Public Opening Celebration - Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation

Join us for a meaningful day of art, song, and community as we celebrate the public opening of Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation. The day opens with a powerful welcome song by Asiginaak-Negamojig (Blackbird Singers), followed by remarks from museum staff, members of the exhibition’s community advisory panel and Executive Directors of local Native American Centers. 

Throughout the afternoon, enjoy hands-on artmaking for all ages—including a Guest Artist workshop on the North Lawn with Konstance Patton, an artist whose work is featured in the exhibition. Konstance will lead visitors in creating a vibrant collaborative mural on canvas that will later be displayed at the DIA! There will also be puppet-making in the studio, and drawing in the galleries. These drop-in activities reflect the themes of continuance, creativity, and connection explored in the exhibition.

At 1 p.m., gather in Rivera Court for a performance by Asiginaak-Negamojig, a women’s circle devoted to singing solely in Ojibwe (Anishinaabemowin) to strengthen language and connection through music. Through seasonal songs and reflections of artworks, the group shares Anishinaabe stories of survival, renewal, and relationship with the land. This performance bridges traditional and contemporary voices, connecting song with the visual language of the exhibition.

Opening Ceremony, Noon (North Lawn)

• Welcome Song – Asiginaak-Negamojig
• Remarks by Museum Staff
• Maanda Giizhigak (Honor Song) – Asiginaak-Negamojig

Drop-in artmaking activities, 12–4 p.m. 

• Collaborative Mural with Konstance Patton (North Lawn)
• Wildlife Puppet Workshop (Art-Making Studio)
• Drawing in the Galleries (Great Hall)

Closing, 1 p.m. (Rivera Court)

• Performance by Asiginaak-Negamojig
• Songs and reflections tied to artworks and seasons
• Remarks by museum staff
• Round Dance Kamloops Song Goodbye/Travel Song

This celebration is free with general admission. All ages are welcome. 

Come witness the continuation of Anishinaabe art and tradition—through sculpture, song, storytelling, and shared experience