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Item Name: Painting
Title: Metis Bison Wheel
Maker: Leah Dorion
Year: 2020
Materials: Acrylic on Canvas
Measurements: 48" by 48"
ID Number: PC2022.1
Legal Status: PERMANENT COLLECTION
Extended Label Info: This painting was originally created to support Métis cultural resource development with the Métis Nation of British Columbia. It celebrates the role of the bison in the development of the Métis culture. During much of the nineteenth century, bison hunting was integral to the Métis’ social, economic, and political life. As “people of the buffalo,” the Métis were bison hunters par excellence. This painting is by artist Leah Dorion who uses symbolism to celebrate the role of bison in Métis culture. The wheel motif is based on the Red River cart, a historically important form of transport for Métis families, and often used for travel out to the bison hunting camps. The design incorporated in the rim of the cartwheel is based on the tepee, a tent-like dwelling that the Métis and other Indigenous peoples used for travel on the prairies. The circle around the wheel reflects the traditional plan of Metis encampments, which were set up in a large circle. Two baby bison in the centre of the wheel emphasize the important role children have in Métis society. Beside them, Dorion has painted the infinity symbol which is part of the Métis flag, and incorporated motifs from Métis floral beadwork designs. The green vines and stems represent eternal growth for the Métis Nation: past, present, and future. Twelve adult bison on the rim of the wheel represent the protective role of adults in the Métis community. Each of the adult bison are decorated with designs based on seasonal stories told through-out the year, teachings of Métis values and beliefs. Four of the bison have purple Métis infinity symbols on them and represent the Cardinal directions. The bison on the wheel are positioned to give the sense of movement, suggesting that the wheel is actively turning. Leah Dorion is also an author of several books, including “Métis Camp Circle: A Bison Way of Life” (2019) which transports young readers back in time when bison were the basis of Métis lifeways on the Plains. Leah Marie Dorion (1970 - ) is an Indigenous (Métis) artist, educator, storyteller and author. Born in Nipawin, Sk., she currently lives in Prince Albert, in Treaty Six Territory. Self-taught, Dorion credits her creative family for inspiring her to take up painting and the traditional Métis arts. The themes in Dorion’s work include Métis culture and history, spirituality, and the history and roles of women in Métis and Indigenous culture. Dorion often combines contemporary materials and art styles with traditional Métis symbols and beadwork motifs. Dorion’s artwork has been exhibited regionally and is held in private and public collections. Her publications include: “The Giving Tree: A Métis Story about Giving and Receiving” (2009).
Title: Metis Bison Wheel
Maker: Leah Dorion
Year: 2020
Materials: Acrylic on Canvas
Measurements: 48" by 48"
ID Number: PC2022.1
Legal Status: PERMANENT COLLECTION
Extended Label Info: This painting was originally created to support Métis cultural resource development with the Métis Nation of British Columbia. It celebrates the role of the bison in the development of the Métis culture. During much of the nineteenth century, bison hunting was integral to the Métis’ social, economic, and political life. As “people of the buffalo,” the Métis were bison hunters par excellence. This painting is by artist Leah Dorion who uses symbolism to celebrate the role of bison in Métis culture. The wheel motif is based on the Red River cart, a historically important form of transport for Métis families, and often used for travel out to the bison hunting camps. The design incorporated in the rim of the cartwheel is based on the tepee, a tent-like dwelling that the Métis and other Indigenous peoples used for travel on the prairies. The circle around the wheel reflects the traditional plan of Metis encampments, which were set up in a large circle. Two baby bison in the centre of the wheel emphasize the important role children have in Métis society. Beside them, Dorion has painted the infinity symbol which is part of the Métis flag, and incorporated motifs from Métis floral beadwork designs. The green vines and stems represent eternal growth for the Métis Nation: past, present, and future. Twelve adult bison on the rim of the wheel represent the protective role of adults in the Métis community. Each of the adult bison are decorated with designs based on seasonal stories told through-out the year, teachings of Métis values and beliefs. Four of the bison have purple Métis infinity symbols on them and represent the Cardinal directions. The bison on the wheel are positioned to give the sense of movement, suggesting that the wheel is actively turning. Leah Dorion is also an author of several books, including “Métis Camp Circle: A Bison Way of Life” (2019) which transports young readers back in time when bison were the basis of Métis lifeways on the Plains. Leah Marie Dorion (1970 - ) is an Indigenous (Métis) artist, educator, storyteller and author. Born in Nipawin, Sk., she currently lives in Prince Albert, in Treaty Six Territory. Self-taught, Dorion credits her creative family for inspiring her to take up painting and the traditional Métis arts. The themes in Dorion’s work include Métis culture and history, spirituality, and the history and roles of women in Métis and Indigenous culture. Dorion often combines contemporary materials and art styles with traditional Métis symbols and beadwork motifs. Dorion’s artwork has been exhibited regionally and is held in private and public collections. Her publications include: “The Giving Tree: A Métis Story about Giving and Receiving” (2009).