Indigenous Symbols and Signifiers Exhibition
Group exhibition at UBC's Hatch Art Gallery showcasing Indigenous student artists exploring cultural belonging through visual art.
Indigenous Symbols and Signifiers is a groundbreaking exhibition at UBC's Hatch Art Gallery, running from September 17 to October 9, 2025. This marks the first exhibit at the Hatch to feature exclusively Indigenous artists. Born from a collaboration between the Faculty of Arts and the First Nations House of Learning, with funding from the UBC Strategic Equity and Anti-Racism Enhancement Fund, the exhibition showcases work by six Indigenous student artists. The call for artists asked students to visually represent symbols of belonging, cultural identity, and traditional knowledge. Featured works include Robyn Adams' 'Kinship Table,' a beadwork piece using Red River Métis symbols, and Riannon Wesley's 'Rooted,' a multimedia piece combining pictographs with three-dimensional materials reflecting Nlaka'pamux and Tsimshian heritage. The exhibition includes an interactive component where visitors can contribute drawings or writings on cloth pieces around the question 'What symbols represent belonging in your culture?' This opportunity has enhanced visibility for emerging Indigenous artists and created a platform for cultural sharing and community building on campus.