Aboriginal Artists of Newfoundland and Labrador

Unique, long awaited profile of the Aboriginal artists of Newfoundland and Labrador
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador has a unique, Aboriginal history, tradition, and cultural expression. First, the first ever exhibition of the arts and culture of four major Aboriginal groups, Mi'kmaq, Métis, Innu, and Inuit, was curated, launched, and toured to celebrate the work of forty-six artists. First included drawings, paintings, sculptures, carvings, grass-works, doll making, photography, and jewelry, in a wide variety of materials and media. 156 works were eventually commissioned, collected, and shown.

First - The publication: A unique and permanent record of the most significant Aboriginal art and artists working today. This publication is a permanent record of the First exhibition and a demonstration of the depth and creativity of Aboriginal art as it exists today in Newfoundland and Labrador. As such, it is an invaluable archival and educational tool that celebrates Aboriginal culture and is a special record of a unique event. The foreword by Dr. Adrian Tanner, who has long associated with the Aboriginal peoples of this province, establishes a context for an appreciation of this exhibit. Five essays from representatives of the Mi'kmaq, Métis, Innu, and Inuit peoples emphasize the relationship between Aboriginal identity and artistic expression.

The main body of the publication features a portrait of each artist, a statement in the artist's own words, and a full color reproduction of their art work. In addition, there is a translation of the artist's statement into his or her Aboriginal language (Mi'kmaq, Innu-aimun, Inuktitut) which appears at the end of the book, plus a glossary of terms, and a list of references.

First - The artists: Essential, personal, information Forty-six artists... forty-six stories. More than biographical and beyond the philosophical. Each artist in First speaks to the reader in his or her "own words". It records what needs to be known about the history, meaning, and environment in which these works of art have been created.

First - A work of art First was released in June of 1997 to the public by its publisher, the St. John's Native Friendship Centre. The designer is Vis-A-Vis Graphics and printed by Robinson-Blackmore.

List of artists

To order First, contact: Bob White

The St. John's Native Friendship Centre
716 Water Street
St. John's, NL
A1E 1C1
Tel.: (709) 726-5902 / (709) 726-5970
Fax: (709) 726-3557
E-mail: volunteercoordinator@friendshipcentre.nf.net