ABOUT THE ARTIST DAWN OMAN

Dawn is a self-taught First Nations Artist, born in Yellowknife, N.W.T. Growing up, she was bounced between several foster homes and group homes. In 1973, while she was being fostered by a German family, they moved from Yellowknife to British Columbia.

Dawn did not learn about her Indigenous background until she returned to Yellowknife, as an adult, in 1994. With the help of a good friend, she discovered her parents were Nancy Morrison, of Chipewyan, Finnish and Russian descent, while her father, Loten Haris, was Welsh. Nancy is the granddaughter of Pascal Tlicho—also known as Chief Snuff of the Yellowknives—one of the signers of the original Treaty 8 with the Government of Canada. Dawn applied for and received her full Native status in 2001.

Her first gallery was opened in Yellowknife in 1999, where she welcomed visitors and collectors from across Canada and around the world who delighted in the vibrant colours and playful spirit of her work.

Now living in Nova Scotia, Dawn owns a decommissioned United Church building in Bridgetown. The Dawn Oman Art Gallery is located in the church. Further renovations include an intimate concert venue in the sanctuary adorned with early 1950s stained glass windows.

When she is not painting, Dawn likes going to see live local concerts, finding treasures at yard sales, beachcombing, having barbecues on the deck, and taming feral cats.

For more information about Dawn’s career and art, please visit her website https://www.dawnomanart.com.