
University of Alberta Museums Art CollectionUniversity of Alberta Museums2016.7.1
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