CURRENT ACTIVITIES AND PAST ACHIEVEMENTS

2015: The Business of Art + Craft Workshop Series: Lac La Biche Outreach School / Lac La Biche
2015: Bandolier Bag Workshop: Westmount Fresh Start / Edmonton
2014: Kayas Achimowin – Memories of the Metis (Oral History Compilation - Video and Archival Photographs)
2014: Established an Interpretive Gallery of Aboriginal Traditional and Contemporary Art and Craft / Vilna
2014: Aboriginal Welcoming - Citizenship Ceremony / Fort Edmonton Park, Edmonton
2013: National Aboriginal Day Celebrations (Fund Development) / Metis Crossing
2013: Strategic Planning, Renewed Interpretations and Exhibition Spaces / Metis Crossing
2013: Wisdoms' Path: Museum Assistance Program (Fund Development) / Metis Crossing
2013: Four Lodges: Economic Outcomes Through Cultural Arts / Buffalo Lake, Kikino and Caslan Schools
2013: Kayas Achimowin: Digital Transmission of Oral History / Buffalo Lake, Kikino and Caslan Schools
2013: Sakeweyahk (Within the Shelter of the Forest): Aboriginal Artist in Residency Program / Metis Crossing
2013: Identity + Pride: Aboriginal Youth Cultural Arts Project / Blue Lake Centre, Hinton
2012: Established an Interpretive Gallery of Aboriginal Art and Culture / Blue Lake Centre, Hinton
2012: Established and Outfitted Six Aboriginal Arts Studios / Blue Lake Centre, Hinton
2012: Participatory Activities in Aboriginal Tourism: Design and Delivery / Blue Lake Centre
2012: Walking Together: FNMI Resource for Teachers and Educators: Principal Writers / www.Learnalberta.ca
2012: Kapesiwin Travelling Exhibition: National Aboriginal Day / Jasper National Park
2011: Metis Cultural Youth Camp / Blue Lake Centre and Metis Crossing
2011: Flowers for Nitanis: 500 Pieces of Floral Beadwork – Exhibition / Edmonton City Hall
2011: Stone Cutter’s Studio – Exhibition and Artist’s Demonstrations : St. Albert Children’s Festival / St. Albert
2011: Through a Woman’s Hand: Aboriginal Women’s Fine Craft Exhibition: Lois Hole Hospital for Women / Edmonton

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY

Formally established in 2010, the AACA has developed a charter to insure that the organization remains up-to-date with current industry practices. Supported by it's  Board of Directors, the AACA believes that participation and continuous learning is essential to the success of the mission and vision of the society. To achieve this objective, the AACA retains a number of professional memberships, including the Alberta Museums Association, the Alberta Craft Council, Arts Bridges, and Lakeland Tourism, among others. 

Our individual expertise at the AACA board level has rippled out into the community, and we are pleased to be further supporting Aboriginal arts and perspectives by providing executive positions with the Smoky Lake County Heritage Board, the Alberta Indigenous Games, and the Alexander First Nation Pow-Wow Committee.

During 2013 -2014, the AACA has been focused on further developing it's cultural arts and museum services. During this time the AACA Executive Board was able to evaluate and re-organize the Arts Council's management structure, and to draft and present a series of new initiatives. A number of policy documents, including a Museum Collections Manual and an Interpreter’s Policies and Procedures Manual were developed to help advance the AACA towards qualifying for as a recognized museum. 

The AACA’s achievements are directly related to the commitment and participation of its volunteers. Comprised of artists, Elders and arts administrators, the skill sets held by the volunteer board include: arts and cultural management, museum management, library and archives management, professional photography, instructional design, professional writing, developing interpretations, youth engagement, and business acumen.

PAST EXPERIENCE AND PARTNERSHIPS

The AACA has been actively involved in Alberta’s Aboriginal and Arts community since its inception in 2010. Creating opportunities for participation in a spectrum of Aboriginal arts, we have had the good fortunate to partner with so many communities and organizations:

 MacEwan University; Parks Canada; Alberta Parks; Alberta Education; Aseniwuche Winewak Nation; the Centre for Race and Culture, the Metis Nation of Alberta; Metis Settlements of Alberta; Maskwachees  First Nation; Alexander First Nation; the City of Edmonton; the City of St. Albert; the Musee Heritage; Fort Edmonton Park; Edmonton Public Schools; Edmonton Catholic Schools; Aspenview School Division; Northlands School Division; Kipohtakaw Education Authority; Yellowhead Tribal College; Corrections Canada; Aboriginal Policing Unit - RCMP; Northlands’ Kiyanow Showcase; Dreamspeaker’s Film Society; Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development; Portage College; Edson and Hinton Friendship Centres; the Stollery Children’s Hospital; the Lois Hole Hospital; and the David Suzuki Foundation; among others.

Prior to incorporating as a society, the AACA’s founding members have collaborated with many Alberta Aboriginal organizations to create beautiful exhibitions and memorable events, including the Metis Nation of Alberta; Native Counselling Services of Alberta; Sun and Moon Visionaries Society; the Alberta Teachers Association; and the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association, among others.

Aboriginal Arts Council of Alberta

fine Art and Craft

WORKSHOPS - Exhibition