First Nations artist duo pulls work from UCalgary gallery following controversial debate

Two First Nations artists—seth cardinal dodginghorse and their mother, Glenna Cardinal—have pulled their works from the University of Calgary’s Nickle Galleries following the controversial debate that took place on campus earlier this month. “I didn’t feel our work was safe at the university, and I felt like we had to go get it and bring it home,” explained Cardinal. The pair echoed calls for debate participant and UCalgary Professor Emeritus Tom Flanagan to be stripped of his title. In a statement to CTV News, UCalgary highlighted the tension between the university’s responsibility to uphold the principles of freedom of expression and to fostering a welcoming environment.