Vital Signs
Opening Reception / May 13th, 6–8 pm.
Join us for a vibrant evening filled with delicious refreshments and an inspiring atmosphere as we celebrate this powerful exhibition. The artists will be in attendance.
On view from May 14 – September 7, 2025
We are currently living through a very critical time of recurring natural disasters caused by climate change. Indigenous people and communities are some of the most impacted by these disasters. Our traditional territories are being affected by flooding, fires, drought, and in many areas a decline of the species that we rely on for hunting and fishing. Indigenous people have been at the forefront of environmental activism for generations and continue to actively fight for our traditional lands.
Vital Signs is a group exhibition that features artists who are discussing the impact of climate change through personal experiences and effects on their traditional territories in a variety of mediums. The title, Vital Signs, refers to the measurements of the body’s most basic functions, but is also a reference to how the land is essential to our being and is a living entity itself.
The artists featured in this exhibition are Jade Baxter (Nlaka’pamux), Jasper Berehulke (Syilx/Okanagan), Kali Spitzer (Kaska Dena), Kwiis Hamilton (Hupačasath/Leq’a:mel), Rebecca Baker-Grenier (Kwakiuł, Dzawada’enuwx, and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh), and Sage Nowak (Tahltan).
Co-curated by Aliya Boubard and Amelia Rea
Artist Bios
Jade Baxter
Jade Baxter is a Nlaka’pamux interdisciplinary artist whose work is deeply connected to the land and culture. She specializes in short-form documentaries that challenge dominant narratives and has showcased her work at ImagineNative, DOXA, and the Montreal International Documentary Film Festival. She has trained in industry programs such as the ImagineNative Industry Series, the Whistler Film Festival Indigenous Writers Cohort, and the Hot Docs Doc Accelerator Program. A graduate of Simon Fraser University (BFA), Jade is part of the Testify Indigenous Art and Law Collective. Based in Lytton, BC, she works as an independent artist and facilitates youth art programs.
Jasper Berehulke
Jasper Berehulke is a two-spirit artist of syilx Okanagan and Ukrainian heritage. He earned his BFA from UBC Okanagan and Vancouver in 2024, receiving the Beau Dick and Ellen Neel Award. His work explores identity, representation, and cultural reclamation through oil painting and traditional media. Separated from his Indigenous roots due to the Sixties Scoop, Jasper is now committed to reclaiming his language and culture. Based in Vancouver, he draws inspiration from the queer community, examining queerness, Indigeneity, and body sovereignty. His work also extends to advocacy within the museum sector, amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering cultural dialogue.
Kali Spitzer
Kali Spitzer is a photographer of Kaska Dena and Jewish heritage, living on the unceded lands of the Tsleil-Waututh, Skxwú7mesh, and Musqueam peoples. Her work centers on BIPOC, Queer, and trans representation, aiming to rewrite visual histories beyond colonial narratives. She studied photography at the Institute of American Indian Arts and the Santa Fe Community College, working with mentor Will Wilson to explore alternative photographic processes. Kali’s work spans portraiture, cultural documentation, and traditional practices like hide tanning and beading. Her photography has been exhibited internationally, including at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.
Kwiis Hamilton
Born in Ahahswinis (Port Alberni, BC), Kwiis is a Ku’us/Xwelmexw visual artist of Hupačasath and Leq’a:mel descent. Based in Vancouver, his practice is rooted in kinship, reciprocity, and cultural continuity. He creates regalia, masks, jewelry, paintings, and illustrations while actively engaging in song, dance, and ceremony. Raised by his mother, Kwitsel Tatel, he is an advocate for Indigenous rights and land defence. Mentored by artists such as Shawn Edenshaw and Morgan Asoyuf, he also researches museum and private collections, working toward the repatriation of stolen Indigenous belongings.
Rebecca Baker-Grenier
Rebecca is a multidisciplinary artist from the Kwakiuł, Dzawada’enuwx, and Sḵwxwú7mesh Nations. With a BA in Indigenous Studies from UBC, she launched her fashion design career in 2021 under Himikalas Pam Baker. She has since participated in the Indigenous Couture Residency at Banff Centre and debuted her collection 'Inner Ancestral Strength' at New York Fashion Week (2022). Her designs have been showcased at SWAIA, Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, and the American Museum of Natural History. A recipient of the 2021 YVR Emerging Artist Award, she also designs regalia for the Dancers of Damelahamid and has created sewn and beaded pow-wow regalia since age 11.
Sage Nowak
Sage Nowak is a Tahltan Vuntut Gwitchin artist specializing in carving, painting, drum making, and tattooing. He trained under Tlingit artist Calvin Morburg and attended the Freda Diesing School, studying with master carvers Stan Bevan, Dean Heron, Ken McNeil, and Dempsey Bob. He later apprenticed with Ts’msyen/Cree artist Phil Gray and worked alongside Salish artist Luke Marston. His work has been exhibited at the Museum of Vancouver, the Museum of Anthropology, and various galleries. Now based in Vancouver, Sage continues to carve masks, panels, and totem poles, preserving cultural traditions and Indigenous identity while raising his family.
Exhibition Supporters
Presenting Sponsor
A division of Beem Credit Union
Visit Us
We are located at 639 Hornby Street (between Georgia Street and Dunsmuir Street) in Downtown Vancouver. We are a little hard to find as our entrance is in a courtyard. Look for the sandwich board on Hornby Street and climb the short stairway.
A wheelchair-accessible path is also located between Christ Church Cathedral and Cathedral Place on Georgia Street. This takes you through the courtyard and to the Gallery entrance.