Purpose
Within our core training in art and expressive arts therapy, students integrate holistic connections between theory, embodied learning, history, connection to nature, and Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. These priorities are threaded through our philosophy, curriculum, and practice. Using this integrated learning process, we endeavour to train arts therapists and practitioners to work with creativity, sensitivity, awareness and integrity.
Context
Germinated on the Central Canadian prairies, our love of the land is at the heart of our programs. Our head office is located on Treaty 1 Territory, where we value the presence, history, culture, languages, and knowledge of the Ininew, Anishnaabe, Anishininew, Dakota, Dené and Métis peoples.
Within our art and expressive arts therapy training, we offer Indigenous language, storytelling, and arts media classes, which reflect our commitment to the Indigenous resurgence and the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Our two-eyed seeing perspective allows full engagement with both Western clinical perspectives and Indigenous ways of knowing being and doing in the fostering of wellness and healing through the arts. Our immersion locations are at Painted Sky Studio on Lake Manitoba in the Métis community of St. Laurent and kâniyâsihk culture camp on Ministikwan Lake in Northern Saskatchewan. These Indigenous, land-based sites support engagement in traditional practices and relating to the elements of the eco-system as relatives. Together we share, learn and grow through the incomparable power and nuance of the arts.
Painted Sky Studio
Painted Sky Studio is located on Treaty Territories and Ancestral Lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene, and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and respect the spirit and intent of the Treaties and Treaty Making. We dedicate ourselves to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation, and collaboration.
Gallery
Land Acknowledgement
WHEAT Institute and Painted Sky Studio are located on Treaty Territories and Ancestral Lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene, and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and respect the spirit and intent of the Treaties and Treaty Making. We dedicate ourselves to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation, and collaboration.