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A FAMILY REIMAGINED WALLET

Original First Nations Canadian Design by Anishinaabe artist Cody Houle

Growing up with intergenerational trauma and colonialism, Houle felt shame and guilt about being Native; now, his art allows him to show pride and strength in being an Indigenous man.

A self-taught painter, Houle has been active in the arts community for five years- since realizing he enjoyed the visual art form after he had already created multiple pieces at the age of 31. While drawn to abstract visualizations and animate florals, it is the woodland paintings that resonate most for Houle and his sense of culture.

For him, paintings are teachings as long as one is open to learning the stories shared; great artists from the past can be mentors for the next generation of visionaries. Houle believes it is important to share art to inspire hope and encourages anyone (especially youth!) to create for the sake of creating; to express themselves and give expression to their lives because Indigenous life is art!

The Fort Museum of the NWMP and First Nations Interpretive Centre is grateful to have the opportunity to meet and work on Treaty 7 territory. As settlers on these lands, it is important to acknowledge that we are located on the unceded territory of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Nation), including Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, as well as the Metis Nation Region 3. We want to express our respect for the territory we reside in and honour the diverse Indigenous People who have lived and worked on this land historically and presently. We, the staff, and leadership at The Fort Museum, are committed to being active participants in reconciliation. We are committed to actively working through programs and displays to decolonize the Blackfoot voice in our spaces.