The Whyte is proud to announce the appointment of Cherith Mark to its Board of Directors. A
distinguished member of the Stoney Nation, Cherith brings a wealth of cultural knowledge,
artistic talent, and educational expertise to the Board.
"Catharine and Peter Whyte have had a long-standing relationship with my community, the
Stoney Nation,” said Cherith. “I am excited to lend my experience not only as an artist but also
as a Stoney language educator and as a member of the local community to this newly
appointed role on the Board of Directors for The Whyte.”
Her extensive experience in Indigenous arts and her commitment to cultural preservation make
her a valuable addition to The Whyte’s Board. She has served on the Mînî Thnî Charity
Foundation’s board since 2014 and held leadership roles at the Banff Centre for Arts and
Creativity, where she was Vice Chair of the Board of Governors from 2020 to 2023.
"We are honoured to welcome Cherith Mark to our Board of Directors," said Don Watkins,
Chair of the Boards of Directors. "Her dedication to cultural preservation and her deep
connections to Indigenous communities and the arts will enrich The Whyte’s goal to celebrate
elevated artistry and inclusivity in the Canadian Rockies."
Currently residing in her home community of Mînî Thnî, Morley, Alberta, located in Treaty 7
Territory, Cherith is a passionate advocate for the Stoney Nakoda language and culture.
Through her work with the Stoney Education Authority, she has led the Stoney Language
Resource Development Project, helping to create Îethka language picture books, textbooks, and
curriculum resources to support the teaching of the language in schools.
Cherith is also a highly skilled dancer and performer whose artistic practice spans Indigenous
pow wow dance, contemporary dance, theatre, and aerial performance. She has toured with
prominent Indigenous dance companies such as Red Thunder Native Dance Theatre, Raven
Spirit Dance, Dancing Earth, and Kaha Dance Theatre. A graduate of Grant MacEwan College’s
Dance Program, Cherith also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Simon Fraser University’s School
for the Contemporary Arts.
Museum founders Peter Whyte and Catharine Robb Whyte deeply valued their relationships
with Indigenous communities, recognizing the importance of preserving and sharing the
cultural knowledge and heritage of the Stoney Nation and many Indigenous Peoples of the
region. Cherith’s appointment to The Whyte’s Board marks an exciting chapter in continued
efforts to share and protect the rich cultural history of Indigenous communities and strengthen
cross-cultural relationships.
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