Final answer:
Daphne Odjig was the first Indigenous artist featured in the National Art Gallery of Canada, known as a pioneering figure in the recognition of Indigenous art. Along with Norval Morrisseau and others, she helped break down barriers for Indigenous art in the country.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first Indigenous artist to be included in the National Art Gallery of Canada was Daphne Odjig, a Potawatomi and Odawa artist. Her inclusion marked a significant moment in the recognition of Indigenous art within the country's art narrative. Daphne Odjig was a pioneer long before the establishment of a formal Indigenous art movement and became known as the grandmother of Canadian Native art. Alongside Norval Morrisseau and Alex Janvier, Odjig co-founded the Professional Native Indian Artist Association, often referred to as the Indian Group of Seven. This group played a crucial role in promoting Indigenous artworks, breaking down barriers, and fostering acceptance of Indigenous artistic expressions within the broader Canadian art world.
Norval Morrisseau, often known for reintroducing cultural heritage through art, played a critical part in pioneering modern Indigenous art. His work was first exhibited at a contemporary gallery in Toronto in 1962, marking a shift in the perception of Indigenous art from merely artifacts to contemporary art with significant value.