Relational Making: Activating Knowledge Through Objects and Spaces

A panel discussion with KC Adams, Tashina Houle-Schlup and Dené Sinclair
Moderated by Cathy Mattes

Monday, January 13, 2025, 2:30 – 3:45 pm
Convocation Hall, The University of Winnipeg

Please email us no later than January 6, 2025 if you plan to attend and require ASL interpretation

This panel discussion is presented in conjunction with Gallery 1C03's current exhibition, Seven Generations, which features a photo-portrait series and short film by KC Adams, shown alongside ancestor regalia on loan from the Manitoba Museum's Hudson's Bay Company Collection. Adams opens her film by explaining that "relational making" is a more holistic way to describe the creative endeavours of Indigenous peoples such as herself. Relational making may take various forms, including traditional and contemporary regalia making. Each of the speakers will discuss their journey with regalia making and share how it activates Indigenous ways of knowing.

This event is presented in partnership with the University of Winnipeg Department of History and Office of Indigenous Engagement. We are also grateful for financial assistance from the Manitoba Arts Council.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR AND SPEAKERS

Cathy Mattes is a Michif (Southwest Manitoba) curator, writer, and Associate Professor in History of Art at the University of Winnipeg. Mattes previously taught art history in Ishkaabatens Waasa Gaa Inaabateg, Department of Visual Art. She also taught for the Gender and Women Studies program at Brandon University, and is an adjunct faculty member in Graduate Studies at the University of Manitoba. She is a beadworker, Southern Michif language learner, and holds a PhD in Indigenous Studies from the University of Manitoba. Mattes’ curation, research and writing centers on dialogic and Indigenous knowledge-centered curatorial practice, and Indigenous art transpedagogy as strategies for care.

KC Adams, or Flying Overhead in Circles Eagle Woman, is of Ininew, Anishinaabe and British heritage. She is a registered member of Fisher River Cree Nation living on Treaty One Territory in Winnipeg. Adams is a relational maker, a creator whose work connects to Indigenous knowledge systems of relationality -- recognizing her role as an educator, activist, community member and mentor. She creates work exploring technology and its relationship to her Indigenous identity. Her process is to start with an idea and use a medium that embodies my conceptual intent. She works in adornment, clay, drawing, installation, painting, photography, printmaking, public art, video, AR, and VR.

Tashina Houle-Schlup is a 26-year-old Anishinaabe and Swiss woman with family ties to Ebb & Flow and Tootinaowaziibeeng and has been deeply immersed in Indigenous art forms all her life, with a special focus on quillwork. Tashina creates modern and traditional pieces that pay homage to the quillwork of the past. In 2021, Tashina earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Brandon University, further enriching her knowledge and understanding of her cultural heritage. She currently serves as the Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement at the Manitoba Museum, where she actively shares the rich culture and history of Indigenous communities.

Dené Sinclair was raised in Selkirk, Manitoba (St Peters Band) and is a member of Peguis First Nation. She is an independent business consultant, working closely with individuals, museums, community and heritage organizations supporting Indigenous languages, knowledge systems and business management development. Dené is a committed learner of Anishinaabemowin and spends much of her time sharing, learning and encouraging language learning in our community. She has been sewing, beading and crafting for most of her life and credits the many strong matriarchs in her life for instilling a love of making. She is happiest in her craft room with her beads, fabric and thread.

GETTING HERE AND ACCESSIBILITY
Maps of The University of Winnipeg campus, including accessibility and parking maps, can be found at https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/maps/. Convocation Hall is located on the second floor of Wesley Hall, marked with an "W" on the campus map. It is the building that faces Portage Avenue and looks like a castle. Accessible, street level visitor entrance to the building with auto door openers and ramp is via Leatherdale Hall, located immediately behind Wesley. Once inside, take the ramp to the end of the hallway. The elevator will be to the left. There are gender-inclusive, accessible washrooms immediately inside the entrance of Leatherdale Hall and gendered, accessible washrooms ten feet from the entrance to Convocation Hall.