Niitsi’powahsinni (The Words That Carry the Breath of Our Ancestors) – Amber Weasel Head
Niitsi’powahsinni (The Words That Carry the Breath of Our Ancestors) – Amber Weasel Head
My journey through arts has been a deep connection with our language, even though I am not a fluent speaker, I believe that through arts, we have the ability to speak the words of our ancestors. I feel that our language connects us to the essence of our ancestral being and the power inherent in our artistic expressions.
Amber Weasel Head, an Indigenous artist of Blackfoot (Kainai) and Bitter Root Salish , intertwines her stories and journeys within her spirit with her artwork. From beadwork to visual arts, her versatile art forms transcend mediums, showcasing her deep connection to her culture and ancestors. Drawing inspiration from the sunsets, sunrises, and spiritual connections that surround her, Amber believes in the healing power of art and its ability to tell the stories of our spirits. With each brushstroke or stitch, she breathes life into her pieces, allowing them to become their own stories while they also breathe life into those who experience them. As she continues on her journey, Amber aims to share her visions, expand her education, and inspire others through her creative expressions. Amber resides in northern Alberta with her husband Jamie and three children, Sekoya, Kimowan & Kihiw.
Date:June 15th, 2024 – August 24th, 2024
Location:Casa – Saokitapi Gallery
Organizer
The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC) was established on March 20, 1958 with the intent of encouraging, coordinating, and promoting the arts in Lethbridge and area. The AAC continues this mission to this day.
The original 16 Allied Members of the AAC were the: Alberta Association of Architects, Alberta Teacher’s Association, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Black & White Photography Club, Classical Record Club, Colour Camera Club, Lethbridge Ballet Auxiliary, Lethbridge Handicraft Guild, Lethbridge Jazz Society, Lethbridge Philosophical Society, Lethbridge Public Library Board, Lethbridge Registered Music Teachers Association, Lethbridge Women’s Music Club, Playgoers of Lethbridge, Quota Club, and University Women’s Club.
In 1964, the City of Lethbridge tasked the AAC with the management of the Bowman Arts Centre. AAC staff provided support to local arts organizations, created multi-disciplinary arts education programming, coordinated the gallery program, and provided a central hub for the arts community.
Throughout the years, the AAC has provided input and advocacy on arts issues including civic arts and culture facilities, the formation of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, the City of Lethbridge Public Art Policy, the City of Lethbridge Municipal Development Plan, and the City of Lethbridge Recreation and Culture Plan. The organization also programs community events like Arts Days and the Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts.
In 2009 the administrative staff moved out of the Bowman and into the current administrative offices on 7th Street in downtown Lethbridge. In 2013, the programming staff moved out of the Bowman and into the newly built Casa community arts centre. This purpose-built facility was part of the AAC’s Arts Re: Building Together Campaign, which included advocacy for the renovation of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery facility and a new performing arts centre.
The Allied Arts Council continues to work to advance and enhance the arts at all levels of government and brings support to Lethbridge’s incredibly vibrant arts community.
Casa opened in May of 2013 and has embraced core concepts of experimentation, incubation, learning, and growing. Serving a multi-generational community, with varying art skill sets and interests in all disciplines of the arts, Casa is a busy space. The building far surpasses the original vision for expansion and sets a new standard for interdisciplinary arts centres.
Designing the building was a comprehensive and collaborative process led by Pendergast Nyhoff Collaborative Architecture (PNCA) working in conjunction with the local architectural firm of Ferrari Westwood Babits. The architectural team visited numerous arts education institutions and also met with members of the local arts community to define requirements for a truly functional 42,000 square foot art centre. The resulting building design is truly impressive. Funding for the project were provided by the Federal Build Canada Fund ($6,000,000.), the Provincial MSI Fund ($14,900,000.), and the City of Lethbridge ($200,000).
The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge manages Casa on behalf of the City of Lethbridge. Learn more about visitor numbers, events and programs in the previous year by reading the Allied Arts Council’s Annual Report.
