About
ABOUT THE SERIES
MacKenzie Art Gallery and Remai Modern come together to present a four-day gathering that reflects on contemporary art rooted in the rich and layered narratives of the Great Plains. Through exhibitions, thoughtful panel discussions, and opportunities for community engagement, we aim to increase knowledge exchange, collaboration, and solidarity with one another.
Informed by themes of movement, borders, and migration, and guided by the impetus to bring to light narratives that have long been overlooked, the series centres the voices of marginalized and racialized communities. Taking the form of exhibitions, conversations, performances and more, this forum offers space for reflection through renewed relationships with each other and the land.
By re-stitching the Plains region together and highlighting the ways people have always been connected in this place, the Great Plains becomes a gathering force—a witness and participant, shaped by the stories it holds.
MACKENZIE CULTURAL GATHERINGS
Friday, November 14
The Family Archive: A conversation with Joi T. Arcand, Paul Seesequasis, and Felicia Gay
2:30–3:30 PM | Theatre
Opening Reception for Joi T. Arcand: ayâtaskisow and The Memory of Trees
7–10:30 PM | Salon and Galleries
- 7:00 PM | Exhibition viewing & reception (salon)
- 8:00 PM | Formal remarks, followed by a performance by Jaime Black-Morsette (Sim Gallery)
- Exhibition viewing and reception to follow
Presented in partnership with the Indigenous Curatorial Collective (ICCA)
Saturday, November 15
Sharing Seeds: A Conversation with Api’soomakha & Christina Battle
9:30–10:30 AM | Theatre
Indigenous Art Market — Showcasing local and regional makers
11 AM–5:30 PM | Main floor
Rawlco Radio & MacKenzie Art Gallery Free Admission Day
11 AM–5:30 PM | Learning Centre and Galleries
- Hourly tours of Joi T. Arcand: ayâtaskisow and The Memory of Trees
- Family art-making in our studio
REMAI MODERN CULTURAL GATHERINGS
Wednesday, November 12
ICCA National Gathering Kick-Off Event (Open to the public)
5–7 PM — PAVED Arts, 424 20th St W, Saskatoon (Second Floor)
Thursday, November 13
Gathering the Great Plains
9 AM-4:30 PM – Remai Modern, 103 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon
Register to attend in person or attend the Saskatoon program remotely via Zoom by registering here.
Complicated Entanglements: Black and Indigenous Historical Intersections in the Plains
Featuring: Dr. Alaina E. Robert and Dr. Ryan W. Booth (moderated by Sally Frater)
Building Solidarities Through Creative Practice
Featuring Dr. Pablo Barrera, Michelle Jacques, Crystal Mowry, Erica Violet Lee (moderated by Dr. heather ahtone)
On Land: Artistic Relations to Space and Place
Featuring Diedrick Brackens, Crystal Z Campbell, Yatika Starr Fields (moderated by David Garneau)
Solidarity Building workshop for Indigenous and Black participants (moderated by Dr. Joy James)
Concurrent exhibitions on view
Great Plains Series: Points of Return – Spaces of Departure — Now on view
Althea Thauberger: Der Kleiekotzer (The Bran Puker) — Opening November 13
Joi T. Arcand: ᐯᐦᐯᔭᐠ ᐆᒥᓯ ᐃᓯ ᐁᐊᑎᐦᑌᑭ ᑕᑿᐦᐃᒥᓈᓇ — Opening November 13
Learn more about the program of events taking place at Remai Modern in Saskatoon on November 12–13
Gathering Great Plains Exhibitions at MacKenzie Art Gallery
Joi T. Arcand: ayâtaskisow
Joi T. Arcand investigates the history of imposed agricultural practices on Indigenous reserves and their impact on the land and relationships within families and communities.
Learn more about this exhibition
The Memory of Trees
How does the land hold memory? This exhibition brings together four artists who explore their environments through movement and kinetic spirit, holding space for relationships and community with humans, non-humans and the land.
Learn more about this exhibition