National Aboriginal Day posters unveiled in Ottawa

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For centuries Aboriginal people have used art as an important tool in expressing identity. On Aug. 9, 1999, the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development invited all new, emerging and professional artists of Aboriginal ancestry to submit their original artwork for the National Aboriginal Day poster competition. They received almost 200 submissions in the Celebrating First Nations category.

Taking Time to Remember, 1999

by David Hannan

The artists were to submit a work that would reflect one of three themes: celebrating First Nations, celebrating Inuit culture or celebrating the Metis culture. On March 28 in a ceremony at the House of Commons in Ottawa, the posters were unveiled. The winners were Ramus Avingaq, David Hannan and Christine Sioui Wawanoloath.

The jury selection committee, made up of professional Aboriginal artists, chose the winning pieces based on originality, artistic merit, and technical quality.

Ramus Avingaq, 23, is from Igloolik, Nunavut, and has been drawing and sculpting since childhood. His winning art design titled Tugurlaaq is based on a story about a powerful female shaman who can read people's thoughts.

Metis David Hannan, 29, who is from Ottawa and a graduate of the Ontario College of Art, won with his piece titled Taking Time to Remember. Hannan's goal is to advance the concerns of the Metis people through the medium of visual art.

Celebrating on Corn Beads, 1999

by Christine Sioui Wawanoloath

Christine Sioui Wawanoloath, 48, from Wendake, Que., won in the Celebrating First Nations category for her design Celebrating on Corn Beads. An established artist, Wawanoloath studied history and art at Manitou College.

"The winning artists are just wonderful. Each of the winners received $ 5,000 and were handed a laminated poster of their winning piece," said Caroline Douglas, acting manager for public education in the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. "The celebration was wonderful. We had a nice ceremony," she said.

Avingaq left his community for the first time when he came to Ottawa for the celebrations.

"He is quite an impressive artist," said Douglas. "Christine Sioui Wawanoloath submitted something quite colorful and David Hannan is getting quite a name for himself amongst the artists' circles. The art work is quite exciting," she said.

The winning pieces are also featured on postcards and book marks.

"We are hoping that these posters will attract a lot of attention. They are bold, new, and are colorful. We are encouraging people to call in for their trio. We are encouraging the people to use the postcards to send to loved ones, friends and colleagues to make them aware of National Aboriginal Day," said Douglas. "The products are available through all of our regional offices. We expect the merchandise to be extremely popular this year. It is the new millennium and we wanted to start it off with a bang and introduce a colorful and new line of products. I think that we've succeeded," she said.

Tugurlaaq, 1999

by Ramus Avingaq

National Aboriginal Day on June 21 is a day of celebration for Aboriginal people all across Canada. Its purpose is to recognize and celebrate Aboriginal people and Aboriginal culture. Events will be held in every region across the country. For a detailed list of activities in your area contact your nearest Aboriginal community or organization or visit the government web site at www.inac.gc.ca.