The second annual Indigenous Summer Market at Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) brought together nearly two dozen Indigenous artists and designers to showcase their innovative and thoughtful practices to the public.

Launched in 2023 by the Aboriginal Gathering Place (AGP) at ECU, the event brings a focus on creative practice in the present to National Indigenous History Month.

“These markets provide a low-barrier opportunity for Indigenous students and working artists to gain experience and grow their practices,” says Sydney Pascal, AGP Aboriginal Program Coordinator. “We regularly see ideas and material techniques exchanged between participants, and there’s a real sense of care and community infusing the event. We view it as a positive, fun and meaningful way to support and drive interest in Indigenous creativity.”

Vendors included Indigenous ECU students and alums, while Indigenous staff and faculty at ECU were also invited to participate. A small number of tables were offered to experienced, local Indigenous practitioners from around Vancouver, including a great exchange of artists with the Native Education College. In all cases, no fees or commissions are collected for participation.

A wide variety of items, from clothing and jewelry to prints, paintings and other objects and artworks, were available for sale.

Artist and third-year ECU student Kimberly Ronning (BFA 2025) says the event advances the AGP’s mission to provide a hub for community connection and culturally specific material-based practice. The Aboriginal Gathering Place is a vital resource for Indigenous students who may be considering studying outside their home communities, she adds.

“The Summer Market brings together people from different Nations to represent different types of art and helps them grow their networks,” she says. “It’s also a great way to get our crafts out there, get us working with our hands again and bring back our traditions. It’s a good opportunity for us to showcase everything we do with friends and the public.”

Artist and ECU alum Leila Berg (BDes 2023), who participated in previous Indigenous markets as a student, says the event offers a chance to explore new corners of their creative practice.

“Participating in the market allowed me to get to know what I like as an artist rather than as a student making work for classes,” they say. “The things I make for the market are more personal than anything I did throughout school. And students can get a taste of what it’s like being a working artist. For me, that was an important lesson.”

The second annual AGP Winter Market will take place at ECU in November 2024.

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