make a difference by interacting with Indigenous charities and activism

Featured Artists

National Inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls

The National Inquiry is tasked with investigating the systemic causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls, including sexual violence, and evaluating existing policies to address it. While formally focused on missing and murdered cases, the mandate extends to all forms of violence, creating space for survivors to share their experiences and contribute to shaping a resilient future.

National Inquiry

Beaded Booties

Decorative/Traditional Arts by Lorraine Richard

These beaded booties, crafted by Irene Richard and donated by her daughter Lorraine Richard, represent a cherished family heirloom with deep cultural significance. Irene, a proud Métis woman of Ojibwe/Cree descent, mastered the art of beadwork passed down by her mother, Mary Spence. Despite facing adversity, Irene's craftsmanship reflects her spiritual connection to her heritage. Lorraine hopes to honor her mother's memory and preserve their family's legacy by donating one pair to the National Inquiry, emphasizing the resilience and strength embodied by Irene and Mary Spence.

a Rose for my sister

Sculpture/Carving by Brandon Poitras

This sculpture was donated by Brandon Poitras, First Nations from Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

Missing

Poetry/Spoken Word by Ben Richard

This poem, written by Ben Richard, a Métis from the Ojibway First Nation, is a poignant tribute to his mother and all missing women and girls. Ben shares his deep pain and the ongoing trauma of losing his mother at a young age. He reflects on the difficulty of finding closure through the court system and the ongoing anguish of searching for missing loved ones. Ben's heartfelt words extend empathy to the families facing similar tragedies, offering prayers for those who have passed and strength for those who continue to hope, fight, wait, or grieve.

Stolen Sisters

Novel Translated by Susan Ouriou and Christelle Morelli

Susan Ouriou and Christelle Morelli undertook the translation of the book "Stolen Sisters" from French to English. This book sheds light on Canada's systemic failures in addressing the plight of Indigenous women, providing a critical examination of the injustices they face.

Courage

Other by Susan Weber

This collage print, donated by Susan Weber, a permanent resident awaiting Canadian citizenship, is a heartfelt tribute to her mother. Susan, inspired by the open conversations of the Inquiry, felt compelled to express herself through art. Her montage, titled "Courage," features a striking image of a powerful hawk soaring through a golden sunset. Symbolizing courage, the hawk carries the collective tears of nations on its wings. Susan's artwork reflects her longing for love, understanding, and peace as the hawk dives toward its aspirations.

Walking a path; never alone

Drawing/Painting by Nadzin Degagné

The artwork was donated by Nadzin Degagné, a Métis woman originally from Québec with Algonquin heritage, now residing in Saskatoon, SK. Drawing inspiration from the powerful red dress installation art, Nadzin crafted a painting depicting trees adorned with red dresses.

Reclaim Project

The ReClaim initiative not only serves as a vital link between women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals, connecting them with the land, sacred teachings, and each other but also emphasizes artistic values and practices. Aligned with the mission of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which emphasizes uncovering, honoring, and giving life to truth, this nationwide project focuses on re-establishing presence and empowerment on the land itself through artistic expression.

Led by acclaimed Métis artist Jaime Black, the program integrates artistic values and practices, such as making clay sculptures and drum music, at various locations nationally, identified as 'sacred sites' based on traditional wisdom and teachings. These sites, often targeted for desecration, will serve as platforms for workshops aimed not only at sharing knowledge but also at physically reaffirming the presence of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people on the land through creative endeavors. The goal is to inspire similar initiatives that endure beyond the lifespan of the National Inquiry, signaling a new era of honoring those who have passed and recognizing their sacred role within communities and ceremonies through art and creativity.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse