Dr. Jordan Woodsworth began the research project in 2018. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

healthy communities

Art exhibit highlights bond between people and dogs in northern communities

Jul 7, 2022 | 4:07 PM

A research-based art exhibit displayed at Mistasinihk Place in La Ronge until Aug. 31 explores the relationship between people and dogs in northern Saskatchewan.

A special presentation was held Wednesday by Dr. Jordan Woodsworth from Saskatoon’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine. She explained the exhibit, which is called ATIM MASKIKHIY: Dog Medicine, is a way to share with the community information she has gathered through a research project she’s heading called Healthy Dogs, Healthy Communities.

“Art is something that speaks to all of us, and it is something that doesn’t need to have an explanation,” Woodsworth said. “We can develop our own understanding of that art just by looking at it.”

In all, 17 artists were commissioned to provide a piece for the display. The artwork consists of a variety of mediums, and they focus on different aspects of the relationship between humans and dogs.

Woodsworth started graduate work at the vet college in 2018. One of the first people that she brought the idea up to was Elder John Halkett, who told her education should be the main goal of the project. She formed a research team, including local residents, and has had many conversations with Elders and others in the tri-communities.

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“At the root of it all has been trying to sort out understanding there are some challenges with dogs … not only in La Ronge but several other areas near La Ronge and across Canada,” she said.

“How can we identify how things are going well, what things are still challenging and what needs to happen and change as far as services and resources that are made available, and policy changes and things like that too, so that dogs can live with people more safely together in the long term.”

Dr. Jordan Woodsworth speaks to attendees about her research project and the art exhibit. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

The exhibit features artwork in a range of sizes and mediums. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

The exhibit is located at the art gallery in Mistasinihk Place. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Jade Roberts stands next to her digital artwork featuring Ruby. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Lac La Ronge Indian Band member Jade Roberts entered a digital art piece into the exhibit, which features her brother Ty’s dog, Ruby. She now lives in Saskatoon, but when she comes to La Ronge to visit, she mentioned she looks forward to spending time with Ruby.

The artwork is printed on brushed aluminum and includes trees, Indigenous florals, and the night sky.

“Ruby lives here in La Ronge … and I have a really strong connection with her,” Roberts said. “I chose purple because Ruby’s collar is purple. I wanted to incorporate her the best I can and bring her essence.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno