Twelve Indigenous artists based in Tkarón:to exhibit their responses to cultural teachings as mediums of resilience.

Location: Gallery 1313 (1313 Queen St. W.)

Dates: June 19th-29th

Gallery hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 1pm-6pm

Opening Reception: June 20th, 7pm- 9:30pm

I Keep My Heart Wrapped in Leather: The Teachings Our Elders Gave is a contemporary art exhibition featuring twelve Indigenous artists based in Tkarón:to. Explore the gifts and skills of Indigenous youth and the community that grows from building bridges between generations.

Artists have responded to a series of cultural teachings over seven months facilitated by the Our Stories Our Truths mentorship program. Through creative expression, artists connect to Indigenous knowledge in urban contexts. I Keep My Heart Wrapped in Leather explores how creating and exhibiting art can contribute to healing and agency. This project is collaborative, as groups share emotional, historical, and technical knowledge. I Keep My Heart Wrapped in Leather acts as a dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous art and space, empowering Indigenous youth to share their stories of resilience with the widest possible audience.

Opening Reception on June 20th from 7pm-9:30pm features artist performances, vendor table, remarks, and catering by The Wholesome Conscious. The reception is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the Our Stories Our Truths artists and National Indigenous Peoples Day which takes place on June 21st.

I Keep My Heart Wrapped in Leather is brought to you by Our Stories Our Truths which is proudly supported by the Youth Opportunities Fund, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Canadian Roots Exchange, Indigenous Education Network, and the University of Toronto Faculty of Information.

Curated by Kathleen Lew and Emily Pokocky

Our Stories Our Truths is facilitated by Aura and Chief Lady Bird.

Artwork by

Tristan Martell

Damien Shawanda

Kaya Joan

Edan Maxam

Mariah Meawasige

Jennifer Messon

Jade Meawasige

OneWhoWatchesFires

Jordan Snyder

Emma “Niigaanii” Petahtegoose

Michaela Coyoli Basman Montembio

Megan Feheley

Karenata

Contact: ourstoriesourtruths@gmail.com

Instagram: @ourstoriesourtruths

Twitter: OSOT_Tkaronto