Indigenous Art Collection
During the Manito Ahbee Festival at the RBC Convention Centre in May 2016, community elders and special guests gathered to commemorate and unveil an Indigenous art collection that was recently donated to the convention centre.
Local businesswoman Christiane Laengin donated over 60 pieces of her collection to the convention centre in hopes that it can be displayed in honour of the Indigenous culture and to the benefit of all citizens of Winnipeg and visitors to the RBC Convention Centre.
As former owner of Springhill Lumber Wholesale, Laengin had the opportunity to work with First Nations communities in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario where they supplied materials and offered the skills training required for home building.
For over 30 years, she would visit these communities, experience their warm hospitality and meet so many incredible artists willing to share their talent. Her collection has grown to hundreds of pieces and the RBC Convention Centre is proud to feature over 60 pieces by 21 artists.
“The talent that I saw in these communities was exceptional,” said Laengin. “I’m happy to have collected these paintings and even happier to be able to share them. Everyone should have the opportunity to see these beautiful pieces of art and take the time to really study them and feel the spirit within.”
The art collection has been hung in public gathering places in the South Building of the newly expanded RBC Convention Centre including the main floor Carlton Lobby, second floor Mezzanine and third floor Carlton Concourse as well as in boardrooms and the Administrative Offices.
Out of respect to the artists and in conjunction with the Manito Ahbee Festival, a blessing and smudging of the art pieces took place.
“The Manito Ahbee Festival is humbled to partner with the RBC Convention Centre to honour Indigenous artists through ceremony and in the spirit of reconciliation bringing healing through art,” said Lisa Meeches, Executive Director, Manito Ahbee.
Featured Artists
The art collection on display at the RBC Convention Centre features the following artists:
- Collins Campbell
- Larry Courchene (Spotted Wolf)
- Len Fairchuk (White Buffalo)
- Chandler Good
- Markus Houston
- Peter Kakegamic
- Robert Kakegamic
- Lloyd Kakekapetum
- Eddie Kakepetum
- Morley Kakepetum
- Roger Kakepetum
- Wally Kakepetum
- Sydney Kirkness
- Saul Mamawakeesick
- Jeffery McLeod
- Ernest Meekis
- Shurelle Morrison
- Don Ningewance
- Riley Osborne
- Thomas Thomas
- Linus Woods
Wally Kakepetum, Artist
Lisa Meeches, Executive Director, Manito Ahbee
Christiane Laengin (centre), Donor
Blessing and Smudge by Manito Ahbee