Hess Gallery
Abundant Memory, Relational Intelligence
October 17, 2025 – January 23, 2026

An Indigenous-led exploration into Artificial Intelligence

A collaboration with the Niitsitapi Pod of the Abundant Intelligences research program.

Abundant Memory, Relational Intelligence features the creative outcomes of two years of interdisciplinary experimentation as part of the Abundant Intelligences research program. Artists share their artwork including virtual environments, quillwork, performance art, game design, painting, sound works, architectural design, and interactive technologies. The exhibition features artwork from Serene Weasel Traveller’s recently completed MFA.

The Niitsitapi Pod artists work collaboratively with Elders, students, mentors, faculty, and community members, centering collective research practices and relational processes over individualistic modes of project design. Through this approach,  projects are shaped by the relational experiences and community dialogue which surround their making. Led by Amethyst First Rider and Leroy Little Bear, the Niitsitapi Pod is one of five research pods which make up Abundant Intelligences, an Indigenous-led research program that conceptualizes, designs, develops, and deploys AI based on Indigenous Knowledge systems. Through creative innovations with virtual materials, knowledge systems, and emergent technologies, Abundant Memory, Relational Intelligence honours the generational intelligence that exist within Niitsitapi culture and language.

This exhibition draws upon research supported by the Government of Canada’s New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

Artists:

Serene Weasel Traveller

Amethyst First Rider

Nayan Velaskar

Michelle Sylvestre

Blair Many Fingers

Walker English

Darby Herman

Kaiya Healy

Payne Many Guns

The artists received ongoing support from the Niitsitapi Pod Elder and Knowledge Holder Advisory Group, Artist Mentors – Migueltzinta Solis and Nayan Velaskar, and Lab Technician – Seth Villamil, and the interdisciplinary network of Niitsitapi Pod members and partners.