PREMIERE OF VIDEO PORTRAITS FROM PIKANGIKUM FIRST NATION
SPECIAL EVENTS
Fundraising
Experiencing Pikangikum through Art and Storytelling
Premiere of Video Portraits from Pikangikum
December 3, 2024 - 7pm
Since 2018, Jamii has made annual visits to Pikangikum First Nation in Northern Ontario, a connection made possible by Esplanadian Asmita Pal. Each visit has brought a range of artistic experiences, and over the years, Jamii has also welcomed Pikangikum artists to our community on The Esplanade. In 2022, Jamii launched the first in a series of video portraits showcasing the artistry, emerging talents, community leaders, and Elders of Pikangikum. This initiative has grown into a collection of 13 compelling portraits, created by Isorine Marc, Gillian Mapp, and Eray Guler.
Join us on Tuesday, December 3rd, at 7:00 pm at The Jamii Hub for a special evening featuring a selection of these video portraits. The event will include discussions with the project artists—Isorine Marc, Gillian Mapp, and Eray Guler—and will be bookended by opening and closing ceremonies led by Jim Adams. Special guest Asmita Pal will also be present to offer deeper insights into the Pikangikum community.
These video portraits explore themes of artistic inspiration, leadership within the community, aspirations and fears, the role of art as a healing force, navigating intergenerational trauma, and the shared hope for a brighter future.
Come and join us for this inspiring evening that will expand your understanding of Indigenous communities. Your participation will also support Jamii’s continued engagement with Pikangikum, as all ticket sales proceeds will go toward our next visit in 2025. Jamii is a registered charity. If you make a donation while purchasing your ticket, you will receive a tax receipt per ticket in one receipt.
We look forward to welcoming you to this meaningful event.
Video Portraits from Pikangikum First Nation is supported by Ontario Arts Council.
Photos by: Eray Guler, Isorine Marc
Eray Guler
Eray Güler is a visual storyteller whose journey began in Turkiye, where two of his photography works were published by BBC Turkiye. After moving to Canada in 2014, he expanded his expertise through digital marketing courses at George Brown College and the University of Toronto.
Eray founded Recro Digital Marketing, which continues to thrive in Canada’s competitive marketing field. His YouTube channel, the largest Turkish-Canadian channel, connects Turkiye and Canada, offering guidance to immigrants and promoting cross-cultural understanding. With over 120,000 subscribers and 17 million views, Eray is dedicated to producing content that resonates, inspires, and fosters meaningful connections.
Gillian Mapp
From a young age, Gillian Mapp began capturing images long before ever picking up a camera. Using her eyes, she made memories permanent in her mind's eye. Gillian understood the importance of documenting her story, knowing no one else would do it for her. Her mother’s dedication to recording every moment of their childhood instilled a deep appreciation for preserving history. Gillian’s early experiences with film rolls and the anticipation of their development inspired her to use photography to change how people see and remember the world. Her work highlights the beauty in everyday moments and brings untold stories to the forefront.
Isorine Marc
Isorine obtained her Masters Degree in Performing Arts Management in France and has acquired international work experience in arts organizations such as The Paris Conservatoire (France), L’École des Sables (Toubab Dialaw, Senegal), Le Centre National Chorégraphique Mathilde Monnier (France), Ausdance Queensland (Brisbane, Australia), and fFIDA-TIDF 06 (Toronto).
​
Isorine was CORPUS' Artistic Producer from 2006 to 2018 and founded Jamii in 2011. The Esplanade neighbourhood is Isorine's home since 2006 and she is a passionate advocate for her community.
Photo by: Eray Guler