Ceremony & Exhibition Reception: Mask Medicine

We invite you to attend the ceremony guided by Gordon Sparks (Mi'kmaw) and Elder Cyril Polchies (Wape'k Paqtism), followed by the opening reception of Gordon Sparks' Mask Medicine in the Craft Ontario Gallery on Saturday, June 28 at 1 PM. The carved masks will be awoken through spoken ceremony, guided by Elder Cyril Polchies.

Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 1-3pm
RSVP here (not required, but appreciated!)
Craft Ontario Gallery, 1106 Queen Street West, Toronto
This ceremony is open to all (Indigenous and non-Indigenous people) to attend, and we encourage all visitors to arrive to the gallery by 1pm.

Gordon Sparks is a Mi’kmaw artist from Pabineau First Nation, now living in Rough Waters, New Brunswick. Sparks harvests wood and animal materials through ceremony, carving masks that embody the spirit of Mi’kmaw stories, traditions, and teachings. Each mask reflects a deeply personal journey—guided by the tree itself—and speaks to the lives of his people, past and present. His work honours traditional knowledge, ceremony, and storytelling, breathing life into Mi’kmaw characters through collaborations with dancers, drummers, and regalia makers. Also a skin artist with over 30 years of experience, Sparks fuses tattoo design and carving to preserve and share cultural teachings.

Cyril Polchies has spent a lifetime immersed in the world of art and culture. Surrounded by artists from an early age, he grew up watching his grandparents craft traditional baskets—an experience that sparked a deep appreciation for Indigenous artistry and craftsmanship. For the past 35 years, Cyril has been deeply committed to preserving and practicing his culture and traditions, integrating them into his artwork and daily life. His work is a reflection of his roots, his teachings, and his dedication to keeping Mi’kmaq heritage alive for future generations.