Exploring Northern Saskatchewan Through Art: The Idea of North Exhibition

Northern Saskatchewan holds a unique place in the cultural and natural landscape of Canada. Its vast wilderness, diverse wildlife, and rich Indigenous heritage inspire many artists who seek to capture the essence of this region. The Mann Art Gallery’s upcoming exhibition, The Idea of North: A Permanent Collection Exhibition, offers a compelling journey into the heart of northern Saskatchewan through a carefully curated selection of artworks. This exhibition invites visitors to reflect on what it means to live in and connect with the north, using art as a bridge between nature, history, and community.

Joe Fafard’s Mahihkan bronze wolf sculpture at Mann Art Gallery entrance

The Significance of Joe Fafard’s Mahihkan

Since May 2016, the Mann Art Gallery will mark a decade since the installation of Joe Fafard’s Mahihkan, a large-scale bronze wolf sculpture positioned near the gallery’s entrance. This piece was created without restrictions, allowing Fafard to express his vision freely. Drawing from his many visits to La Ronge and the surrounding areas, Fafard designed Mahihkan to symbolize the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the natural environment in northern Saskatchewan.

The wolf, a powerful and respected animal in many Indigenous cultures, serves as a reminder of the need for harmony between people and nature. Fafard’s work captures the spirit of the north, not only through its subject but also through its presence as a welcoming figure at the gallery’s threshold. This sculpture acts as a gateway to the exhibition, setting the tone for the exploration of northern life through art.

Drawing from the Permanent Collection

The Idea of North exhibition draws exclusively from the Mann Art Gallery’s Permanent Collection, which was established in 1993 by former Director and Curator Grace Eiko Thompson. Over the years, this collection has grown to include artworks that reflect the local and regional histories, cultures, and environments of northern Saskatchewan. The collection’s purpose is to support artists, preserve important works, and encourage thoughtful dialogue about the region’s identity.

The exhibition uses Fafard’s concept behind Mahihkan as a starting point to showcase a variety of artistic approaches. These works come from artists who have lived in the north, been inspired by its landscapes, or sought to express ideas about northern life. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, and mixed media pieces that together create a multifaceted view of the north.

Themes Explored in the Exhibition

Several key themes emerge from the artworks on display, each offering a different perspective on northern Saskatchewan:

• Connection to Land and Nature

Many pieces emphasize the deep relationship between people and the natural world. This includes depictions of wildlife, forests, lakes, and the changing seasons. Artists explore how the land shapes identity and daily life.

• Cultural Heritage and Indigenous Perspectives

The exhibition highlights Indigenous artists and themes, reflecting the histories, stories, and traditions of the region’s First Nations communities. These works provide insight into cultural resilience and continuity.

• Historical Contexts

Some artworks address the history of northern Saskatchewan, including the impact of settlement, resource development, and changing social dynamics. These pieces encourage reflection on how the past influences the present.

• Contemporary Life in the North

The exhibition also features works that capture modern experiences, challenges, and celebrations in northern communities. This includes urban and rural perspectives, showing the diversity of northern life today.

Supporting Artists and Community

The Mann Art Gallery’s Permanent Collection is made possible through the generosity of donors and supporters, including Diane and Roger Mann. Their contributions have helped the gallery acquire important works and maintain a collection that reflects the region’s unique character.

By showcasing these artworks, the gallery supports local and regional artists, providing them with a platform to share their stories and perspectives. The exhibition encourages visitors to engage with the art and consider their own connections to the north.

Visiting the Exhibition

The Idea of North: A Permanent Collection Exhibition runs from April 16 to June 6, 2026, at the Mann Art Gallery. Visitors can expect an immersive experience that combines visual art with the stories and spirit of northern Saskatchewan.

The exhibition offers opportunities for:

• Guided tours to learn more about the artists and themes

• Educational programs for schools and community groups

• Special events and artist talks to deepen understanding

  
  

Whether you are familiar with northern Saskatchewan or discovering it for the first time, this exhibition provides a meaningful way to explore the region’s identity through art.

Reflecting on the North Through Art

Art has the power to reveal new ways of seeing and understanding the world around us. The Idea of North exhibition invites us to consider northern Saskatchewan not just as a place on the map, but as a living, evolving landscape shaped by people, culture, and nature.

By engaging with the artworks, visitors can appreciate the complexity and beauty of the north. The exhibition encourages ongoing conversations about how we relate to the environment and each other in this unique part of Canada.