NWIA was founded in 1993 by arts leader Sandra Laronde (of the Teme-augama-Anishinaabe). For over 25 years, NWIA has worked to support, promote and develop Indigenous artists in diverse practices from communities across Canada and internationally.
Since our inception, NWIA has presented unique artistic programming while developing, supporting, and cultivating Indigenous practices in the performing arts, literary arts and publishing, visual arts, customary arts, and community development projects. NWIA’s influence has been felt in communities across Canada. We nourish and transform our communities by pursuing the highest standards of artistic excellence, and by offering development opportunities to emerging, mid-career and established artists.