Indigenous artists gather at Thunder Bay Art Gallery

The Gathering of Indigenous Artists in Thunder Bay on Thursday is a chance to strengthen the growing community, according to a First Nations photographer.

The event, taking place at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, was organized by the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres as a networking opportunity for artists to make creative and business connections.

Photographer Brent Wesley said he travelled to the city from Sioux Lookout for the event and the chance to discuss the importance of indigenous arts, and how to strengthen the community.

"It's been a growing scene, and it's expanding beyond ... what you would typically think of - visual art and painting, and you know, the woodland style of Norval Morrisseau," Wesley said.

"We're doing so much more now ... filmmaking, photography, sculpting, dance, theatre. It's an exciting thing to be a part of." 

It's important for indigenous people to be able to tell their own stories, through art, Wesley said.

"It's such a dynamic art scene," he said adding that his photography is a way to share and celebrate the stories of First Nations people