It’s National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, which is a great time to learn more about the amazing contemporary Indigenous artists working in Canada today.
As a sponsor of the Salt Spring National Art Prize, which is held every second year at our home base of Mahon Hall, Salt Spring Arts has been lucky to share our space with some amazing contemporary artists from all across the country.
Here are just a few of the Indigenous artists who were 20212-22 SSNAP prize finalists. Check out https://saltspringartprize.ca for more information and more great artists.
Virginia Morgan is of Kwakwaka’wakw and Gitksan descent. In 1989-1992 she attended Kitanmaax School of North West Coast Art. Her instructors were Ken Mowatt and the late Vernon Stephens. Virginia uses stories and ideas from her culture for her art pieces. Her work has been displayed in magazines for Leona Lattimer’s Gallery, as well as the North West Tourism guide. She has had two solo art shows and participated in an art show with Earl Muldon, the late Vernon Stephens, and Arlene Ness. Virginia shares her knowledge by having workshops to teach cedar weaving, carving, and beadwork.
Featured artwork: Raven Steals the Sun
2021-22 Juror’s Choice Award - selected by Judy Anderson
Klehwetua Rodney Sayers is a visual artist whose studio practice is based in Ahswinnis, now known as Port Alberni. Although his practice is deeply rooted in his Hupacasath traditions, he is influenced and amused by his observations of the “funny edge” of the world—and these contemplations are reflected in his work. He believes that for an art tradition to remain relevant, it must change and adapt but remain true to its origins.
Featured artwork: Hot Rod Pink
2021-22 Juror’s Choice Award - selected by David Diviney
Erin Stagg is a self-taught acrylic painter living in Northern British Columbia. As a Métis artist, Erin utilizes imagery from the natural world to reflect her deep connection to the land and culture. Her work has been featured in the ‘Lifting the Sky’ exhibition in Seattle. She is currently the Artist in Residence for Studio 2880 in Prince George and won the 2019 Indigenous Business of the Year from the Prince George Chamber of Commerce. Erin’s art can be found in private collections around the world, including the UK, Italy, and the US.
Featured artwork: Métis Pride. 2021-22 Peoples Choice Award
Michel Dumont is a queer Métis two-spirited disabled artist and survivor of intergenerational trauma stemming from Indian Day School. He currently resides in Thunder Bay. He enjoys breathing new life into the discarded vintage tile by making mosaic pieces. He also works in wearable art, using packing tape, mylar, cellophane, and LED lights. He currently has been exploring installation art. He’s shown at Queer Landscapes and Queer Intersections at the John B. Aird Gallery in Toronto; the Queer and Peace Vernissage, Dawson College, Montreal; Art in Resilience, Paris, France; and Mirrored, Muu Art Gallery, Helsinki, Finland.
Featured artwork: Mission Indian Day School
Lucas Hale is a Lenape-Potawatomi-European visual artist and member of Moravian of the Thames, Delaware Nation, in Southern Ontario. He is currently based in Treaty 7 territory, residing in Mohkinstsis. Lucas is a student at the University of Calgary, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Indigenous Studies with a minor in Visual Studies and Art History. Lucas’ practice mainly focuses on beadwork, a skill he learned from Nehiyaw artist Judy Anderson.
Featured artwork: Skateboarding is Medicine
Michelle Sound is a Cree and Métis artist. She is a member of Wapsewsipi/Swan River First Nation in Northern Alberta and was born and raised on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Simon Fraser University, School for the Contemporary Arts, and a Master of Applied Arts from Emily Carr University Art + Design. She has taught workshops as a guest artist at the Richmond Art Gallery and Bill Reid Gallery.
Featured artwork: NDN Aunties