Tepakohp (ᑌᐸᑯᐦᑊ) is the Néhiyaw word for seven and has deep significance for Indigenous communities throughout the world. For example, the Haudenosaunee’s (Iroquois) Seventh Generation Principle is a philosophy where decisions made in the present should result in a sustainable future for seven generations to come. Shared by Indigenous nations here on Turtle Island the Seven Grandfather Teachings of Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility and Wisdom are a set of guiding principles to live a good life. As we look towards the future, it is noteworthy that for many families it is now the 7th generation since the Indian Act was first signed in Canada in 1876.

It is no coincidence that one the first independently organized Indigenous artist collectives, The Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. (PNIAI) was a group of seven. The collective, including Daphne Odjig, Alex Janvier, Jackson Beardy, Eddy Cobiness, Norval Morrisseau, Carl Ray and Joseph Sanchez paved the way and made space for all Indigenous artists in a world where only white male landscape painters (Group of Seven) were celebrated in what we currently call Canada. Daphne Odjig founded this group in 1972, only a mere twelve years after it was legal for her to vote (1960) and was its only female member. To say she was a trailblazer and incredible inspiration to Indigenous women and artists is an understatement.

The show entitled “Tepakohp (ᑌᐸᑯᐦᑊ)” is in honor of the principles of seven and the Indigenous artists that helped shape contemporary Indigenous art in Canada. Tepakohp (ᑌᐸᑯᐦᑊ) features 7 Indigenous female artists: Audie Murray, Mary Friesen, Larissa Kitchemonia, Donna the Strange, Stacey Fayant, Brandy Jones, and Melanie Monique Rose (curator). Together they are activated by artists such as Daphne Odjig and held up by the Matriarchs of our community and the teachings received from our ancestors to tell stories through art with hope for future generations.