I am thrilled to announce, that I will be having an exhibition with my daughter Adryan Bergstrom-Borins in July.
Encrypted Identities, Decoded Histories, is an installation that will be held at Xchanges Gallery and Studios in Victoria, BC from July 11-27, 2025.
I am very excited about this exhibition not only because it has been long in the making, but because I am, for the first time, collaborating with my daughter Adryan Bergstrom-Borins. Together we are unpacking the story of our Icelandic and Metis heritage (no accent on the “e” is intentional). For many in my family, our history has been a lot of myth and legend. Through the installation we wrestle with aspects of our settler and Metis histories to confront myths that are common in Canadian society and our own family, and to recognize and celebrate our ancestors.
The work is one installation comprised of several parts, in a variety of media from textiles to traditional beading created by Adryan, to video mapping. The pieces were created in a several locales including Iceland, Spain, Netherlands, and in Canada at Dinosaur Provincial Park (Alberta), Manitoba (Gimli), and British Columbia (Metchosin). The creation of this work has required extensive personal and academic research, collaboration, experimentation, and learning. It has also required the support of many of others who have provided photographs, information, encouragement, and expertise in genology, history, and archaeology.
We hope you can join us in person, but if you cannot we will be hosting an artist talk both online and in person on Sunday, July 20th at 2pm PDT via Google Meet. The talk will be recorded and published on my website and YouTube Channel.
Please register to receive the link for the talk here: https://forms.gle/Y2P6mJNSaV7uSQWVA
Below are some images from works in progress.
Exhibition poster 
Cyanotypes on fabric, Harry Anderson (grandfather’s WWI portrait). Printed in Spain. 
Studio view of work in progress 
Gifts for travellers; embroidery on felt (Icelandic wool, sheep bone button, 3d printed Rune signs) the licensed graphic design is based on the tree of life – Yggdrasil. Created in Iceland, 2023 
Gifts for travellers; embroidery on felt (English wool, heep bone button, 3d printed Rune signs) the licensed graphic design is based on the eagles in the Book of Kells c. 800 
Gifts for travellers; embroidery on felt (Icelandic wool) the design is based on the traditional symbol known as the Helm of Awe, or Ægishjálmur, is a magical Icelandic symbol associated with protection and victory. It’s a powerful sigil often depicted with eight radiating arms resembling spiked tridents, exuding an aura of might and defense. Created in Iceland, 2023 
Heidi Bergstrom and Adryan Bergstrom-Borins at the Icelandic League of North America Convention, Gimli, Manitoba May 2025 
Adryan Bergstrom-Borins wearing traditional ribbon skirt at the Icelandic League of North America Convention, Gimli, Manitoba May 2025 
The Métis sash is a vibrant, hand-woven belt, traditionally made of brightly colored wool, and serves as a symbol of Métis identity and culture. It was originally used by voyageurs (fur traders) and later adopted by their Métis children. The sash was a practical tool, used for various purposes like holding coats closed, carrying belongings, or even as a sewing kit. Today, it remains a significant symbol of Métis heritage and is often gifted as a gesture of respect or honor. 
Generations (cyanotype) – this is the only photo I have of my sister Linda (left), my grandma Margaret Ann (Maggie) Anderson (nee Wood), me at about 9 years old, and my mother, Margaret Edna (right) 
Cyanotypes – printed on fabric at Dinosaur Park, Alberta 
view of ‘linkages’ (left group) Icelandic embroidery border, Metis sash, canvas strip with watercolour and ink and embroidery; Right: photographs of Manitoba and Iceland created as machine knitted pieces. 
Icelandic wools, moose sinew
Links
Heidi Bergstrom- portfolio website, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
Adryan Bergstrom- Borins – Instagram, LinkedIn
#metisfederation #metis #icelandicancestry #icelandicroots #reconciliation #installationart #multimediaart #reconciliation #manigotagon #bissett #manitoba #redriverancestry #xchangesgallery
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