https://www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com

George Littlechild: Hope for a better world.

September 20 - November 15 2025

GEORGE LITTLECHILD
Hope for a better world.

“As an artist, educator and cultural worker, my goal is a better world. It is my job to show the pride, strength and beauty of First Nations people and cultures…. In my work, I am committed to righting the wrongs that First Nations peoples have endured by creating art that focuses on cultural, social and political injustices.”

This convergent program offers a comprehensive survey of George Littlechild’s creative practice and life story through exhibitions, video, artist talks, and feature length documentary film.

George was born in Edmonton, Alberta on August 16, 1958. The son of a Plains Cree mother and a Canadian Celtic father, Littlechild was taken from his home as part of the Sixties Scoop and was raised by foster parents in Edmonton. He received a diploma in art and design from Red Deer College in 1984, and a BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax in 1988. He also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of the Fraser Valley. His socially charged mixed-media paintings [and drawings] are often made in response to political movements, societal concerns such as reconciliation and reclamation, as well as personal history. 

EXHIBITIONS
September 20 – November 15

Here I am – can you see me? | South Gallery
Touring exhibition organized by the Art Gallery of Alberta and curated by MJ Belcourt

Displaced Indians: The Sixties Scoop | George Sawchuk Gallery
A body of work first shown at Urban Shaman Gallery in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2017

Artworks – past and present | GATHER⋮PLACE
A selected collection of older and new works

The Spirit Giggles Within | Window + Plaza Media Gallery
A video montage inspired by the artist’s book of the same title

EVENTS

Art Opening | 1:00pm on Saturday, September 20 | Comox Valley Art Gallery

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Tuesday, September 30 | Downtown Courtenay | Special Gallery Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm

Special Film Screening: Nanekawâsis | 1:30pm on Saturday, October 4 (doors open at 1:00pm) | Stan Hagen Theatre – North Island College
Awarded documentary film about the life and art career of George Littlechild created by film maker Conor McNally.

Artist Talk with Q&A | 1:00 – 3:00pm on Saturday, November 8 | Comox Valley Art Gallery

Local Media HERE.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This program addresses the difficult history of the Indian Residential School system in Canada, the tragic death and loss of over 5,000 Indigenous children, the Sixties Scoop and their destructive impact on the lives of individuals, families, and generations of those involved.

If you are a survivor, family member or feel that you are in need of support, you can seek assistance through:

  • Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419
  • Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or www.hopeforwellness.ca
  • BC Wide Indigenous Crisis and Support Line at 1-800-KUU-US17 or 1-800-588-8717

The Comox Valley Art Gallery is committed to creating safer spaces where everyone can participate.

All ages are welcome.

CVAG spaces are accessible. Efforts are made to make presented programming contents available to all by using approachable audio and visual technologies to aid in experience, way finding signage. Staff are available to answer any questions and to provide orientation to the presentation and gallery spaces.

Programs are barrier-free (no cost). DONATIONS are appreciated and contribute to ongoing community interactive programming.

PUBLIC HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: we ask that visitors choose not to visit if they are experiencing symptoms of colds and flus.

Hand sanitation dispensers are available at CVAG. Wearing a mask is at the discretion of the visitor.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Comox Valley Art Gallery is grateful to operate on the Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks Nation.

This program is made possible through the support of our FUNDERS: City of Courtenay, Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, Government of Canada, Province of BC, Comox Valley Regional District, Town of Comox | LOCAL SUPPORT: ABC Printing, Hitec Screen Printing, SD71 Printshop, and Paintbox Painting | COMMUNITY COLLABORATOR: NIC Fine Arts Department | SPECIAL THANKS to the Art Gallery of Alberta.

                  

     

 

ARTIST’S ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: “BC Arts Council, Art Gallery of Alberta, Kisemanito for the gift of art that he has provided me, all the public and commercial art galleries who have shown my art over the years, every book publisher who has published books with my art or about my art, dearest family and friends, Dave Johns who photographs my art and does digital art work with me, Sure Copy, I-Hos Gallery, my partner John Powell of 35 years (without your support the trajectory might have been different), my late foster mom Winnie who guided and steered this art career and the person I have become, Jessie Everson for his lovely song, my birth parents Rachel Littlechild and James Price, and last but not least the CVAG staff team.”

HEADER IMAGE: “Unidentified Child From The Ermineskin Indian Residential School #3” (close up), George Littlechild, 2019.

Exhibitions

Events

Publications

Download Publication PDF - 8 MB