Qamutik: When The Dogsled Becomes Art An exhibition curated by Katsitsanoron Dumoulin Bush
Qamutik: When The Dogsled Becomes Art An exhibition curated by Katsitsanoron Dumoulin Bush
La Guilde proudly presents QAMUTIK, the début solo exhibition from Kuujjuaq-based artist Thomas Whiteley in partnership with the Festival International Présence Autochtone, curated by Katsitsanoron Dumoulin Bush. Join us, along with the artist and curator, on Thursday, July 30 at 5:30 PM for the opening of the exhibition. The exhibition will be on view until September 12, 2026.
Thomas Whiteley uses printmaking and woodwork to celebrate the ingenuity behind the design of the qamutik, the traditional inuit dogsled. His immersive installation examines the qamutik’s function as a vehicle for the transmission of knowledge, land-based innovation, and cultural continuance.
More than a means of transportation, the qamutik is a symbol of freedom, prosperity and autonomy. Decades after the dog slaughter in Nunavik, the persisting qimutsik (dogsledding) tradition is an activity of resilience within Inuit culture. For this exhibition, the artist has created a qamutik constructed from the wooden plates used to produce the prints. A video of the qamutik in action also accompanies the installation.
* During the opening, visitors will also be able to discover Pride and Joy, an exhibition featuring works of Mary Paningajak.
BIOGRAPHY
Thomas Whiteley is a printmaker based in Kuujjuaq, QC. Though he always had an interest in art, it was only in 2024 that he began devoting himself more seriously to printmaking. After attending a three-week-long training with professional artist Nadine Bariteau in Kuujjuaq, he acquired additional tools and techniques to develop his art practice.
His artwork has been displayed in many galleries, such as Tivi Gallery (Kuujjuaq), La Guilde (Montreal) and Campbell River Art Gallery (B.C.), and is part of an institutional collection. He was also the recipient of the Canada Arts Council Grant.
His work as a pilot for Air Inuit continues to fuel his artistic inspiration by offering him a unique perspective on northern landscapes and Inuit culture. Today, Whiteley specializes in woodcut engraving and linocutting. He remains dedicated to representing his northern way of life, modern Inuit culture, and his relationship with the land and animals.
Katsitsanoron (Kat) Dumoulin Bush is a two-spirit Onkwehonwe and French Canadian from Oshahrhè:’on (Chateauguay), Quebec. They received their BA in Linguistics from Concordia University in 2017. Kat has worked as an educator in indigenous communities across Quebec; teaching mathematics, science, music, special education, and kindergarten in Tasiujaq, Eastmain and Kahnawake. They have also worked in radio as a DJ and music journalist. Katsitsanoron considers themselves a “non-disciplinary” artist and curator; using experiential learning as a principal medium to make artworks and exhibitions that pose and respond to questions about sexual, racial, and interpersonal identity.
As an artist, they have completed residencies at Artexte (2023), The Banff Centre (2024), and Plug In ICA (2026). Their first curatorial internship was at daphne (2023), and the second the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (2024-2026). Kat is currently working at La Guilde and as part of a team of guest curators for the MAC’s reopening exhibition. They are also currently a board member of the IPACC (Indigenous People’s Arts and Cultures Collective) and MOMENTA biennial.
ABOUT LA GUILDE
La Guilde is a charitable visual arts organization committed to supporting artists who push the boundaries of handmade art in Canada. We operate a gallery and look after a collection and archive that preserves and expands histories of art and craft. For over 120 years we’ve championed a sustainable art market for craft and handmade art with a focus on work by women and artists who are Indigenous. We support artistic experimentation and the vitality of contemporary craft.
Exhibition title: Qamutik
Artist: Thomas Whiteley
Curator: Katsitsanoron Dumoulin Bush Dates: July 30 to September 12, 2026
Opening Night: Thursday, July 30, 5:30 PM – 8 PM, the artist and curator will be present *
Nawè Jean, Communications, La Guilde
gnawejean@canadianguild.com
