The Winnipeg Art Gallery has named two co-chairs of its newly formed Indigenous Advisory Circle.

Dr. Julie Nagam and Dr. Heather Igloliorte are at the helm. Dr. Nagam is an associate professor in art history at the University of Winnipeg and is the chair of the History of Indigenous Art in North America. Dr. Igloliorte is an assistant professor of Aboriginal art history at Concordia University in Montreal and is the university's research chair in Indigenous art history and community engagement.

Dr. Nagam says the goal of the circle is to bring different knowledge and perspectives from different communities together, to provide leadership and guidance for the WAG's content and programming.

She says she's excited to be a part of it.

"It's really phenomenal to sort of lead the way in terms of arts organizations and their ability to start to begin to think about the territory that they live on, the community and the people that they serve, what kind of content they want to have in that space, and for myself and Heather, it's an exciting time to sort of be at the forefront of that," says Dr. Nagam.

The circle will be made up of 12-15 advisors, plus WAG curators, staff, and the Director & CEO. Dr. Nagam says they have earmarked specific people for the circle who have shown interest in the arts and represent key regions.

"(We're) making sure that we have all the regions represented for Inuit people. Because of the Inuit Arts Centre, that's really important. And then key people that represent First Nations and Metis people in Manitoba, and then we're looking at having two national arts members," she says.

The WAG says the Circle's creation is critical to guiding the gallery in the lead up to opening its new Inuit Art Centre. It will also address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to actions,and is to give a voice to Indigenous people, while providing leadership and counsel in the development and planning of WAG exhibits, education, outreach, partnerships, and programming.

Construction of the Inuit Art Centre will start this year.