Edmonton – This morning the Honourable Robert E. Wanner, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, unveiled original works of art by renowned Indigenous artist Alex Janvier, CM, AOE, RCA, LLD (Hon). The diptych, entitled
Sunrise and Sunset, was donated by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), and will be permanently installed in the Legislative Assembly Chamber.
“Sunrise and Sunset will be welcome additions to the Legislative Assembly Chamber.These stunning works of art by Alex Janvier will forever honour the past and present contributions of Indigenous peoples to our province, and serve as reminders
to all Members of the Legislative Assembly that we must never lose sight of our ultimate duty, which is to ensure the decisions we make on behalf of our constituents create positive and meaningful change in the lives of all Albertans presently and
for generations to come,” said Speaker Wanner.
The ceremony, which was witnessed by Indigenous elders and leaders from across the province, included an Honour Song by drummer Rocky Morin followed by an opening prayer by Métis Knowledge Keeper Norma Spicer and Cree Elder Bob Cardinal, with a
smudging by Hunter and Jacquelyn Cardinal.
Remarks were brought by:
- Honourable Robert E. Wanner, Speaker
- Her Honour the Honourable Lois Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor
- The Office of the Premier
- The Official Opposition
- The Alberta Party Opposition
- Mr. Guy Smith, AUPE President
- Mr. Alex Janvier, CM, AOE, RCA, LLD (Hon)
The event closed with a performance by Métis Fiddler Brianna Lizotte.
A private traditional blessing took place in the Legislative Assembly Chamber on Sunday, March 17, 2018.
A Denesuline from Cold Lake First Nations, Janvier has been a professional artist for several decades. He is renowned for his unique abstract style, which features distinct curved lines and bright colour combinations. His murals adorn many public buildings,
including the Canadian Museum of History and Sherwood Park’s County Hall.
Numerous galleries have exhibited Janvier’s paintings, both nationally and internationally. In 2012, the Art Gallery of Alberta hosted a major exhibition comprising over 90 paintings, and between 2016 and 2018 his art was shown in a travelling exhibition
curated by the National Gallery of Canada.
Janvier is the recipient of the Order of Canada, the Governor General’s award in visual and media arts and the National Aboriginal Lifetime Achievement award. In 2008 he was honoured with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Marion Nicoll visual
arts award, and in 2010 he was invested into the Alberta Order of Excellence.
Photos of the artwork are located on flickr at https://www.flickr.com/photos/legassemblyofab/
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For media inquiries and more information:
Tracey Sales
Communications Consultant
Mobile: 780.862.6446
tracey.sales@assembly.ab.ca
Alex McCuaig, Chief of Staff to the Speaker
Legislative Assembly of Alberta
Office: 780.427.2464
Alex.McCuaig@assembly.ab.ca