Boards down, art up at Hudson's Bay Building

While the building itself is closed, an eyesore is being replaced with a window into Indigenous art.

Replications of two art pieces that are on display at Qaumajuq in Winnipeg are being displayed in the windows of the previously-boarded up Hudson's Bay Building.

"We have all worked hard to find ways to better use the windows on such a significant landmark in Winnipeg. As we reimagine how this iconic building will evolve and look ahead to welcoming back visitors to our city, we wanted to ensure this important downtown space reflected the culture of the city," Dayna Spiring, President and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg, says in a statement.

The building, a symbol of Canada's fur trade, sits across from Winnipeg Art Gallery's Inuit art centre. The current president and CEO of Hudson's Bay says "revitalizing a prominent and historic building while celebrating Indigenous art is a welcome way to create connections and begin to rebuild community spirit and the downtown economy. 

This is set to be the first phase of Indigenous art to be displayed on the Wester-facing side of the building.

The artists

There are two pieces of Indigenous art being displayed, one from a Manitoban artist, and the other is from Quebec.

Artist Peatr Thomas, who is Inninew and Anishinabe, lives in Winnipeg. His commission is featured in Qaumajuq's Katita Cafe telling a creation story.

"A new sunrise with the new moon. After a time of change and awakening. Turtle Island is new once again, built on truth in the sacred seven ancestor teachings. Ancient knowledge once lost, is taught to us again by Mother Earth in all that she offers," Thomas says in a statement.

Glenn Gear is originally from Newfoundland, now living in Montreal. He calls himself an "urban Inuk," tying his art to his Nunatsiavut lineage.  He is part of Qaumajuq's inaugural exhibition, with his art being projected onto the outside of the building this winter.