EXHIBITION OPENING JUNE 9:
REBUILD, RESTORE, RENEW TOGETHER
The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, in partnership with Lynnwood Arts, is honoured to host the art project Rebuild, Restore, Renew Together. Opening June 9, 2022, this gallery exhibit will take on two parts. First and foremost, it features the talents of 5 local Indigenous artists from a variety of art disciplines. The second aspect involves artists sharing their process, wisdom, and culture with local students.
In the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, this project is shining a light on artists that are creating new and vibrant works, while at the same time, honouring the traditions of their ancestors. This exhibition will help to foster the building of student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.
MEET THE ARTISTS
MEET THE ARTIST:
MICHAEL BARBER
REBUILD, RESTORE, RENEW TOGETHER
I am an Indigenous artist (Upper Mohawk) from Port Dover, Ontario. My works deal with examination of dark realities that are rarely spoken.
Memories and thoughts are never clear, and my paintings reflect the layers that hide or protect our past, the things we cherish, and the things we’d love to forget. Quite often in life, things that are out of our control have such impact on our lives, not physically really but emotionally, things that we will carry with us forever. The good and the bad both weigh us down and fill us up, to the point that there’s no room left. Then one day, something happens that forces you to shift things, reposition and prioritize the weight to a more manageable point for the time being.
I paint on mahogany plywood and use a mix media approach. Resist techniques are used with the paint application. Gouging and scratching are done with various hand tools, shovels and hoes are used to scrape the work and expose the earlier layers to create a sense of time.
Images are applied to the work by using a self-developed printing technique and manipulating the cut after various applications. The creation of a piece is a very physical activity. I get lost in the painting and struggle between layers, caught in a dilemma of exposure and protection. It’s an exhausting process and yet I find it so satisfying.
MEET THE ARTIST:
TRISTYN DAY
REBUILD, RESTORE, RENEW TOGETHER
Boozhoo / Hello, my name is Tristyn Day, I am an Oji-Cree, Indigenous artist, from Deer Lake First Nations. I grew up in small town in Northern Ontario. I’ve always had a passion for creating art. I’m currently working as a Payment Project Specialist at Sun Life Financial. It’s always been a dream of mine to own my own business.
My reservation is remote and fly-in only, except for the ice roads in the winter. My parents and grandparents are survivors of Residential Schools and Indigenous Day Schools. This caused generational trauma and addiction for my family. 
For me, crafting and art is part of my healing, and a way for me to stay connected to my heritage, as my ancestors would have wanted. Artistic activities help me work through the trauma in a positive way, and allows me to share my story, and bring light to the darkness my people have had to suffer through. I would love to create a business, that one day will give back to places like my reservation, and to help other aspiring artists such as myself. My biggest success is finally realizing my passion and going for it.
MEET THE ARTIST:
MICHAEL GREEN
REBUILD, RESTORE, RENEW TOGETHER
Born on Sagamok First Nations, Michael is Ojibwe living in the Kitchener Waterloo area. Born on First Nation but “scooped” at an early age Michael has lived in the area his whole life. Spending time in the foster system and was finally adopted by a non-Indigenous family. After years of living with addiction Michael celebrates and takes pride in his path to sobriety, using the lessons of his failures to create new paths to success. Diagnosed with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) in his twenties Michael refuses to let any obstacle hold him back.
After answering the call to healing, he has found support and inspiration in his heritage and the teachings. Returning to complete his OSSD and enrolling inConestoga College in courses in Mental Health and Addictions.
Finding something was still unfulfilled in his life, Michael picked up the paintbrush again at 39. Instantly feeling a call back to painting and drawing which he had forgotten. Using painting as a therapy he can focus his mind into a positive product.
Michael is a father, grandfather and husband and strives to be an example to those around him that success can happen at any age and a better life is always obtainable when being positive and grounded. He is thrilled to learn traditional teachings and reconnect with his culture and give back to the community.
MEET THE ARTIST:
JULIE MALLON
(NANGOONHS KWE)
REBUILD, RESTORE, RENEW TOGETHER
Julie Mallon (Nangoonhs Kwe): Nangoonhs Kwe is my Anishnaabe noozwin, the name bestowed upon me by an elder from my home territory of Wiikwemkoong. It translates to Star Woman. Though born and raised off the “rez” I find that beading helps connect me to my culture.
I have sought out various art forms throughout my life to satisfy the creative side of me. Beading has filled my creativity for the past number of years. I love that this medium allows me to create so many different objects. From keychains, to earrings, to bags, wallets, pop sockets and art pieces. If you can poke a needle through it, you can bead it!
Instagram: @jdcmallon
MEET THE ARTIST:
NIKKI SHAWANA
REBUILD, RESTORE, RENEW TOGETHER
Nikki Shawana is an Indigenous artist from the Odawa Nation (Anishinaabe), Eagle clan. Her roots are from Wiikwemkoong, Manitoulin Island, however, she grew up in Southern Ontario. Nikki currently resides and raises her family in Norfolk County.
Nikki started Pow Wow dancing at an early age to keep connected to her Anishinaabe culture while growing up in an urban setting. As a teenager, she gathered teachings from Elders, dancers, singers and crafts people in her community and the powwow trail. Growing up in Southern Ontario, Nikki learned many teachings, songs, dances, and language from the Haudenosaunee as well. She quickly found herself as a role model for other youth in her community that wanted to learn more about their culture.
For the past 15 years, Nikki has been educating others about Indigenous culture through performances, workshops, classes, and speaking engagements at various schools, community organizations, and special events throughout Ontario and New York State.
In 2015, Nikki graduated from Fanshawe College with a Developmental Services Worker Diploma and has since been working supporting adults and children with developmental disabilities. She strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment for every individual who participates in her workshops.
Today, Nikki is a well-known and reputable Pow Wow Dancer, Hoop Dancer, Singer and Crafts person. She continues to gather teachings from Elders and community members and is passionate about teaching others about Indigenous culture through the Arts.
Lynnwood Arts Thanks Our Generous Partners
