Edward Poitras

Edward Poitras (born in 1953 Regina, Saskatchewan) is a Métis artist based in Saskatchewan, he is a member of the Gordon First Nation His work, mixed-media sculptures and installations, explores the themes of history, treaties, colonialism, and life both in urban spaces and nature.

Poitras began formal studies in 1974 when he attended the Ind-Art program at the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural College in Saskatoon where he studied with Sarain Stump whose thinking about art and its relationship to life from Indigenous perspectives would significantly influence his practice. In 1975-76 he continued his studies at Manitou College in La Macaza, Quebec with Mexican Aboriginal artist Domingo Cisneros.

Poitras has participated in many significant solo and group exhibitions in Canada and internationally. Since 1980, his work has usually been included in major contemporary Aboriginal exhibitions. In 1995, he represented Canada at the Venice Biennale. He was the first Indigenous artist chosen to represent Canada at Venice.

His artwork has had a profound impact on contemporary arts practices and discourse. In recognition of this contribution he was awarded the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts in 2002.