The opening of Generational Love marked a milestone moment for Vina Brown, also known as Copper Canoe Woman, who debuted her first solo exhibition with a night that was nothing short of extraordinary. Held on August 21, the reception was alive with the energy of influential art, delicious food, joyous singing, and dancing, creating a celebratory atmosphere.
Brown, a jewelry artist and multidisciplinary creator, drew deeply from her roots—Haíłzaqv and Nuučaan̓uł family legacies of weaving and beading—to craft a show that explored the wisdom and love passed down through generations. “We have a history of loving beauty and wearing our culture on ourselves that stretches beyond linear timelines,” she shared, reminding attendees of the enduring presence of Indigenous art and adornment.
The exhibition itself was a stunning fusion of traditional and contemporary forms. Visitors encountered button blankets reimagined, eight runway-ready looks, and wearable ovoid dresses that pushed the boundaries of design. Laser-cut acrylic salmon swam across the gallery walls, while framed cedar mats displayed statement earrings like precious treasures. The collection spoke not only to teachings but to the power of innovation, bridging tradition with the modern and even futuristic.
Of course, no Copper Canoe Woman event would be complete without a nod to her iconic jewelry. Special “auntie earring” moments lit up the evening, as dreamlike pairs were gifted, exchanged, and adorned in community style—a gesture that embodied the very theme of Generational Love.
More than an art exhibition, Brown’s debut was a poignant reminder of the joy, resilience, and enduring presence of Indigenous culture. It was an evening that attendees carried with them long after leaving the gallery—a living testament to the generational love that surrounds us all.
