"We did not think of the great open plains, the beautiful rolling hills, and winding streams with tangled growth as "wild". To us it was tame. Earth was bountiful and we were surrounded with the blessings of the Great Mystery."

Luther Standing Bear - Rosebud Sioux

Guardian of the Water Medicine

Guardian of the Water Medicine
Dale Auger

Dale Auger

Dale Auger: On Art, Blood and Kindred Spirits
by Terri Mason

Defining Dale Auger in one sentence is akin to releasing the colours of a diamond in one cut. It can’t be done. It’s the many facets that release a diamond’s true brilliance, as it is the many facets of Auger’s life, education, ancestry, experiences and beliefs that have shaped and polished his work into the internationally acclaimed and collected artist that he is today.

Born a Sakaw Cree from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta, Auger’s education began as a young boy when his mother would take him to be with the elders. “I used to say to myself, ‘Why is she leaving me with these old people?’ – but today I see the reason; I was being taught in the old way.”

Auger’s respect for traditional teachings led him on a journey to study art, opening the door to a doctorate in education. He is a talented playwright, speaker and visual artist whose vividly coloured acrylics have captured the attention of collectors that reads like an international ‘Who’s Who’ spanning English to Hollywood royalty. The essence of his work is communication, and now Dr. Auger has come full circle, interpreting the life of his culture – from the everyday to the sacred - through the cross-cultural medium of art.

Read the rest here:

http://www.daleauger.com/printversionbio.cfm

Monday, February 11, 2008

Touch Of Culture

Many years ago, Pam Baker began a lifelong search to provide First Nations people a stage to showcase their culture. In 1988, Pam established ‘Touch of Culture’, workshops for Aboriginal women and teens to help them develop increased self-esteem, life skills and cultural awareness.

Funding for the workshops was raised through fashion shows that showcased First Nations models, artists and designers. And after two successful years, Pam recognized the need to continue her work on a more formal stage; she registered at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles and received her degree in fashion design.

Pam returned to Canada in 1998 with the intention of sharing her experiences, technical skills and business acumen with other First Nations people. ‘Touch of Culture’ was re-born and the new venture incorporated a school of design, a production facility and a design studio. Located on the Capilano Reserve (Indian Reservation) in North Vancouver, ‘Touch of Culture’ (TOC) is centred on the principle of providing First Nations peoples with the opportunity to explore how modern technology and style can be blended with traditional values and symbols.

Pam is a celebrated guest speaker, workshop facilitator and designer; she blends intelligence, humour and thought-provoking ideas into her collection which includes sportswear, ready-to-wear, wearable art and limited edition one-of-a-kind pieces.

Get a look at some of her work here: http://www.toclegends.com/enter/
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