Artist Essay
Alfred Decoteau, Awanigiizhik Bruce, Tessa Sayers, and Jessica R. Metcalfe—four artists whose work reflects the Turtle Mountain Band’s dedication to cultural continuity. Each artist’s creations convey their unique connection to the community’s Ojibwe and Métis heritage, and through their work, they reaffirm the Turtle Mountain Band’s sovereignty.
The Turtle Mountain Band has called the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills home for generations, relying on the land and each other to create a unique culture. Their early life was rooted in buffalo hunts, the fur trade, and cultural exchange with European settlers. This shared history lives on in the art of Decoteau, Bruce, Sayers, and Metcalfe, each artist transforming tradition into expressions that speak to today’s world. As Berlo and Phillips explain, “Indigenous art is often a dynamic blend of historical reference and contemporary relevance” (Berlo and Phillips).
Decoteau’s willow and alabaster sculptures reflect resilience and connection to the land. Willow, flexible yet strong, and alabaster, solid and enduring, together embody the Turtle Mountain Band’s strength and persistence. His work is a bridge, connecting the cultural practices of his ancestors with modern artistic expression, a reminder that Turtle Mountain culture is both lasting and evolving.
Awanigiizhik Bruce’s multimedia art explores identity and community. By combining traditional and modern techniques, Bruce captures the diversity of Turtle Mountain experiences, celebrating the right to self-define. Their work reminds us that cultural identity is not fixed—it adapts and grows, mirroring the community’s journey.
Tessa Sayers’ textile art weaves together past and present. Her blankets are visual stories, expressing cultural pride in each pattern. Through her work, she captures the significance of continuity, where each piece reflects a commitment to preserving cultural memory in a form that is both tactile and enduring.
Jessica R. Metcalfe’s jewelry blends Indigenous design with a contemporary edge. Grounded in her academic understanding of Indigenous studies, Metcalfe’s work speaks to new generations, using modern styles to highlight Turtle Mountain heritage. Her jewelry connects tradition with modern expression, bridging cultural pride with today’s world.
Together, these artists’ works offer a vivid picture of Turtle Mountain sovereignty. Their art is a testament to the strength and adaptability of their community, reflecting a cultural identity that is deeply rooted and constantly evolving. This exhibit celebrates the Turtle Mountain Band’s right to define itself, each piece affirming a connection to heritage while also looking forward.