News Releases

October 23, 2015

FREDERICTON – The work of New Brunswick Aboriginal visual artists will be showcased at an upcoming gala hosted by New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) in support of the College’s new Aboriginal Bursary Fund. The gala event takes place November 12 at the Delta Fredericton and will include a fashion show from leading Canadian fashion designer Angela DeMontigny featuring ECMA-nominated rap artist Red Suga from Pabineau First Nation.

“In bringing together a celebration of Aboriginal culture, it was important to showcase the diversity of work being produced by New Brunswick’s Aboriginal artists,” said Suzanne Desrosiers, VP of Employee and Student Development at NBCC. “From mixed media to basketry, murals to photography, the work of these artists honours Aboriginal tradition while celebrating the future of First Nations art in our province.”

Artists showcased at the event include:

• Gina Brooks, Saint Mary’s First Nation – visual artist
• Shane Dutcher, Tobique First Nation – mixed media artist and jewellery designer
• Francine Francis, Metepenagiag First Nation – visual artist
• Phyllis Grant, Pabineau First Nation – international artist, rapper and filmmaker
• Katie Nicholas, Tobique First Nation – photographer, traditional ash basketry and mixed media artist
• George Paul, Metepenagiag First Nation – visual artist
• Susan Sacobie, Saint Mary’s First Nation – visual artist
• Natalie Sappier, Tobique First Nation – mixed media artist
• Pauline Young, Metepenagiag First Nation – visual artist

This Aboriginal gala, Gelu’lg (Gel-uulk) Maw-a-paw (Mow-a-baw) meaning “awesome gathering” in the Mi’kmaq (Gelu’lg) and Wolastoqiyik (Maw-a-paw) languages, honours New Brunswick’s First Nations cultures through one-of-a-kind evening including Aboriginal artwork, dinner, hoop dancing and a dynamic fashion show.

“NBCC is committed to supporting increased participation of Aboriginal learners in post-secondary education,” said Desrosiers. “Our community partners share in this same commitment. Thanks to our major partners, Capital FM and Stewart McKelvey; and event sponsors NB Power, RBC, NBSCETT (NB Society Of Certified Engineering Technicians And Technologists), IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and KPMG for helping to improve student success and retention.”

Individual tickets are available now and can be purchased online at www.nbcc.ca/gala. For group or corporate ticket sales please contact Cindy Sheppard by email at cindy.sheppard@nbcc.ca or by phone (506) 453-8306.

For biographical information on the visual artists please see the attached backgrounder (pdf).

With over 90 programs and six campuses across New Brunswick, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) is a provincially-recognized, public post-secondary institution reputed for producing skilled, knowledgeable graduates who are contributing to the Province’s socio-economic prosperity. NBCC offers students one- and two-year certificate and diploma programs. Find out more by visiting: www.nbcc.ca.

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Media contact: 
Misty Wade Hovey, Communications Officer, NBCC 
506.453.8194 
misty.wade-hovey@nbcc.ca