This knowledge and literature review examines a broad range of material on Aboriginal arts in Canada. Recognizing the importance of oral traditions in Aboriginal knowledge transfer, it also includes information gathered through one-on-one interviews with six senior Aboriginal artists. The following topics are covered:
- Aboriginal worldview
- Canada’s colonial history
- Aboriginal knowledge
- Western art lens
- Recent history of Aboriginal arts
- Aboriginal arts in communities
- Aboriginal artists and their art
- The future of Aboriginal arts
The study is a component of the Aboriginal Arts Research Initiative (AARI), which aims to better understand the specificities of Aboriginal art practices, explore the impact of the arts within Aboriginal communities, investigate the impact of Aboriginal arts in Canada and internationally, and generate interest in research related to Aboriginal arts among other partners, both at national and provincial levels.
