'BuffaloMech' is an exhibition created by Indigenous undergraduate students studying at the University of Lethbridge. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Fort Whoop-Up to debut new exhibition ‘BuffaloMech’ for National Indigenous Peoples Day

Jun 19, 2024 | 9:41 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Fort Whoop-Up will debut a new Indigenous art exhibition this week.

BuffaloMech is an exhibition of interdisciplinary creative work by Indigenous undergraduate students studying at the University of Lethbridge (U of L).

The exhibition offers participants the opportunity to design, discuss and make a creative work as a cohort over a period of five months. The exhibit challenges ideas of what technology is and what it means for a technology to be advanced.

For the exhibit, Fort Whoop-Up said student artists learned how to use new technologies and skills, research contemporary and historical materials and themes, and consult with Elders and professionals in the community.

Dr. Migueltzinta Solís, project lead and assistant professor in Indigenous Art said, “This exhibition hopes to address a gap in programming and exhibition opportunities for early career Indigenous artists who are working at an advanced level and are ready to professionalize their creative practice.”

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Solís added, “I appreciate the Galt Museum for transforming Fort Whoop-Up into a space for Blackfoot history and cultural expression. I think a lot of museums and galleries could follow their example.”

Funding from a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Exchange Grant was able to provide the artists with $700 each for their work.

New Media student Darby Herman, who worked on the project, said, “Working with the BuffaloMech project has been a great opportunity for me to delve deeper into discovering what kind of Indigenous artist I am. It challenged me to think about what I value most about my cultural background and how to bring that forth with new technology to share it with others.”

BuffaloMech marks the first public event from the Centre for Indigenous Arts Research & Technology at the U of L.

It will be unveiled as part of National Indigenous Peoples Day on Friday, June 21, 2024.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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