The Importance of Aunties in Indigenous Communities: A Discussion with Curator and Multidisciplinary Artist Hillary Kempenich

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Hillary Kempenich Photo: Nedahness Rose GreeneAll My Relations Arts’ juried exhibition, Noojimo (She Heals), recognizes and celebrates the importance of Aunties in Indigenous communities. We talked to curator Hillary Kempenich (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) about bringing the juried show together – it showcases the works of 14 artists and is open through September 17. It is a powerful tribute to courageous women who step into the role of Auntie, and it just might inspire you to step up your game with the next generation.

Q:  Please tell us more about the role of Aunties in Indigenous communities. Were Aunties important to you personally?

A:  In many communities, Aunties have a special role with children, I personally did not realize there is a unique bond within Indigenous spaces until I moved away from the Turtle Mountain community. However, when I had the privilege to be amongst fellow Indigenous people, there was always a kinship especially to the Aunt-figures within those spaces. Aunts often take the role of the other mother/second parent, or other grandmother; the Auntie often serves in an extra parental role who provides mental, physical, and spiritual support to younger relatives.

A lot of my childhood memories are filled with spending time with the many Aunties that I had been blessed with. Some lived within our family cluster of homes, some out in the countryside, and some lived away from us, yet I still have an abundance of memories being with them as my parents were building a life for us. I will forever remember my little legs walking down the gravel road to my Aunt Tiny’s to spend the days with her, where she’d keep my little creative spirit busy with baking, knitting, and so on even as a young child. I also fondly remember those long road trips to spend the summer with my aunts who worked for Circle of Nations. Now, the roles have shifted, and I do my best to mentor not just my biological nieces and nephews, but those who have asked me to step into that role for them as well.

Q:  How did you go about putting together the exhibition? Did you have assistance in curating the show?

A:  I believe it was in late November of last year when I approached Angela Two Stars of All My Relations and NACDI about one of my many ideas of work I’d like to create; amidst that conversation came to be this show. Much of my work is in hopes to help amplify the beauty and strength of Indigenous women, without romanticism or fetishism. I firmly believe that we should tell our own stories, and this was an opportunity to help fellow Indigenous artists to do the same. Heid E. Erdrich was my curator coach for this show, who was able to reassure me and give valuable feedback. I am also very fortunate to have worked decades ago in a museum and volunteer, which established some great insight. 

Q:  Can you tell us about the featured artists?

A:  There are so many amazing talented artists as part of this show. It was incredibly challenging to narrow down from a very long list, which was filled with artists who I wanted to work with, reconnect with, and/or amplify their work. Nedahness Rose Greene and I had met a few years ago when I was working with Watermark Art Center for a show, where I was blown away by her abilities as a photographer. I knew then that I needed to create space to highlight her work. Also, a lot of my artwork is utilized in advocacy efforts, so naturally I am drawn to fellow artists who do the same, which is how I came across Somah Haaland and Agnes Woodward as well. Each artist has such unique talents to express that love, passion and respect that is shared for the role of an auntie.

Hillary at the Noojimo (She Heals) exhibit.

Q:  Will you work with All My Relations Gallery on future shows? What's coming up for you after this show?

A:  If they’ll have me back, of course I would love to continue to work with All My Relations Gallery. It is a unique and supportive space which embraces the creative spirit, I am honored to be working with a great team. I am also working on my own series of paintings and installation work combining the affinity I have for foraging, gardening, and how that is synonymous with the feminine spirit. I hope to have it on display in Fargo in the fall, and perhaps I will find other spaces to showcase it. I spend a lot of my time also helping organizations in the communities I am in as well as mentoring individuals, which I don’t see changing any time soon. 

Q:  Are there events surrounding the exhibit that are open to the public?

A:  Yes - There is a Curator’s Talk August 11, 6:30 pm at AMRA. The Artist’s Talk Closing Reception is September 9th 6-8 pm. Stay tuned via NACDI and AMRA social media for further announcements for possible community engagement programs.

Q:  Where may we see your artwork? How may we follow your news?

A:  I have a website that I manage myself, so forgive the lapse in updates - many independent artists have a lot of other duties beyond creating the actual work itself. My Instagram, @zazegaadesigns, is often updated, and Facebook.