Renaming and renewal at Strathcona museums Indigenous gallery.
Strathcona County Museum and Archives has renamed its Indigenous Peoples gallery to Touches the Earth, Echoing Sky Lodge, unveiling the change during an Indigenous artists gathering on Sunday, September 20.
Artists speak to gallery employees and attendees of the Indigenous artists gathering on September 20, 2025. Photo credit: Amanda Erickson
Strathcona County Museum and Archives unveiled its newly renamed Indigenous Peoples’ gallery, Touches the Earth, Echoing Sky Lodge, on Saturday, Sept. 20, during an Indigenous artist gathering at the museum.
The renaming marked a step toward reconciliation and the celebration of the role Indigenous artists take in shaping community identity. Creators were invited to showcase their work, with the museum transforming into a market where handmade art, jewelry, and other crafts were for sale.
The new name reflects a broader push by museums across Canada to address their colonial legacies and create spaces that acknowledge Indigenous presence and history. For many, the move was more than symbolic.
“Using Indigenous languages, promoting Indigenous artists you know, that’s healing,” said artist Jo-Mary Crowchild of Tsuut’ina Nation. “That’s rebuilding that relationship and fighting colonization.”
Artists also highlighted the importance of focusing on Indigenous communities now, not just in the past. Jane Ester Henderson, a third-year fine arts student at MacEwan University, said Indigenous art practices are often portrayed solely through a historical lens rather than focusing on the present.
“To bring in like current artists and Indigenous art practices, whether it’s more traditional or not, is really important,” said Henderson.
For Heart Lake First Nation artist Victoria Pearl Silva, the event underscored the value of connection.
“I think it’s about making new relationships and bonds with other artists and community,” said Silva, adding that her beadwork has deepened her cultural and spiritual ties.
Edmonton artist Liv Smreciu, who works under the name Ayla PNG, echoed that gatherings tied to reconciliation provide space to reflect on the land and community.
While modest in scale, the renaming was a meaningful change in ongoing reconciliation efforts.
“Everybody here and everybody who is going to show up here wants to be part of community, wants to build relationships,” said Crowchild.
