« Earlier this year Historica Canada announced the Aboriginal Arts & Stories Contest which invited FNMI youth between the ages of 11 – 29 to submit a piece of writing or artwork that showcased their creativity and explored their heritage. Now the results are in and we’re thrilled to announce the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners! » – Cora, Indigenous Community Arts Coordinator & Communications Assistant, ArtBridges

“From across Canada, these amazing young artists have explored everything from their own personal pasts to the stories of their ancestors and country. They are a testament to the great potential for creativity, engagement and respect in Aboriginal communities across Canada.”

Queen over Democracy / 1st Place (Ages 14-18)
Mercedes Sandy / 18 / Beausoleil First Nation / Christian Island, ON
“She sits on her throne, without any effort, she controls the flora and fauna, she believes she is the good ruler, as she hides her face with the mask of propaganda; her only true identity is the Queen over democracy.”
© Mercedes Sandy

Keeper of the Voice / 1st Place (Ages 19-29)
Nicole Paul / 22 / Métis / Prince Albert, SK
“The inspiration for my painting “Keeper of the Voice“ originated in the summer while I was privileged with the opportunity to meet with elders and survivors from across Canada to hear their testimonies of their experiences at residential schools. One thing they all stressed was the impact that losing their language had on them.”
© Nicole Paul

Mihkwakanihkan / 2nd Place (Ages 14-18)
Mandy Littlechild / 17 / Maskwacis / Maskwacis, AB
“I titled the piece Mihkwakanihkan which is the Cree word for mask/imitation face because I wanted to create a piece that reflected the many ‘masks’ aboriginal women often wear when going through daily lives, hiding their true feelings behind facades.”
© Mandy Littlechild

Shapeshifter 7 / 2nd Place (Ages 19-29)
Jessie Jakumeit / 27 / Tsimshian & Gitxsan / Toronto, ON
“Shapeshifting speaks to my culture as well as my interests in unknowable mystery and transformation. I’m fascinated by liminal states: the raven halfway to becoming human, the lunar eclipse, the girl almost a woman, the long journey to a new place. The threshold between past and future presents a potent opportunity for growth.”
© Jessie Jakumeit

Assiniboine Girl / 3rd Place (Ages 14-18)
Hillary Ryder / 18 / White Bear / Regina, SK
“My painting is of an Assiniboine girl in a fabric dress with a studded leather belt. I decided to paint her to represent my tribe and show how real Aboriginal girls used look like. Not all Aboriginal girls dressed the same and all tribes dress differently. Underneath the paint I used gold leaf on the Assiniboine girl’s dress so she glows more. The gold leaf represents how ‘golden’ and important Aboriginal women are.”
© Hillary Ryder

Wisakedjak and the Moon / 3rd Place (Ages 19-29)
Jordan Stranger / 25 / Peguis First Nation / Winnipeg, MB
“Wisakedjak and the Moon”
© Jordan Stranger

Visit http://www.our-story.ca/winners/writing to see the winners in the writing category and http://www.our-story.ca/winners/arts for all the winners in the arts category.

Congratulations go out to all the winnners! Thank you for sharing your talent!

Posted with permission from Alicia Dotiwalla, Program Coordinator, Historica Canada