Indigenous Boom (New Blog): Remembering Allen Sapp (1928-2016) VIDEO + GALLERY

Editor’s Note: We would like to introduce on our newest blogger, Jamin Mike, who will be blogging regularly on RezXMag.com with “Indigenous Boom”. Mike, 18, is from the Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation, and is a first-year INCA student (Indian Communications and Arts) at FNUniv (First Nation’s University of Canada). Mike is also studying Arts, so for his first blog he wanted to pay tribute to the late Allen Sapp, who recently passed away. See gallery and video below.

INDIGENOUS BOOM: REMEBERING ALLEN SAPP (1928-2016)

Allen Sapp, a life-long and dedicated artist, passed away while asleep in the morning of December 29^th, 2015. Sapp was residing at the River Heights Lodge in North Battleford, Sask when his family was informed of his passing. Many people are in mourning as he was a legendary role-model which lead him to achieving many awards such as the governor general’s award for English language and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. Sapp was 87 years old when he passed and was known world-wide for his memorable eye to paint the past.

Born on January 2, 1928 on the Red Pheasant First Nation, the respected artist lived there for many years as he was traditionally raised by his late grandparents. At that time, Sapp was pulled out of school by his grandfather for an excessive amount of teasing and mockery for his passions. During then, he drew a lot and his late grandmother encouraged him to not stop. This embarked his journey as an outstanding artist which visualized memories of his childhood; especially of his grandmother from early to mid-1900.

Since 1975, Sapp was becoming recognized for his work and was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and was later made an officer of the Order of Canada. Not only was he a dedicated portrait and land-scape painter, he had also illustrated the children’s book “The Song within My Heart.” Which was why he obtained the Order of Merit award.

Many social media outlets are pouring with their condolences to Sapp’s family and will be held close to the hearts of his appreciators. Sapp will be remembered in a good way and forever be uplifted and honoured by the people he touch dearly.

– Jamin Mike, Indigenous Boom

ALLEN SAPP GALLERY