Awas / Kiwe is an exploration of identity, memory, and their relationship to place. During their KREAM residency, artist Dana Justine Belcourt will engage with local imagery in Halifax, NS, observing and navigating the area surrounding the Khyber Centre for the Arts. This project builds on their practice in Vancouver, BC, where walking and observing serve as central methods of gathering impressions. These are carried in memory and later translated into visual imagery through painting.

The work is both a meditative practice and an exercise in mindfulness, an invitation to be fully present in the moment. Belcourt's paintings have often represented their urban Indigenous experience, including cultural elements such as Cree syllabics and animals that are important to Indigenous culture. With Awas / Kiwe, Dana continues to expand upon themes central to their practice: interpersonal connection, everyday life, and attunement to the world around us.

As part of their residency at the Khyber, Belcourt is hoping to connect with the local community through studio visits and conversations. They are especially interested in hearing from local Indigenous artists in Halifax who would like to take part in a mutual studio visit, as well as from members of the NSCAD community who may be interested in hosting artist talks or attending a studio visit.

If you’d like to connect with Dana Belcourt during their residency, please reach out to info@khyber.ca.

Date: 3-5PM on Saturday, September 27, 2025
Location: Meet at the Khyber (1880 Hollis St) at 3PM. The group will depart together from there.

Join Dana Belocurt for a workshop that begins with a short guided walk and continues in the studio with art-making and reflection. Dana will share a brief artist's talk (15–20 minutes) about their practice before leading participants on a 20–30 minute walk. Back at their studio, the group will gather to create small drawings, paintings, or mixed media pieces inspired by memory, presence, and the beauty of the everyday.

This workshop is open to all.

Registration (optional): Please email info@khyber.ca if you plan to attend. Drop-ins are welcome and please bring friends! Registration is not required, but encouraged so we can stay in touch and share updates before the event.

Dana Justine Belcourt (They/She) is a multidisciplinary mixed Cree/Métis artist from Amiskwaciwâskahikan, specializing in paintings, videos, and zines. Their work explores urban Indigeneity, relationships, and memory. Most commonly, these works are achieved through the practice of walking, where imagery is gathered, stored, and later transformed into artwork. Because of this, the work has a quality of the inclusion and commemoration of small, mundane details. It is their belief that the every day is where we spend most of our lives, and it is worthy of attention and praise the same way the extraordinary is. 

They’ve recently exhibited at Latitude 53 (2022), Emily Carr (2022, 2023), Sâkêwêwak (2022), Polygon Gallery (2024), aceartinc (2024), and Ociciwan Contemporary Art Collective (2024). They’re currently practicing on the unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. They completed a BFA at Emily Carr in 2023.

DanaBelcourt.com | @Dana_Belcourt

The Khyber acknowledges the operational support of the City of Halifax, Arts Nova Scotia, and the Canada Council for the Arts. This project was made possible with additional support from Arts Nova Scotia.