A UWinnipeg course has led to the new exhibition at Gallery 1C03.
Rooted in Relations was curated by Indigenous and non-Indigenous students of the Indigenous Theory and Curatorial Practices course (GENG-7820/HIST-4833), taught by Associate Professor of History, Dr. Cathy Mattes. It features works from The University of Winnipeg’s art collection created by eight Inuit and First Nations artists, and reflects the teachings of the course: continuous learning, engagement with Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and decolonial practices.
Featured artists include Jackson Beardy, Clifford Edwin DuBois, Elizabeth Aulatjut Nutaraluk, Robert Kakegamic, Daphne Odjig, Simon Tookoome, and David B. Williams.
All living things are connected
The interwoven threads of familial ties, braided together through storytelling and visual imagery, centers relationality and kinship. Rooted in Relations shows that pre-existing, inherited, and continuous bodies of Indigenous knowledges incubate fortitude and pride through a root system of reciprocal, interdependent relations between all life forms. It decenters and challenges the colonial notion that relationality is only viable in human-to-human form. It reinforces the Indigenous understanding that kinship lives and thrives in the interconnectivity of all living things: land, water, plants, animals, ancestors, spirits, Creator, and communities.
Rooted in Relations offers a holistic journey through time, relationships, and nurturing kin and community. Through this cycle, we are reminded that we are defined by our relations, and they are the roots where the network of life originates and circulates.
“Rooted in Relations is an excellent example of how our art collection supports the University’s academic mission, mandate and strategic objectives through activation in research, teaching and community outreach,” said Jennifer Gibson, Gallery 1C03 Director/Curator. “It’s been a rewarding experience for gallery staff to support Dr. Mattes and her students in bringing the exhibition to fruition.”
About the curatorial collective
Rooted in Relations is co-curated by a collective of UWinnipeg undergraduate and graduate students within the GENG-7820/HIST-4833: Indigenous Theory and Curatorial Practices course, taught by Dr. Cathy Mattes during the Spring 2025 term. This diverse cohort shares an expansive background, spanning the disciplines of Education, History, Art History, Business, Women and Gender Studies, Cultural Studies, and Indigenous Studies. Under the guidance of Dr. Cathy Mattes and Gallery 1C03’s Director/Curator Jennifer Gibson, the collective navigates their curation alongside conversations of Indigenous Theory and Curation Practices, reflecting on kinship ties that extend farther than human to human relationships. Curatorial team members are Shivanya Ra (she/they), Bridget Nattress (she/her), Laine Cosby (she/her), Margaret Firlotte (she/her), Mahlet Cuff (they/them), Brad Blackbird (Anishinaabe, Two-Spirit, he/him), Krishma Sodhi (she/her), Breanna Markiewicz (she/her), Wyatt Chanowski (he/him), and Moeen Didehban (he/him). They seek to add to the evolving dialogue and practices of Indigenous curation.
All are welcome to attend the opening reception June 2 from 3 to 5 p.m., with a formal program beginning shortly after 3 p.m. The exhibition runs until August 1, 2025, open Monday to Friday between 1 and 4 p.m. Closed July 1.
