28 March-5 June, 2011
Gould Library
Curated by Stephanie Cox

The title of this exhibition, Métis/sage, from the French word métissage, suggests a wise (sage) coexistence of elements otherwise foreign to each other. In an attempt to depict the Métis in the twenty-first century, artist David Garneau combines European and North American art, comics, and traditional Métis beading into a contemporary painting style. Students of Stephanie Cox’s FREN 362: Transnational Writers in Quebec provided background information for the exhibit by creating bilingual labels.

David Garneau: Artist Statement

The Saskatchewan Government declared 2010 “The year of the Métis.” This is the latest in a string of positive signs that mark the desire of non-Aboriginal folks to recognize, settle with and even celebrate the contributions of their Indigenous neighbors. That Métis beads are now included on that string of good signs, that we are publicly recognized as part of the province’s cultural pattern, is a significant event.

I am one of those who grew up not understanding their full story, not hearing the complete account of who we are, as Métis and as Canadians. Being told in low voices that we have ‘Indian blood’ is not the same thing as being proudly Métis. Knowing that my Great, Great Grandfather (Laurent Garneau) fought for Métis rights with Louis Riel in Red River, and that my great uncle (Jim Brady) continued the struggle in the last century, is meaningful within the family and the Métis community but until the larger facts of Métis history, persistence and presence are taught and celebrated as part of the story of all who live and settle here, being Métis remains a family thing and being Canadian an incomplete thing.

Métis is as Métis does. Pride requires personal action and social recognition. This is a circle. When marginalized people are recognized as full persons they strive for their own completeness. Visibility engenders a sense of responsibility, a desire to re-make the world into a place that includes them and theirs.

This exhibition is a selection of paintings from seven years of considering Métisness. While these are personal reflections, I hope they rhyme with the experience of other Métis people but also resonate with non-Aboriginal folks who are invested in our collective futures.

David Garneau

The artist would like to thank the Saskatchewan Arts Board for their generous funding of this project.