Celebrating Diversity Through Art and History Year-Round at PAMA

BRAMPTON, ON (June 20, 2024) – The Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) offers a vibrant and culturally diverse mix of exhibitions throughout June and all year long! This month we celebrate so many important heritage months and days including Indigenous Heritage month, Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), Pride month, Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and more! PAMA welcomes all visitors to come and immerse themselves in compelling narratives and rich cultural histories through PAMA’s creatively curated exhibits.

Lii Buflo: A Métis Way of Life
On now to Aug. 25
Travelling exhibition from Elk Island National Park.

This exhibition uses colourful artwork by Métis artist Jesse Gouchey to tell the story of the relationship between the Métis and the buffalo, and the buffalo conservation efforts of Elk Island National Park (a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve) near Edmonton, Alberta. Designed for people of all ages, you will be transported by this story of culture, resilience, and family. This exhibit was developed in close partnership with the Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert and the Métis community from the Greater Edmonton Area. It provides a comprehensive overview of the profound connection between humans and this majestic creature.

The Suitcase Project
On now - Sept. 8
Travelling exhibition from the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre

Explore the forced relocation of Japanese Canadians during World War II, featuring personal stories and reflections. In this impactful exhibition, over 80 fourth- and fifth-generation Japanese Canadians and Americans share what they would pack if forcibly removed from their homes today. They were given one day to assemble their things, like what many Japanese Canadians faces in 1942.

Oh My Dog!
On now - Nov. 3
Guest curated by Chris Finn

This exhibition showcases a selection of historical and contemporary works by diverse artists of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds who have focused on the dog as a symbol. It considers a variety of perspectives on the dog’s relationship with humans around cultural identity, social and aesthetic values, ethics, animal rights, lifestyle, and consumerism.

Banquets and Belonging: Diasporic celebrations in the Greater Toronto Area
On now - Feb 2, 2025
Guest Curated by Sneha Mandhan

Gatherings and celebrations are an important part of many immigrant cultures in the Greater Toronto Area. These celebrations allow family and friends to come together, to pass on cultural traditions to younger generations, to participate in ritual and ceremony, and to create new memories and belonging in new places. This crowdsourced photo exhibition tells the stories of these moments of celebration and joy across a broad cultural diaspora.

Kimutsik
On now - Nov. 21
Guest curated by Chris Finn

In partnership with CONTACT Photography Festival, PAMA presents Kimustik (dog team), 2023 by Glenn Gear. This artwork portrays untethered dogs running freely and returning as spirits set against a kaleidoscope backdrop of beadwork crafted and photographed by the artist. It is based on a time in the mid-twentieth century when the Canadian government enforced harsh laws that saw the senseless demise of many Inuit owned dogs to push Inuit into settlements.

Sedna: Inuit Goddess of the Sea
Permanent exhibition, art gallery lobby

The sculpture atrium at PAMA includes work by Inuit carvers. These works were assembled to represent the legend of Sedna, the Inuit Sea Goddess. Sedna is an important figure who features prominently in Inuit oral legends that are passed down from one generation to the next. Half human, half fish, she rules the underworld and over all marine life. Sedna is often identified by her tail and long tresses where she is said to keep sea animals like seals, walruses, and whales. She only releases them when she is appeased by human offerings or by the visit of a shaman who calmingly combs her hair. Hunters seeking to feed their family depend on Sedna’s good will for she controls the supply of animal life as food.

About PAMA

PAMA is a place to explore and learn about Peel region’s diverse culture and heritage highlighting important local, Canadian, and global narratives. Art, artifact, and archival collections, exhibitions, and programs help visitors make new and fascinating connections to the surrounding community. Join us throughout the year for tours, events, workshops, and public programs for all ages. Operated by Peel Region, PAMA is located at 9 Wellington Street East in Brampton. Visit PAMA to learn more.

Media contact

Jonell George 
Marketing Specialist (Acting), PAMA 
Tel: 437-249-1576