Indigenous Art Exhibition

MARCH 8-29, 2026

The Route 22 iGallery Indigenous Art Exhibition is part of Cochrane’s Indigenous Arts & Culture Week, celebrating the creativity, stories, and cultural knowledge of Indigenous artists in our region.

This year’s exhibition features the work of Stoney Nakoda father-daughter artists Dennis and Daisynae Labelle, whose pieces reflect powerful visual storytelling rooted in tradition and lived experience. The exhibition also includes a special tribute to the late Amber Boyd, former District 4 Captain for the Rocky View Métis District of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, honouring her legacy and the contributions she made to the community.

Displayed across multiple venues throughout Cochrane, the exhibition invites visitors to experience a diverse collection of artwork that reflects the strength, history, and perspectives of Indigenous voices.

Meet the Artists

Dennis & Daisynae Labelle

My name is Dennis Labelle, an Iyârhé (Stoney) Nakoda artist from the Stoney Nakoda Nation. For many years I have used art as a way to record the people, history, and spirit of our Nation. My work reflects what I have learned through experience, the strength of our warriors, the guidance of our Elders, and the stories that connect us to the land.

I am a multidisciplinary artist, working across many forms including acrylic painting, watercolor, oil painting, drawing, beadwork, sewing, carving, and other traditional crafts. Through these mediums I explore both historical and contemporary Nakoda figures — warriors, matriarchs, leaders, holy people, and protectors. I see them the way others might see superheroes: figures of strength, spirituality, resilience, and purpose.

Much of my painting is done in acrylic, which allows me to build layers of colour and movement until the story within the work feels alive. Each piece carries something personal — a teaching, a memory, a story, or a connection that I hope to share with others.

Over time I have shared my work through a number of exhibitions. My daughter and I created D Labelle Studios as a way to bring our art together and give it a true home online. Through this platform we aim to share our paintings, ledger art, and handcrafted work, creating a place where people can experience and connect with Nakoda stories, traditions, and creativity.

Throughout the years I have had opportunities to show my work publicly, including exhibitions with Route 22 Gallery and Three Sisters Gallery. These experiences reminded me how powerful it is to see our stories represented and appreciated.

Today I continue to grow as an artist and to strengthen D Labelle Studios as a place where our work and culture can be shared. My goal is to expand my body of work, develop new pieces, and continue creating art that reflects the teachings, history, and spirit of our people.

Every piece I create carries the same purpose: to honour where we come from and to keep those stories alive through art.

Special Tribute

Amber Boyd

Our collective thrives because of the talented and diverse group of artists and artisans who bring energy, vision, and craftsmanship to our community. Each month, members and guest artists are featured through jury-reviewed exhibitions, shows, and sales—offering fresh perspectives and creative inspiration for visitors and collectors alike.

If you’re an artist interested in joining the Collective or exhibiting your work, we’d love to hear from you. Route 22 proudly welcomes artists from across the region whose work reflects the richness of Alberta’s culture and landscape. Together, we create a dynamic gallery environment that inspires creativity, fosters collaboration, and builds lasting connections through art.