Portage College's Lac La Biche campus is proud to announce the grand opening of Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. Permanent Exhibition, featuring works from Canada's Indian Group of Seven. The Indian Group of Seven is the name given to seven esteemed Indigenous Canadian artists, in direct comparison to Canada's Group of Seven impressionist artists of the 1920s. The grand opening celebrating these artists' paradigm-shifting work will take place on April 13, 2018 in Portage College's Museum of Aboriginal Peoples' Art & Artifacts.

The Indian Group of Seven, whose members include Daphne Odjig, Alex Janvier, Jackson Beardy, Eddy Cobiness, Norval Morrisseau, Carl Ray and Joseph Sanchez, opposed Indigenous exclusion by moving contemporary Indigenous art into the mainstream. They saw Indigenous art as an evolving style and expression, informed by experience and modern themes.

"A permanent exhibition of these works not only recognizes the significant contribution the group has made to both Canadian and International art," said Dr. Trent Keough, President & CEO of Portage College, "but the importance of Indigenous art and artists in the representation of Canada's culture, Canadian history and contemporary Indigenous cultures."

Portage College is a leader in the academic field of Indigenous art and craftsmanship. Portage College provides native arts and culture programming that instructs aspiring Indigenous artists in traditional and contemporary styles and techniques. The college's Museum of Aboriginal Peoples' Art & Artifacts (MOAPAA), serves as a resource for students and the public to better appreciate Aboriginal peoples contemporary culture and history. MOAPAA will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

One of MOAPAA's objectives is to communicate how Indigenous peoples reclaim their identity by connecting with lost culture through artistic expression. Indigenous art demonstrates the historical trauma experienced by those subjugated under colonialism, especially in Canada's residential school system.

The Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. Permanent Exhibition will be displayed in Lac La Biche County. Lac La Biche County is a region filled with history, beauty, and cultural diversity-a place uniquely situated to host the Native Indian Artists Inc. Permanent Exhibition.

Those interested in attending the grand opening can learn more at moappa.ca, and can help to support the event through attendance, donations, or by raising awareness on social media and in their communities.

Media Inquiries
Jaime Davies
780-623-5581