Dear Everyone,

Today I launched the department of Canadian and Indigenous Art. The Canadian department has been renamed to acknowledge the historical and contemporary position of Indigenous Art as existing prior to and going beyond the borders of Canada.

I am very pleased to announce that I have appointed Georgiana Uhlyarik the Fredrik S. Eaton Curator, Canadian Art and Wanda Nanibush the Curator, Indigenous Art. In appointing two curators, we begin reflecting the Nation to Nation relationship that underlines the treaty relationship that allowed Canada to come into existence.

The department of Canadian and Indigenous Art will build upon the strength of the Thomson Collection of Canadian Art, the Sarick Collection of Inuit Art and the Gallery’s renowned collection of art ranging from historic to contemporary, with a strengthened commitment to Indigenous art, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis. We need to continue to grow our collections of First Nations, Inuit and Métis art, as well as artists of colour and women, to address a historic imbalance in our collecting priorities.

The team will continue to focus on bringing Canadian and Indigenous art to the world, adding to successes including presenting Emily Carr at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris and David Milne at the Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo, Brazil.

Georgiana’s expertise and deep relationships with museums nationally and internationally positions her well to bring Canadian art to the global stage. Her ability to connect art with relevant conversations will help us bring more of Canada to the forefront at a critical moment in time. Georgiana will oversee the department, with Jordan-na Belle-Isle, Administrative Assistant, reporting to her.

Wanda is a dynamic community and arts leader whose meaningful connections bring rich context to the exhibitions that she champions. She is committed to ensuring that Indigenous art and culture will be given their proper place in relation to Canadian art. Exploring and giving a platform to different points of view is central to who we are as a Canadian art museum, and Wanda is the perfect person to propel us forward.

As a next step, we will be hiring an Assistant Curator with a focus on historical Canadian art.

Please join me in congratulating Georgiana and Wanda on their well-deserved promotions.

Sincerely,

Stephan