Let’s Talk About Trout Children

Shay Paul stands between two of Stínesten Gallery’s art pieces, smiling. (Photo Taken by Shanny N, TRU, 2026)

The Interview

What is Indigenous art? 

The Stínesten art gallery curator, Shay Paul, welcomes all guests through the doors of the art exhibition. She was more than happy to discuss the simple complexity of what makes Indigenous art what it is. All while the varying art pieces themselves are showcased around the gallery up close and at a distance. Paul’s involvement in the art world goes deeper than just this beautiful exhibition. She founded the Indigenous Resurgence Project (IRP) in 2021, but the roots of the project’s origins reside in 2018, under the name Artists for Reconciliation. The IRP is an Indigenous-led arts initiative, made to “build connection, visibility, and support for Indigenous artists in the Kamloops area and beyond.” (Shay Paul, 2021). The current exhibition, Trout Children, has pieces from ten Indigenous students and alumni from Thompson Rivers University. Each piece showcases one or multiple aspects of Trout Children’s theme: belonging, identity, and connection in various styles of creative contemporary practice.

The gallery is currently running as of the posting date of this article, and will continue on until May 2nd, 2026. For additional information of this wonderful exhibition, and to discover any future ones, check out the website:

Stínesten Gallery | Indigenous Resurgence Project. (2021). Resurgence Project. https://www.indigenousresurgenceproject.ca/stinesten