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Dale AugerOn Art, Blood And Kindred SpiritsBy Terri Mason
Born a Sakaw Cree from the Bigstone Cree Nation in Northern Alberta, Auger's education began as a young boy when his mother would take him to be with the elders. "I used to say to myself, 'Why is she leaving me with these old people?' but today I see the reason; I was being taught in the old way."
"The art itself has always been the backbone. That's what got me into university, that's what set me on the road," confirmed Auger, speaking from his cozy studio in Bragg Creek.
"The simplicity is really a big part of my art," affirms Auger. "Because these worlds we live in, what we might know as the Indian world versus the White world, sometimes it has created such a complex place for itself that the basic human need to communicate cannot be there. Sometimes we don't communicate because we're so far apart." Auger explained further. "A song can do that [communicate], colours can do that and simplicity is a big part of it. We don't want to make it complicated. For example, sweet grass might be one of the subjects in a painting along with the human. With that comes the story of how important the sweet grass was to these people that have walked on this land for thousands of years. It is a connecting tool that takes you to another door, so all of a sudden we are opening ourselves to all these worlds. I like to work with all of that. That, I can offer."
But Auger is quick to recognize the openings that have contributed to his personal and professional success. "I want to acknowledge the Calgary Stampede for giving me the opportunity, as well as the opportunity for the peoples of the world to be able to access the traditional Indian world at another level. As First Nations people, we need to feel the world is equally accessible to us - and still be ourselves and share it - because we need growth too." With growth comes respect for each other and the desire to co-exist. Co-existence, Auger explains, depends in a very big part on family. "What we call family is more than blood but kindred spirits. It's like the cowboy poets when they gather. When people see you together, that itself is sacred, people feel that and people want to be a part of it. It's more than showcasing your abilities, it's bigger than that - and as we get older we respect and appreciate that more and more."
The interview is drawing to a close. Auger has to catch a plane to speak to the Treaty Eight Chiefs. "It's so nice to be appreciated, even by my own people. These roads that I've travelled are important to all of us - it's part of sharing." "I'm really open to all forms of knowledge, art and art expression. In representing the First Nations people, a good part of my art comes from there, and I know it's knowledge I have been born with." His tone becomes thoughtful. "It may appear to be easy for me but it's still a responsibility to carry." |
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Defining Dale Auger in one sentence is akin to releasing the colours of a diamond in one cut. It can't be done. It's the many facets that release a diamond's true brilliance. The same can be said of Auger's life, education, ancestry, experiences and beliefs that have shaped and polished his work into the internationally acclaimed and collected artist that he is today. 
Auger's respect for traditional teachings led him on a journey to study art, opening the door to a doctorate in education. He is a talented playwright, speaker and visual artist whose vividly-coloured acrylics have captured the attention of international collectors that include English and Hollywood royalty. The essence of his work is communication, and now Dr. Auger has come full circle, interpreting the life of his culture - from the everyday to the sacred - through the cross-cultural medium of art. 
His artwork is bigger than life and creates a commanding presence, seemingly galvanized with a restrained power. However, it's also deceptively simple, and therein lays the core of the artist. 
Connecting and communicating with his subjects and his clients has been a journey all its own. Sometimes he must travel, and sometimes people travel to him, as evidenced every year at the Calgary Stampede where Auger's vibrant, full-bodied sense of humour are showcased as a 'solo act,' a gifted storyteller featured on stage in the Western Art Salon. In just a few moments, Auger has opened his world to visitors from around the globe, transporting them to a fireside seat, singing, clapping, mimicking animals and unabashedly enjoying themselves. 
His art draws people in but it's the kindness and humour reflected in Auger's eyes that encourages people to stay. He is able to slip into a conversation with a diplomat as easily as he does with a child. The comfort level he has achieved in his spiritual walk, along with his education, incredible talent and a broad sense of humour - all wrapped up in a PhD - makes for a potent combination and a surprisingly modest man.