An exhibition of artworks created by youth from the First Nations communities of Pabineau, Oromocto, and Metepenagiag, opened September 29th at Government House in Fredericton and will continue until November 28th.

Wolastoqiyik Young Ancestors—Sharing Spirit Through Art is a component of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery’s ActionArt Program, a two part education program designed to promote discovery, creativity and dialogue through art and culture. The ActionArt Program is made possible with the support of BMO Financial Group which has contributed $300,000 over five years to its realization. A second component of the Program focuses on multicultural youth. The Young Ancestors workshops have taken place in Tobique, Kingsclear, St. Mary’s First Nation and Elsipogtog in 2013 and in Pabineau, Oromocto and Metepenagiag in 2014. The workshops are scheduled to take place in all First Nation communities throughout the province during the course of the five-year project.

The Honourable Graydon Nicholas, Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, welcomed guests to his official residence and congratulated participants on their artwork at a reception during the opening.

“I am so happy to be able to lend my support to this program which focuses on your heritage and culture,” said Nicholas. “It is a wonderful way to end my term as Her Majesty’s representative, by featuring the work of young artists and promoting this project to all who visit this historic reside ...