Gallery 121 in Belleville, Ontario, opened a new Indigenous art exhibition on January 19, 2026, featuring nine Haudenosaunee artists including David R. Maracle, Rebecca Maracle, Janice Brant, and others. The month-long show, running until February 7, opened with a smudging ceremony and musical performance by Maracle, and includes works by Gallery 121 member artists. The exhibition continues the gallery's annual tradition of showcasing Indigenous artists from the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory since 2014.
The exhibition matters because it provides a platform for Indigenous voices and cultural education in a community setting, fostering understanding and appreciation of Haudenosaunee art and traditions. By featuring diverse artists and including cultural elements like smudging and Indigenous refreshments, the show strengthens local ties and highlights the ongoing relevance of Indigenous perspectives in contemporary art. It exemplifies how small galleries can play a vital role in cultural preservation and community engagement.