The Bill Reid Gallery’s newest exhibition, Cradled Origins, features eight unique First Nations artists from Nations ranging from Simpcw to Kwakwaka’wakw, working in a diverse set of mediums, such as “carvings, weavings, paintings, and beadworks.” Through their work, each artist showcases their talents through an understanding of cultural traditions and knowledge that they aim to pass down generations. To learn more about the featured artistic works, their creators, and about the exhibition itself, The Peak spoke to curator and long-time gallery collaborator Aliya Boubard, member of Sagkeeng First Nation; and one of the featured artists, Grace Edwards, member of Snaw-Naw-As Nation.
Boubard explained how she began working at the Bill Reid Gallery as the assistant curator and later moved into her current position when her predecessor retired, “this role felt like the perfect fit,” she said. The creation of the exhibition came from the YVR Art Foundation, who asked Boubard and gallery assistant curator Carmen Redunante to “showcase the recipients of their 2024 scholarships.” Her inspiration behind the exhibition’s title, Cradled Origins, came from “one of the artworks featured in the exhibition, A Mother’s True Wealth by Kashka Clellamin.”
“The artists in this exhibition display each of their identities so beautifully”
— Aliya Boubard, curator of Cradled Origins
Diversity is a major theme of Cradled Origins. “The diversity in this exhibition highlights the incredible diversity of First Nations culture throughout BC,” shared Boubard, adding that each artist “represents their own cultural identities so proudly.” Although many of the artists are early in their careers, Boubard explained that “they are already creating exceptional work, and the diversity really showcases the talent that each of them carries.” She hopes visitors will take the time to sit with the artwork and learn about the histories and diversity of Indigenous cultures. She said, “oftentimes, a lot of our cultures are grouped together, but the artists in this exhibition display each of their identities so beautifully.”
Edwards is a hands-on artist, primarily working with acrylic and oil paint and occasionally working with oil pastels and charcoal. She explained that becoming an artist felt like “a natural path.” Even as a child, she was always tapped into her creative side, and it was in her teenage years that she decided to pursue a career in the arts. There was also a cultural belief that played a role in her decision, “there is a teaching that every person holds a role that aids in the well-being of the community; whether that individual is an artist, leader, or healer, they play a crucial part in the fabric of a community.” Art has allowed her to share her story and bring it to life.
Edwards shared that her experience with the 2024 Emerging Artists Scholarship at the YVR Art Foundation was very beneficial to her art, as it helped her work on her major project, The Creators, and showcase her work at Cradled Origins. Edwards hopes that viewers of her work will “take the time to recognize the importance of generational connections, the resilience and strength of women creators, and the ongoing cultural practices that women keep alive in Coast Salish communities.”
Support Indigenous artists’ works at Cradled Origins, on display at the Bill Reid Gallery until January 17, 2027. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, but students receive a $5 discount by showing their ID at the point of purchase.
