09/28/2026
For National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Gallery and Curator Nadine Bariteau reflect on how the current show ‘Super/Natural Creatures’ is shaped by the values of Truth and Reconciliation.
The exhibit is the result of three years of relationship building—of exchanges, trust, and deep respect between the artists Charles Jules (Nuu-chah-nulth), James Kwaksistala (Kwakwaka’wakw), Alexander J. Mark (Nuu-chah-nulth), Thomas Whitely (Inuit) and Bariteau, who served as both curator and printmaking mentor.
Five years ago, Bariteau, a master printmaker, started the Art Hive, an open studio program run by the gallery that helped pave the way for the current show. It was national dialogue around Truth and Reconciliation that prompted her to share her printmaking skills as means of personal reconciling, learning, and community building.
She shares how the concept of the circle strongly influenced her:
“The idea of the circle in Indigenous belief is we are all equal, and so for me in the circle everyone has something to give. What I have to give is printmaking.”
The thread of sharing knowledge has continued through the wood carving workshops James Kwaksistala hosted at the gallery and whose work can be seen in the satellite gallery’s 'Becoming Super/Natural,' along with the program “Welcome to the Carving Shed,” where visitors can witness live carving by Kwaksistala.
Now the exhibition welcomes visitors to participate in this legacy. 'Super/Natural Creatures' brings to life the four artist’s ancestral storytelling while also powerfully revealing the relationships of mutual respect, learning, and sharing that grounds the show in the values of community and Truth and Reconciliation.
'Super/Natural Creatures' is on now until October 31st! The Art Hive will also be selling orange shirts on September 30th for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Kwanwatsi Big House starting at 11AM! All shirts are designed by local Indigenous artists!
