ICCA Congratulates John Mahli Lawa’ Hampton on Their Appointment as Director & CEO at WAG-Qaumajuq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2026

ICCA Congratulates John Mahli Lawa’ Hampton on Their Appointment as Director & CEO at WAG-Qaumajuq

OTTAWA, ON —  The Indigenous Curatorial Collective (ICCA) congratulates John Mahli Lawa’ Hampton, former ICCA Board Chair, on their appointment as Director & CEO at the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq (WAG-Qaumajuq). 

WAG-Qaumajuq is a leading cultural institution and home to the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art. Hampton, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, will officially assume the role on December 10, 2026, following an extensive national and international search. They bring over eight years of transformative institutional leadership, having most recently served as Executive Director & CEO of the MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina since 2021, becoming the first Indigenous person to serve as Executive Director and CEO of a major public art institution in Canada.

Hampton will lead WAG-Qaumajuq’s operations, capital expansion, and strategic vision, furthering the gallery’s work at the intersection of contemporary art, Indigenization, reconciliation, and community engagement in their new role. Throughout their career, Hampton’s leadership has emphasized relational trust, decolonial museum management, and expanding national platforms for Indigenous artists and curators.

Hampton’s designation reflects the vital leadership Indigenous arts leaders bring to guiding institutions toward meaningful transformation, equity, and care. Through their prior service as Board Chair of ICCA, Hampton has significantly contributed to advancing Indigenous self-determination within the arts and expanding opportunities for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis arts professionals.

ICCA celebrates this exciting next chapter in Hampton’s career and looks forward to following their impact at WAG-Qaumajuq.

Learn more at wag.ca.

About the Indigenous Curatorial Collective

The Indigenous Curatorial Collective supports and connects First Nations, Inuit and Métis curators, artists and cultural workers. Through gatherings, professional development, partnerships and advocacy, ICCA advances Indigenous curatorial practice and self-determination within the arts.

Media Contact
Liz Barron, Director
Indigenous Curatorial Collective
info@icca.art
icca.art

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