The Portage College Museum of Aboriginal Peoples' Art and Artifacts (MOAPAA) is hosting an exciting and unique event October 3. Chief Museum Curator, Joseph Sanchez, one of the last two living members of the Professional Native Indian Artists Inc., will moderate an artist panel featuring Jason Carter, Stewart Steinhauer and Order of Canada recipient Dr. Jane Ash Poitras in celebration of three official public art commissions.

The three guests are internationally renowned Indigenous artists, all from Alberta. "It is rare to have the opportunity to meet one of these three artists let alone all three, and then to add on meeting the celebrated artist and living legend Joseph Sanchez as well is amazing!" said Donna Feledichuk, Director of MOAPAA.

The Artist Talk is to commemorate the unveiling of three commissioned pieces for MOAPAA's "Celebrating New Dawn" project. This project was awarded to MOAPAA in April 2018 by the Alberta Government through the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) and provided an opportunity to mark the anniversaries of Portage College (50 years) and MOAPAA (40 years).

The three public art commissions celebrate the rich Indigenous cultural and natural heritage that are at the roots of Portage College's organization, community and province.

The artists were asked to consider the importance of the context of the organizational history, the location in Treaty Six territory and the natural and human heritage of the area as central to the creation of their artwork.

The free event starts with the panel discussion at 6:30 P.M. in the McGrane Theatre at Portage College's Lac La Biche campus. A meet and greet with Carter, Poitras, Sanchez and Steinhauer will follow in the main foyer where guests can receive autographs. Museum tours will be available throughout the evening with the College Bookstore staying open late so visitors may purchase beautiful items and gifts inspired by artists within the MOAPAA's collection.

"We hope to see you there," said Feledichuk. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, not to be missed."

Date | October 3, 2019
Time | 6:30 P.M.
Location | Portage College McGrane Theatre
Meet and greet and tours to follow.

Get a head start and watch the videos produced for the Celebrating New Dawn project:

Crusaders of the Land by Jason Carter: https://youtu.be/XnjjTqsKrBg
Preservation Reservation 2020 by Jane Ash Poitras: https://youtu.be/Y35hDvA_HEM
Newokatew-ayisiyin' (Four-legged Spirit Being) by Stewart Steinhauer: https://youtu.be/ijxbGrdqe8U

Media Inquiries: 
Jaime Davies, Corporate Communications Manager 
780-623-5581 or email