Tracy Charette Fehr: Heartbeat of a Nation – Métis Women, 250 Years

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Tracey Fehr, "Bowls," 2021

installation view

Tracy Charette Fehr: Heartbeat of a Nation – Métis Women, 250 Years

Fehr marks 250 years by tracing the history of seven generations of Métis grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters and cousins, back to 1770. These stories are represented by 250 individually hand formed clay bowls on display in Nakishkamohk – the name given to the space between WAG and Qaumajuq by Métis Elder Verna Demontigny. These ceramic bowls blend traditional and contemporary hand building and firing techniques and are inspired by past generations of Métis creators and artists. 

Though the Red River Métis are historically a matriarchal Nation, that tradition has eroded over time and Métis women have not been given due recognition for their role in the birth and cultural development of the Métis Nation. The intention of Heartbeat of a Nation is to acknowledge the strength, labour, and resiliency of Métis women in the community. At the close of the exhibition, the bowls will be gifted to 250 Métis Nation women across Manitoba. 

As part of the exhibition’s programming, Métis Kitchen Table Teachings offers an educational series dedicated to the transmission of Métis Nation’s knowledge and culture. In partnership with the Manitoba Metis Federation and the Infinity Women Secretariat, WAG-Qaumajuq is very proud to highlight traditional teachings, including a video series featuring intergenerational family stories told by Métis women. 

The public is invited to join us on the WAG rooftop on Friday, August 20, from 7-9PM for the free opening celebration featuring a Red River Métis fiddle jam with Tayler Flemming and Melissa St. Goddard. 

“Women have been at the heart of Métis community since the inception of our Nation. We are the rightful community leaders and thinkers, silenced by colonization. I’m very pleased to be co-curating this exhibition with my colleague Riva Symko, Head of Collections and Exhibitions, and I am grateful to be sharing the stories of our Matriarchs through the Métis Kitchen Table Teachings programming for this exhibition.”  — Julia Lafreniere, Head of Indigenous Initiatives, WAG-Qaumajuq

“Connecting and empowering Métis women across our Nation is the core function of the Infinity Women Secretariat – it’s also the work that lives closest to our hearts.  Initiatives like this are vital to elevating our history, reminding all Canadians that the women of the Red River Métis played a critical role in the development of our families, our culture, our province and our country. It’s time for our stories to be told.”  — Anita Campbell, Spokeswoman, Infinity Women Secretariat 

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my work in this exhibit. Making these 250 bowls has been my way of honouring Métis mothers, grandmothers, sisters and aunts. I hope that people will see the exhibit and join in celebrating the contributions, strength and resilience of Métis women.” — Tracy Charette Fehr, Artist