I Am Not An Indian
April 12th, 2018 - June 8th, 2018
Solo Exhibit by Jordan Stranger
The Indian Act is the sole statute created to govern and manage Canada’s Indigenous population’s status as Indians, lands, and provincial and federal funding. This document’s creation has prompted over 140 years of confusion and loss of culture for almost every Indigenous individual in Canada. The outcomes of this document have exposed Indigenous people to widespread abuse, trauma, and loss of life. I myself have been victim of these outcomes and I have seen first hand the damage that it has created, and the system of abuse that has been carried from generation to generation.
With this exhibit, I want to demonstrate the reality of the Indian Act’s negative outcomes, through my own experiences and interpretation. I am a descendent of residential school survivors and I am committed to spreading awareness of how the Canadian government worked with Christian Churches of Canada and the RCMP to carry out outrageous acts against the Indigenous population to eradicate their identity and existence.
I am not an Indian is my means of honouring and acknowledging all who still suffer due to the outcomes of the Indian Act. The Indian Act is an outdated, racist document that has been amended many times, often without proper consultation with Indigenous leaders. Moving forward, we need to come together as one nation to tackle this very large and unjust legislation so that the Indigenous population can attain cultural and economic independence in their own lands.
“Life is about happiness. My work is an example of searching for it.”
Hello, Tansi, Bozoo, My name is Jordan Stranger. I am a Plains Cree artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba. I'm originally from Peguis First Nation. I hold a diploma in Graphic Design from Red River College and have been making art seriously for five years. My work has been featured in: the Grassroots Anthology, Kimiwan Zine, exhibited at Red River College, and retailed at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. I have also done graphic design work for the Manitoba First Nation Wellness Advisory Committee, the Southern Chiefs Organization, and Dirty Water Comics.
My art is strongly influenced by the Anishinaabe/First Nations culture. Specifically, I've been producing studies of traditional dance forms, while incorporating experiences from my own life. This work was featured in my first a solo show at The Edge Gallery in October 2017 titled: “a Wholesome Life.” While continuing to develop my technical skills I've simultaneously been immersing myself in traditional teaching through elders, friends, family, and ceremony. As a result of these experiences I've become more interested in the Seven Sacred Teachings and their importance to our culture.
I grew up without the supports of a traditional nuclear family, and was independent from an early age. Now, as a young father myself these teachings have been fundamental in shaping my world view, and helping me become a better husband and father. Currently I'm producing studies of the Seven Sacred Teachings using pencil crayon on black Mayfair Paper. These works will draw upon my understanding of the Seven Teachings with the intention of being visually evocative while still offering my personal translation of the importance of these teachings and the role they've had for me.
Graffiti Art Programming is pleased to announce new workshops at Studio 393 facilitated by Jordan Stranger, in conjunction with Synonym Art Consultation’s Wall-to-Wall Mural and Culture Festival.
The workshops will be presented at Studio 393, located in the Skywalk between Portage Place Shopping Centre and The Bay, Wednesday August 29th, Thursday August 30th, and Friday August 31st from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Workshops are free to attend on a drop in basis! The artist is available for interviews.
The workshops’ theme will focus on the Four Seasons – Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter – as an exploration to help participants reconnect with nature. Participants will be given the opportunity to draw and paint each season and what they like about them – they can paint whatever they like and however much they want to – they sky’s the limit! Participants can choose to paint their favourite aspects of each season and Jordan will assist all attendees with creative brainstorming and one-on-one facilitation with painting and drawing techniques.
Pencil, paint, or digital, Jordan Stranger communicates the importance of life, culture and acceptance. Jordan's works are deeply rooted in the traditions within contemporary Indigenous culture. As an Oji-Cree individual, Jordan uses his life experiences to drive his artistic passions.