OCTOBER 11, 1951

CREE PAINTER JANE ASH POITRAS BORN

Poitras was born in Ft. Chipewyan, Alberta (AB). When her mother died after birth, she was adopted by a non-Aboriginal widow. Jane did not know her native culture as a child. Graduating with a degree in microbiology from University of AB, Jane was 30 when she rediscovered her heritage: it redefined her. Earning Fine Arts degrees from Yale (Bachelor’s) & Columbia (Master’s), she returned to AB and made the clash of cultures integral to her art. Exhibits: Canadian (CDN) National Gallery; CDN Museum of Civilization; Royal Ontario, Royal AB, Glenbow, and Brooklyn Museums; McMichael CDN Art Collection; Art Galleries of Ontario, AB, Vancouver, and Winnipeg; Glenbow-AB Institute; Robert McLaughlin and McKenzie Art Galleries; and Agnes Etherington Art Centre. Awards: Officer, Order of Canada; Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal; Royal CDN Academy of Arts, AB Centennial Medal; National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Arts & Culture; and Lt. Governor of AB Distinguished Artist Award.

Source: “Jane Ash Poitras,” Native Art in Canada.  Retrieved 7/23/2020, http://www.native-art-in-canada.com/janeashpoitras.html
Photo:  Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall, 7/5/2018. Jane Ash Poitras (right) being invested into the Order of Canada as an Officer by Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada (left). Permissive Use. Source: gg.ca/services/ajax/wet4_lb_img/38861/en, Reference Number: GG05-2018-0188-033