The MacKenzie Art Gallery is pleased to announce the appointment of Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway to the position of TD Curatorial Fellow. The position—part of a two-year program funded through a $200,000 donation from TD Bank Group—is designed to take a community-focused approach to curatorial and programming work, aimed at building a more vibrant and thriving cultural community rooted in the region. This role will contribute to strengthening relationships with Indigenous community members as future arts producers and appreciators.

Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway is a multi-hyphenate, place-based Buffalo artist. She is a fashion and textile designer, visual artist, beader, storyteller and co-founder of the Buffalo People Arts Institute. She is Nakota/Cree/Saulteaux from the White Bear First Nations—signatory to Treaty 4. Joely holds degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Calgary and Mathematics from the First Nations University of Canada. In May 2024, she completed her Master of Fine Arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her unique educational background influences her artistic practice, as Joely loves to incorporate mathematics and geometry into her artwork, drawing inspiration from the perfect symmetry found in nature. Her mantra envelopes everything Tatanga (Buffalo) as it connects her to ancestral memories and the land and acts as the metaphysical glue that keeps her world together.

“Umba Wasté! tanisi! I am excited and honoured to be a part of this next adventure within my lifelong learning path”, shares BigEagle-Kequahtooway. “I will be working with the leadership focusing on Indigenization and Decolonization which is visionary and imperative to transforming the culture and landscape of art galleries. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to build upon my knowledge whilst contributing to the health and well-being of my community. Mitakuye Oyasin …wâhkôhtowin. All my relations.”

“Like many in our community I have long admired Joely’s passion for lifting up our culture and communities in Regina.” says MacKenzie Art Gallery’s Executive Director and CEO John G. Hampton. “She is a passionate and visionary advocate for this territory, with deep connections to artists, change-makers, knowledge keepers, and community members here. I will be honoured to have her support and insight as we move towards the MacKenzie’s next chapter, centering Indigenous values and self-determination. I am grateful to TD for making this incredible opportunity possible, and for their support of Indigenous arts initiatives across Canada.”

Through the creation of community-responsive and inclusive programs, Joely will help facilitate trust-building and participation in all aspects of the Gallery’s operations. Whether it be through engagement with our exhibitions, involvement as artists, artisans in our shop or markets, or as members, donors, volunteers, and staff, the goal is to increase the number of Indigenous Peoples who interact with the institution throughout their cultural and artistic journey.

“From all of us at TD, I’d like to congratulate Joely on her appointment and can’t wait to see the incredible work she’ll share with the Regina community over the course of her fellowship,” said Craig Jensen, Saskatchewan East District Vice President, TD Bank Group. “Through the TD Ready Commitment, our corporate citizenship platform, we’re supporting programs focused on helping emerging artists and professionals facing barriers in the music, arts and culture sector.”

 

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