The Ancestors Are Talking

BANFF, ALBERTA — The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies unveils a landmark exhibition this spring, showcasing the revolutionary work of the Indigenous Group of Seven, a collective that transformed the landscape of Canadian art through their groundbreaking vision and activism.

“The Ancestors Are Talking: Paintings by the Indigenous Seven,” running from May 3 to October 19, 2025, celebrates the artistic legacy of the group, also known as Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. (PNIAI), featuring 77 works that span decades of creative evolution and cultural resistance.

The exhibition highlights the work of seven visionary artists who challenged systemic exclusion in the Canadian art world: Jackson Beardy (1944–1984), Eddy Cobiness (1933–1996), Alex Janvier (1935–2024), Norval Morrisseau (1932–2007), Daphne Odjig (1919–2016), Carl Ray (1943–1978), and Joseph M. Sánchez (b. 1948).

“This art is revolutionary and remains deeply relevant to the history of Canadian art,” says Joseph M. Sánchez, the last living member of the group, who co-curated the exhibition alongside Dawn Saunders Dahl, the Whyte’s Curator of Indigenous Initiatives, and Christina Cuthbertson, Director of Curatorial Initiatives.

Many pieces in the exhibition have rarely been seen by the public, offering visitors an unprecedented opportunity to experience works that capture the essence of Indigenous expression through vibrant color palettes, innovative techniques, and profound cultural storytelling.

The exhibition traces the artistic development of each member, from early sketches to masterworks and public commissions. Visitors will journey through artwork inspired by the mountains of Jasper, the Boreal Forest, and themes of strength, family, resistance, nature, and ceremony.

“The Ancestors Are Talking highlights the artistic progression of each member, exploring key developments in their careers,” explains Sánchez. The exhibition will be accompanied by a publication expected in fall 2026.

The Indigenous Group of Seven emerged as a powerful force in the 1970s, creating what Sánchez describes as art intended to “awaken a troubled world.” Their collective vision centered on imagination and abstraction while incorporating elements of Indigenous culture and spirituality, ultimately changing the canon of art in Canada.

“The Whyte is honoured to collaborate with Joseph on this powerful exhibition, showcasing the incredible talents of these artists and preserving their legacies to inspire future generations of Indigenous creators,” said Saunders Dahl.

In conjunction with the exhibition, The Whyte is launching an Indigenous Mentorship Program led by Sánchez and Saunders Dahl. Seventeen local Indigenous artists have been invited to create new works inspired by the exhibition, with participants having the rare opportunity to work directly with Sánchez to develop their artistic practice.

The program encourages artists to research historic works and material culture in The Whyte’s collection while exploring personal narratives and traditional storytelling through various mediums and styles. Works created through this initiative will be exhibited at The Whyte in 2026, fulfilling the original mission of the Indigenous Group of Seven—amplifying Indigenous artistic voices.

The Whyte Museum, home to the largest art collection dedicated to the Canadian Rockies with over 10,000 pieces dating from the early 1800s to present day, views this exhibition as part of its ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

“The Ancestors Are Talking” exhibition stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of these seven pioneering artists whose innovations continue to shape the cultural and artistic landscapes of Canada and beyond. Through their collective vision and individual brilliance, the Indigenous Group of Seven created a foundation for generations of Indigenous artists who followed in their footsteps.

The Ancestors Are Talking: Paintings by the Indigenous Seven
On view May 3 – October 19, 2025 / whyte.org / 111 Bear Street, Banff, AB, T1L 1A3