The Comox Valley Art Gallery is hosting a reception and artist talk on Saturday, Sept. 20, starting at 1 p.m. to mark the opening of the convergent program “George Littlechild: Hope for a better world.”

The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

This convergent program offers a comprehensive survey of George Littlechild’s creative practice and life story through exhibitions, video, and feature length documentary film. It will run from Sept. 20 to Nov. 15.

“As an artist, educator and cultural worker, my goal is a better world. It is my job to show the pride, strength and beauty of First Nations people and cultures” said Littlechild.

The program includes the touring exhibition “Here I am — can you see me?” organized by the Art Gallery of Alberta. It is a series of 22 drawings that depict First Nations children who perished while attending residential school.

“In my work, I am committed to righting the wrongs that First Nations peoples have endured by creating art that focuses on cultural, social and political injustices,” said Littlechild.

Littlechild received a diploma in art and design from Red Deer College in 1984, and later obtained a B.F.A. from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax in 1988. He also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of the Fraser Valley.

CVAG is an accessible facility and is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CVAG exhibitions and events are free, with donations gratefully accepted. For more details, visit Comox Valley Art Gallery