UWinnipeg, WAG appoint first-in-Canada indigenous arts position

The University of Winnipeg and Winnipeg Art Gallery have created a first-in-Canada to highlight indigenous art.

Julie Nagam has been appointed as chair in History of Indigenous Arts in North America. The joint position between the university and WAG will involve research and teaching in the U of W's department of history as well as curatorial and exhibition work at the gallery.

Nagam, who assumes the post this week, is responsible for researching and developing a series of courses, exhibitions and related programs "designed to engage, enhance, and develop the area of Indigenous art," a news release stated.

My goals are to empower a new generation of students with knowledge of Indigenous artists, curators, activists, and scholarship.- Julie Nagam

"This is an important first for Winnipeg and for Canada — and the WAG is proud to be spearheading this international, game-changing initiative with UWinnipeg," WAG director Stephen Borys stated in the release.

Nagam comes to Winnipeg from the Indigenous Visual Culture Program and the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences at OCAD University (formerly the Ontario College of Art and Design). She holds a PhD from York University, as well as an MA (Native Studies) and a BA Honours (Women Studies and Art History) from the University of Manitoba.

"I foresee a pivotal moment for Winnipeg as a key site for contemporary Indigenous art," she states in the news release.

"My goals are to empower a new generation of students with knowledge of Indigenous artists, curators, activists, and scholarship, and to place the WAG and UWinnipeg as leading institutions that will showcase the strength of the Indigenous arts community within Manitoba and abroad."