The Stories on Our Walls: Selections from First Light’s Living Archive
Eastern Edge is pleased to partner with First Light to present a group exhibition in celebration of Spirit Song Festival 2025. We invite you to an opening reception on November 7th from 6-8pm in our Main Gallery! We will be serving snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments. Click here to RSVP to the Facebook event.
The Stories on Our Walls
Selections from First Light’s Living Archive
Join us as we open the doors to The Stories on Our Walls—a community-rooted exhibition that brings together works by Indigenous artists exploring themes of home, memory, identity, and place. Come meet the artists, experience the stories held in each piece, and be part of the conversation.
“The art in this exhibition has been part of our journey for decades. Some were made in workshops or artist residencies, some came as gifts or commissions, and others simply found their way here. Together, they form a living archive of how art has always been at the heart of First Light. These works don’t just decorate our walls — they have stood beside us in ceremonies, brightened classrooms, and held space through moments of joy, grief, and growth. Seen together now, they tell the story of community life unfolding over more than 40 years. They remind us that home is made not only by people and place, but also by the art that witnesses, remembers, and carries our stories forward.
Huge thanks to Emily Critch for their work compiling our art inventories & sparking the idea for this exhibition, and to Eastern Edge for helping us pull this together! And biggest thanks to every artist, Elder, staff, and community member who continue to shape the story on our walls.”
Participating Artists:
Angus Andersen
Bronson Jacque
Derek Peddle
Heather Igloliorte
Heidi Dixon
Hugh Whitney
Jackson Drew
Jennie Williams
Jerry Evans
Jodie Ashini
Jordan Bennett
Juliette Onalik
Kate Forest
Kelly Young
Marcus Gosse
Marion Green
Mary Ann Penashue
Melissa Francis
Michaela Benoit
Michelle Roy
Nelson White
Phil Como
Shannon Case
Solomon Semigak
Stacey Howse
Stan Nochasak
Stephanie White
Sue Onalik
Spirit Song is a celebration of Indigenous Arts and Culture that has been running annually in St. John’s since 2013. Spirit Song has now grown into a multi-day event which boasts world class performances, traditional and contemporary knowledge sharing events as well as artist in residence series. The festival is enjoyed by Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences alike. Spirit Song aims to support and promote Indigenous artists, strengthen our sense of community, as well as provide an opportunity for the greater public to experience the incredible work created by Indigenous artists from across Canada.
To view this year’s full Spirit Song Festival schedule, click here!
To listen to a special interview about the exhibition with Heather Barrett from CBC and Heidi Dixon from First Light, click here!
Photo Documentation
Photo Credit: Laura Sbrizzi
