‘Chi-kishkayhitamihk Si Te Li Neu Biizon’ (Education is the New Bison) sculpture, photo provided by Val Vint

The 12-foot sculpture in the shape of a bison is constructed out of 200 steel replicas of books and films by Indigenous authors and allies. In Indigenous cultures, bison once provided everything. Now, we look to education to provide. Unless we understand our history, we can’t understand the problems in society.

Education is the New Bison is the first piece in a series of three artworks commissioned by The Winnipeg Foundation for The Forks.

Year: 2020

Medium: Steel

Location: Niizhoziibean

Read “A Response to ‘Chi-kishkayhitamihk Si Te Li Neu Biizon’ (Education is the New Bison)” by KC Adams.”

FILMS – 100 – 11 = 89

• 3 filmmakers – Alanis Obamsawin & Sam Vint each have 3 film titles on one piece. (-6)
• Red – can be omitted (-5)

BOOKS/PLAYS – 198 (* words after: on website 2nd list)

• Black – included on Sculpture (152)
• The extras – (20)
• Hooves – (8)
• Red – removed from list (46)

Val Vint was born in Winnipegosis, Manitoba, where the most meaningful part of her childhood was spent in the bush, chasing foxes and pelicans with her Grandfather, a conservation officer. Drawing from a diverse background encompassing photography, ceramics, painting, engineering, design, theatre, performance art, music, travel, and collaboration with other indigenous peoples, Val’s cultural heritage instills a sense of license to explore all forms of art.

Belonging to the Métis community, known for their fierce independence and versatile culture, Val’s work reflects this spirit, manifesting in a diverse range of mediums. Over the past four decades, her life’s focus has been a blend of power engineering, artistic expression, cultural enrichment, community programming, and personal art practice. Val has conducted workshops across Manitoba, Scotland, and Latin America, contributing to initiatives such as the Indigenous Designers Cooperative and serving as a program coordinator at Art City, projects deeply cherished.

Beyond familial narrative and professional endeavours, Val actively advocates for her community through involvement in women’s organizations and drumming. For 16 years, she has been a member of the Buffalo Gals Drum Circle at the North End Women’s Center. As a multimedia artist, Val’s repertoire spans willow-work, fabric arts, ceramics, traditional tanning methods, watercolour, oil, acrylic, sculpture, public art, acting, photography, video, writing, traditional singing and drumming, and beadwork, reflecting her rich and multifaceted creative journey.