Kris Nahrgang (1955–2025)

Ojibway Artist | Cultural Consultant | Advocate | Storyteller

Biography
Kris Nahrgang was a respected multi-disciplinary artist and cultural advocate whose practice combined traditional Indigenous forms with contemporary expression. A Status Mississauga Ojibway from Curve Lake First Nation, Kris worked in wood, stone, bone, antler and traditional acrylic mediums. His body of work—spanning over four decades—embraced the spirit and legacy of ancestral storytelling, rock carving, and totemic symbolism.

Nahrgang’s style harmonized traditional motifs with modern elements, creating bold, meditative works that honored both Indigenous history and present-day reclamation. His art has been featured in Canadian and international exhibitions and highlighted in publications such as Maclean’s Magazine, Insight, Art Impression, and Collectibles.

Beyond his creative output, Kris was a fierce advocate for the rights of First Nations communities in Ontario. Since 2000, he served as a liaison between Native and non-Native groups, playing an instrumental role in archaeological and cultural heritage policy reform. He consulted with Parks Canada and was appointed to advisory committees for the Ontario Ministry of Culture, contributing to the development of archaeological assessment guidelines.

Kris’s landmark commission—the monumental 36-foot Unity Pole unveiled at the Canadian National Exhibition in 2017—became the first Indigenous artwork permanently acquired by the CNE. He was also the co-creator, executive producer, and host of the acclaimed documentary series Future History, which challenged colonial narratives and celebrated the resurgence of Indigenous identity. Kris co-hosted the series with dancer, choreographer, actor and activist Sarain Fox.

Kris Nahrgang passed away in 2025, leaving behind a profound cultural and artistic legacy grounded in truth, strength, and ancestral memory.

Selected Exhibitions

Solo Exhibitions

• Artworld Fine Art Gallery, Toronto, ON – Solo Exhibition, October 2017
• Northumberland Art Gallery, ON – A Retrospective, 2001
• Gallery on the Lake, Buckhorn, ON – August 2008

Group Exhibitions & Juried Shows

• The Artists’ Commons – Withrow Commons Gallery, Toronto, ON, February 2019
• Art & The Indigenous People – Artworld Fine Art, Toronto, ON, June 2018
• Art & Heritage – Canada 150 Exhibition – Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, Toronto, ON, November 2017
• Scugog Council for the Arts – Focus on First Nations, October 2014
• Festival De Reviers, Normandy, France – 50th Anniversary of the Landings of Allies, June 1994
• Kawartha Arts Festival, Fenelon Falls, ON
• Buckhorn Wildlife & Fine Art Festival, Buckhorn, ON
• Collingwood Art & Music Festival, Collingwood, ON
• Ottawa Art Expo, Ottawa, ON
• Purple Turtle Art Festival, Georgina, ON
• Art Walk, Polo for Heart, Vaughan, ON

Major Art Commissions

• Unity Pole – Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, ON (2017)
  36-foot totem pole symbolizing reconciliation and cultural unity; CNE’s first Indigenous art acquisition
• Connected Future – Story Poles Commission, Daniels Corporation, Mississauga, ON (2019)
• Pending Project – Public Art Installation, Humber Bay Trails Park Project, Toronto, ON
• Spirit of the Earth – Stone sculpture presented to former U.S. President George Bush
• Reunion – Stone sculpture presented to the Duke of York, Prince Andrew
• Trails of Nobility – Stone sculpture presented to His Royal Highness, Prince Charles
• International Vision Calls – Stone sculpture presented to Nelson Mandela
• Numerous Private and Corporate Commissions – across Canada and internationally

Film & Television

• Executive Co-Producer & Host – Future History (CBC Gem, 2017–2019)
  Critically acclaimed docuseries celebrating the reclamation of Indigenous knowledge and identity.

Selected Publications & Media

• Maclean’s Magazine – Artist profile and coverage
• Insight, Art Impression, Collectibles – Featured artist
• Book Contributions:
  • “The State of Archaeology and First Nations” – Ontario Archaeology, No. 73:1–9, 2004
  • “An Aboriginal Perspective” – in Before Ontario: The Archaeology of a Province, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2013

Cultural & Archaeological Consultation

• Liaised with Parks Canada on underwater archaeological assessments
• Served as Native Liaison Officer at Trent University (2000–2005)
• Contributed to Ontario’s archaeological guidelines as a member of the Ministry of Culture’s advisory committee
• Held archaeological liaison positions with:
  • Curve Lake First Nation (2001–2002)
  • Alderville First Nation (2002–2004)
  • Scugog Island First Nation (2003–2007)
• Consulting Associate – Archaeological Services Inc., Toronto

Education

• 1981 – Native Law Program, University of Saskatchewan – B.A. Equivalency for Law School
• 1982 – Osgoode Hall Law School, York University – One year completed
• 1991–1992 – Social Service Diploma, Sir Sanford Fleming College, Peterborough, ON
• 2001–2004 – Honours B.A. (Anthropology, partial), Trent University – Nine credits completed

Certifications & Licences

• ACUC® Certified Diver – Since 1998
• Research Licence – Ministry of Culture, July 2006
• Authorized Archaeological Consultant – Parks Canada/Trent-Severn Waterway, 2001–2025