nitayānān kīyāpic ōta
we’re still here
ARTIST
Carly Morrisseau is pursuing a BFA (Honors) with a major in Drawing and a minor in Native Studies at Brandon University. They are interested in pursuing comics, illustration, and different storytelling mediums while also creating artwork using the Cree language. They aim for the revitalization of the language through their art practice while also aspiring to create representation of Indigenous peoples in popular media. Morrisseau is currently teaching art classes at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba for the summer and starting their thesis exhibition in the fall.
LOCATION
PharSyde Convenience
618 Main St
(South-facing wall)
Winnipeg, MB
Treaty 1
Downtown
ABOUT / ARTIST STATEMENT
“We’re still here” depicts an illustration created with the focus of sharing artwork that can be recognized by other Indigenous people through the use of Cree syllabics; a writing system used to depict Cree dialects. With the help of their mother, Diana Morrisseau, they had both decided on the phrase nitayānān kīyāpic ōta which in Cree translates to "we're still here," as a sign that indigeneity and indigenous artists/voices are still prevalent in today's society. The image uses floral designs and patterns to display reciprocity and interconnectedness at the suggestion of their mother due to how important and integral floral designs are presented in indigenous beadwork, especially among Métis artists. By including floral designs in the artwork, it is also a way for them to show solidarity towards their ancestral background as a Métis and Cree artist.
PARTNERS & SUPPORT
Wall-to-Wall Mural & Culture Festival, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, Synonym Art Consultation, Graffiti Art Programming, Signex Manufacturing Inc.