A Cause for Celebration? First Things First
March 2017 – September 2017
A Cause for Celebration? First Things First presented the work of three contemporary Indigenous artists and one new Canadian artist who deal with issues of past and present, healing and justice, hope and vision. Diverse in their practices, these artists create work that speaks to present day issues, problems and solutions that emphasize the universality of human experiences. In learning from the past, we will adapt for the future. We will thrive. And that is a cause for celebration.
Featuring the work of:
- Mohan
- Nyle Johnston
- Anong Beam
- Ann Beam
Curated by: Virginia Eichhorn and Andrea Jackman
DialoguesPHOTOS: A Cause for Celebration? First Things First Opening Event
The Record: THEMUSEUM receives federal funds for Canada 150 art exhibit
CBC Kitchener: New Indigenous exhibition at THEMUSEUM attracts audience and federal dollars
Dept. Canadian Heritage: Supporting Diverse Voices in Kitchener
Imprint: Looking back at 150 years of Confederation with Indigenous history
We are the experts on what we need.
Don’t feed us your good intentions,
Carefully laid apologies will not get you an historical exemption.
We plan our actions for the next seven generations and we invite you to do the same.
Excerpt from my poem called “Etuaptmumk” or Two Eyed Seeing.
It’s important to recognize that there were people here millenia before settlers came to our shores. The celebrate Canada 150 without that understanding would be hubris.

Rebecca Thomas
Poet Laureate Halifax