ROSEMARY is a roving gallery — born on the prairies out of the needs and aspirations of artists for the promotion of arts-based projects that grow from the families and communities with whom artists and arts workers are in relation. It emerges from the belief that art is rooted in our relationships to others in our neighbourhoods, communities, and cities, and that galleries are responsible to the needs of those geographies.
ROSEMARY operates with a mandate to responsively engage in and care for Indigenous and BPOC communities through critical arts-based projects including exhibitions, performances, public discussions, community feasts, and celebrations.
The name ROSEMARY blends the first names of Co-Directors Suzanne’s and Jaimie’s grandmothers: Rose Morrissette (née Richard), and Dr. Elder Mary Courchene. The gallery is named to recognize the strength and vision of matriarchal leadership in Indigenous communities. It is both a nod to the gifts of their family and Elders while recognizing both Rose and Mary as emblematic of an Indigenous leadership that forms the fabric of our communities.
June 21st is National Indigenous Day and National Go Skateboarding Day!
We invited Nations Skate Youth pro athletes to host Indigenous Youth.
The Forks Skate Park, Winnipeg, Manitoba 12-4, June 21, 2024
Music with DJ Boogie, food and giveaways by Colonialism Skateboards, Vans Canada and more! Hosted by Nations Skate Youth and Jaimie Isaac with 7 Oaks School Division and the Forks.
Nations Skate empowers Indigenous youth to embrace their right to self-determination through the positive impact of skateboarding. Nations intention is to visit Indigenous communities and provide workshops that create a safe space for the youth to speak their voice. Teaching skateboarding and seeing the value in keeping our youth active is a great opportunity to help promote building more skateparks in communities.
Ozhaawashkwaa Animikii-Bineshi Aki Onji Kinimaagae’ Inun
Blue Thunderbird Land-based Learning Centre -2024
In Anishinaabemowin, we call this place Ozhaawashkwaa Animikii-Bineshi Aki Onji Kinimaagae’ Inun. In English, it is Blue Thunderbird Land-based Teachings Learning Centre.
Jaimie was hired by the the Seven Oaks’ School Division to work with the Mino Pimatisiwin for Indigenous Youth and Elders Elder Dan Thomas and Elder Mary Courchene to interpret and distill the Elders teachings into a visual literacy on 8 panels, wayfinding signs on the Seven Oaks’ School Division land based learning area called the AKI Center. The Elders lead the way by sharing their stories, teachings, perspectives, and culture. Jaimie worked with the Mino Pimatisiwin for Indigenous Youth to reflect on the importance and power of Indigenous voice with interpretive signage about Indigenous histories and land based knowledge around Manitoba. Together they worked with the Elders vision and teachings. Jaimie produced the visual art from conversations with the Youth for each sign panel, reflecting the Elders stories and as well as incorporating the perspectives from the Youth. Jaimie assisted in editing the interpretive sign language, curated artists' and student’s work into the panels, and illustrating the artwork on the panels. It was a collaborative process. (The Mino Pimatisiwin for Indigenous Youth, a program through which youth finds meaningful ways to impact their community, be role models to children in their community, celebrate Indigenous culture, and explore career paths through mentorship from Elders and community leaders.