StFX German Society Presents Annual Exhibition of Indigenous Art

Humpback swimming with silver stars - alan syliboy

On October 23, 2019, the StFX German society hosted the third annual Exhibition of Indigenous Art. The exhibition was held at the McNeil gallery, in the Schwartz School of Business, and was brought together by Friends United, the StFX German Society, Rolf Bouman, the StFX Art Gallery, and St. Francis Xavier University. Works from Jay Bell Redbird (a member of Friends United who sadly passed away this year), David Brooks, Gordan Fiddler, Loretta Gould, Darren Julian, Alan Syliboy, and Halina Stopyra were all on display as many students and professors came out to show their support.

The exhibition was also a fundraiser for the annual Germany trip to Berlin or Stuttgart, and students sold tickets at the door for a painting by Jay Bell Redbird called “Unity Forever.” They also held a silent auction for a signed copy of Alan Syliboy’s newest book: “Wolverine and Little Thunder: An Eel Fishing Story.” The StFX German Society is led by Marlis Lade, the German coordinator at StFX, and society president Maggie Mugford. The German society organizes many activities throughout the year such as film nights, and Octoberfest.

One of the art pieces displayed at the exhibition was a blank white canvas with the word “Reconciliation” written across the top. Accompanying the painting was a black marker which gives people the opportunity to write what reconciliation means the them. It made people think about what it really meant to them and gave them a chance to speak openly about it as they wrote it on the blank canvas. 

Friends United is a big part of the Indigenous art community, founded by Rolf Bouman. The organization helps up and coming indigenous artists become self-sufficient entrepreneurs in the art world. Friends United’s goal, as stated on their website, is to “eliminate misconceptions and prejudice, and promote equality, peace, and mutual respect among all peoples, cultures, genders, and races by sharing the spiritual, deeply moving meaningful stories of first nation artists as told in their beautiful works of art.” This was exemplified at the exhibition of indigenous art on Wednesday night. Looking around the room, the bright colours, patterns, and the stories told that night were all very moving. Each painting told a story, even if you didn’t know anything about art, you could still look at those painting and feel a connection, a memory, or an emotion towards the painting.

Overall, there was a great turnout, with many friends in attendance to celebrate the third annual Exhibition of Indigenous Art held by the German society.