Ashukan Cultural Centre in Montreal aims to show 'power of art'

A new forum for aboriginal art and culture has opened in Old Montreal.

The Ashukan Cultural Centre will serve as an art gallery, gift shop and training centre that helps integrate aboriginal artists into the Quebec, Canadian and international art markets.

'It's a proof that you were here, part of this earth walk, and your opinion andidentity matter. That's the power of the art,"- Nadine St-Louis, who helped theAshukanCultural Centre

Nadine St-Louis, an Algonquin Mtis and the executive director of the not-for-profit Sacred Fire Productions, which founded the new centre, said the three-storey permanent space took almost 10 years to create.

St-Louis said Sacred Fire's 11 Nations Exhibit, which brought together art by aboriginal painters, sculptors and other artists from across the province's aboriginal nations in 2011, showed the demand was there for such a space.

The exhibit hosted more than 30,000 people and sold more than $160,000 worth of art in a single year.

"It's a proof that you were here, part of this earth walk, and your opinion and identity matter. That's the power of the art," said St-Louis.

The word "Ashukan" means a bridge between two cultures.

Much like its name, St-Louis said she hoped the centre would connect leaders and artists, and further empower the aboriginal community in Quebec and Canada.

Making connections

Dominique Normand, aMaliseetartist,said she hoped the new space will help her make links with other artists.

"Connecting the artist will connect the communities and help to make sure the Natives are not forgotten somewhere in faraway places," said Normand.

St-Louis said the implementation of the 1876 Indian Actdestroyed the aboriginal expression through art an essential part of their culture.

"The Indian act made it illegal for any cultural practice until 1951," she said."Take the culture away from people and you destroy them."

Working for a greater cause

St-Louis previously workedas a manager with CN overseas.

She said she felt unfulfilled with her job at CN and that she wanted to commit to something more meaningful to her.

"My wage went like 60 per cent down.but I was happy" she said.

"I mean the clock is ticking,and we collectively have a responsibility to make sure these cultures don't die."