Response: Where Rivers Meet is the sixth annual iteration of The Polygon Gallery’s Response Program, an annual filmmaking initiative that inspires artistic responses to historical and contemporary Indigenous ways of being.

Flowing currents have the power to erode and shape our landscapes, physical and otherwise, coming together in confluence where stories, histories, and experiences overlap. This meeting point becomes a place for reflection, healing, and growth as old paths merge to become a new way forward.

Rivers will always continue. Their movement serves as a reminder that our stories aren’t stagnant, and even small actions can develop into significant changes over time.

Opening Celebration on Saturday, March 21.

Curated by Serena Steel

About the Artists

Ashleigh Giffen (Galaxie) is a mixed Oji-Cree multi-disciplinary artist whose practice explores fragmented histories, places, and memories. She currently lives in the occupied territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations with her two kitties.

Brenda Prince is an Anishinaabe writer and stand-up comedian who roots her work in humour. Holding an MFA in Creative Writing from UBC, she writes plays, poetry, and is working on a feature length film script. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she currently lives on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Dahlila Charlie is a Coast Salish artist, educator, and community collaborator. Her practice involves painting, video documentation, and sharing her teachings with deep gratitude for the land and the people who shape her work.

Dawn Marie is a reconnecting Dakelh member of the Tl’azt’en Nation. She is an interdisciplinary artist, photographer, mother, aunty, sister, and wife.

Inez Londono is an emerging artist and filmmaker. Her passion for creating films started in her childhood when she would make videos with her siblings. She hopes to leave a meaningful impact in viewers hearts with her work.

Jade Baxter is a Nlaka'pamux artist. She works in non-fiction and narrative film, creative short form writing, and traditional Salish fiber arts. Her practice exists to celebrate the land and challenge Canadian narratives in relation to Nlaka’pamux territory, people, and history.

Kwiis Hamilton is a Xwelmewx / Ku’us jewelry maker, painter, printmaker, carver, and storyteller based in Vancouver, BC. His current works explore connection, isolation, belonging, and understanding. Through the telling of modern and traditional stories Hamilton works to inspire critical thinking and radical expressions of healthy, educated, safe, and joy-filled community.

Marion Jacobs is a proud Skwxwú7mesh, Snuneymuxw, and Bahamian actress and artist. She was born and raised in West Vancouver, BC. Jacobs loves to create her own film pieces rooted in her Indigeneity and experiences of growing up within her community.

Melissa Rhea Gosselin is a Dakelh, Dutch, and French mother, naturalist, writer, and singer. Her work is rooted in exploring the wonders of the world, human nature, and the relationships that are derived from it. Gosselin currently works in the film industry throughout the province of BC.

Sylvie Faucher is a multidisciplinary artist of Anishinaabe and French-Canadian descent. As “The Guardian” of unsettling, long-buried stories, she excavates concealed memories, distorted colonial narratives, and collective silences. Questioning a society built on systemic violence, her work awakens, resists, and rejects the comfort of lies.

Banner Image: Jade Baxter, Weaving Ballad, 2025.