Created and organized by Nathalie Bertin and Lisa Shepherd

Breathe. is a collection of traditionally crafted masks demonstrating resiliency through the 21st century pandemic. Co-created by Métis artists Nathalie Bertin and Lisa Shepherd, this grassroots initiative explores the experiences of different artists as they navigated changing COVID-19 conditions.

This second touring exhibition emerging from the Breathe. project includes 44 masks that speak to both cultural resilience and strength of community in the face of a pandemic. Each mask includes the maker’s unique stories of fear, courage, sadness, hope and healing. The initiative encompasses traditional beadwork techniques as well as an array of other materials and methods, creating space for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists.