First Nation creations

Artist Ellen Gabriel combines the simple, visceral joy of creating art with the symbolism of native archetypes in her exhibit Akwé:kon Tetewá:neren (All My Relations). “From the iconography that inspires me, to the concrete process of applying pigments to the canvas or paper,” offers Gabriel, in explanation of these works, “I feel the joy and energy of Creation through my artistic gestures.”

You may remember Gabriel, a Concordia Fine Arts graduate, as People of the Longhouse of Kanehsatàke spokesperson during the 1990 Crisis (a role she continues to play today). Take in her pastels at Arts NDG (5800 Sherbrooke W.) until June 30. Meet the artist, June 7 at 5 p.m.

The exhibit is part of the larger First Peoples’ Festival (June 10–21), organized by First Nations cultural organization Land InSights. The fest features everything from film and live performances to an awards show and re-creations of turn-of-the-century First Nations outdoor camps with traditional crafts and foods (in Émilie-Gamelin Park, June 13–16). Info: 278-4040 or www.nativelynx.qc.ca. :

—Genevieve Paiement