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Native Women in the Arts is proud to introduce the winner and five shortlisted recipients of the 10th Annual Barbara Laronde Award

The Barbara Laronde Emerging Artist Award recognizes outstanding emerging Indigenous (Status and Non-Status First Nations, Métis, Inuit) artists from Northern Ontario who are women or otherwise gender marginalized (transfeminine, transmasculine, non-binary, gender non-conforming, Two Spirit). NWIA recognizes the specific barriers that many Northern artists face, and we aim to support Indigenous artists from Northern Ontario by creating connections, professional development, and performance opportunities through our programming initiatives. 

This year’s award winner is Amber Waboose, who will receive a $5,000 prize and be featured on our website in the coming weeks.

Each of the shortlisted artists—Emily Granville, MJ Singleton, Grace Swain, Chevaun Toulouse, and Colleen Toulouse—will receive a $1,500 award in recognition of their outstanding work and artistic promise.

Winner: Amber Waboose

Amber Waboose (Odemin Mkwaa Kwe) is an Ojibwe artist from Batchewana First Nation, Ontario. She practices various art forms, including porcupine quillwork on birchbark and two-dimensional and diverse arts. Through her quillwork, Amber creates both jewelry and visual art. Nature often inspires her designs, featuring birds, flowers, berries, bees, moths, fish, and various animals. She harvests and processes all the materials used in her quillwork. Being in nature gives her peace and a deep connection to her culture. Amber’s work is grounded in the philosophy that everything in the universe is interconnected. A common theme in her paintings is interconnection, depicting the lands, water, sky, and stars. After her introduction to quillwork, you will see elements such as birch bark and sweetgrass in her artwork. Her paintings draw inspiration from her personal experiences, ceremonies, and dreams.

Shortlist: Emily Granville

Emily Granville is an Odawa-Cree musician from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island. After attending Cambrian College for Music Performance in piano, Emily is now graduating from the Bachelor of Music program at Laurier. Emily has an interest in composition, collaborative performance, and ethnomusicology from an Indigenous lens. Most recently, Emily has performed, directed, produced and composed their own piece through the Paprika Theatre Festival, performed at the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards, and volunteers as a piano teacher for the Community Music School of Waterloo Region. Emily is excited to be furthering their education in the MA Ethnomusicology program at The University of British Columbia in the fall.

Shortlist: MJ Singleton

MJ Singleton is a two-spirit Ojibwe artist from Eagle Lake First Nation in the Kenora District. Their artistic repertoire consists of painting, digital illustration, beading and sewing. MJ’s designs for the university’s orange shirts for Truth and Reconciliation Day 2023 and 2024 raised over $54,000 for the Orange Shirt Society, striving to amplify Indigenous voices, and igniting meaningful dialogue towards reconciliation. MJ is a fourth year student at University of Toronto Mississauga, double majoring in Psychology and Criminology, Law & Society. 

Shortlist: Grace Swain

Grace Swain is an Indigenous advocate, artist, and communications professional from Swan Lake First Nation on her father’s side (Treaty One, MB) and Wiikwemkoong First Nation on her mother’s side (ON). She creates Woodland-style art inspired by her Anishinaabe roots and is passionate about breaking down barriers for Indigenous artists. Grace curates art for Café 4 Good in Sault Ste. Marie, supporting Indigenous youth, and serves on the Creation Advisory Circle for Indigenous Youth Roots (IYR).

Shortlist: Chevaun Toulouse

Chevaun Toulouse is an Anishinabekwe from Sagamok Anishnawbek and a member of the Ginoozhe (Pike) clan. Growing up in Sagamok gave her an interest in and respect for the environment, as much of her youth was spent trying to catch turtles and snakes in the swamp. Whether snatching snakes or catching turtles, it was on the land interacting with reptiles and amphibians that she found her passion. She recently graduated with an Honours BSc in Indigenous Environmental Studies and Biology from Trent University, building on previous education in conservation, Indigenous environmental leadership, and naturalist research.

Shortlist: Colleen Toulouse

Colleen Toulouse is Anishinaabe from Sagamok Anishnawbek. She is an educator, journalist, and a proud grandmother of two boys. Colleen has written numerous articles for local newspapers, been published in magazines and books, and enjoys writing poetry and short stories. Her most recent story, The True Reflection of the Magpie and the Seed is featured in Indigenous Voices of Canada: Heart, Hope and Land, published by the International Human Rights Arts Movement Literary Magazine Press. Colleen values First Nations stories as a source of learning and understanding her culture. She continuously embraces her life-long learning journey.

We once again extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winner and shortlisted recipients of this year’s Barbara Laronde Award. If you’d like to support the next generation of emerging Indigenous women and gender-diverse artists, please consider donating to the Barbara Laronde Award.

Native Women in the Arts Welcomes New Administrative Director

There have been some exciting changes at Native Women in the Arts lately. We are delighted to announce that Melissa Johns has joined our organization as Administrative Director!

Melissa Johns (Kanien’keha:ka and French Canadian) is a new media artist, educator, and arts administrator, born and based in Tkaronto. Bringing a wealth of experience from her work with organizations such as imagineNATIVE, NIMAC, and the National Film Board of Canada, she is also a practicing artist with a passion for harnessing technology to tell powerful stories.

Melissa Johns is succeeding Ariel Smith who held the position of Artistic and Managing Director from 2018-2023, and Interim Administrative Director from 2023-2025. Ariel is stepping down from her position to focus on family and her own artistic practice in the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples in Vancouver. The organization expresses its deep gratitude to Ariel for her contributions and visionary leadership during her tenure at NWIA.

In her new role as Administrative Director, Melissa will be responsible for coordinating the daily operations of the organization, as well as grant writing, fundraising, and financial management.Please join us in welcoming Melissa to her new position!

“I’m incredibly excited for this opportunity with Native Women in the Arts. This work resonates deeply with who I am and what I am passionate about supporting. I’m looking forward to bringing new ideas and energy to an organization that plays such a vital role in supporting Indigenous women and gender-marginalized artists. In a time when our very existence is under threat, this kind of work and representation is vital. I’m deeply grateful to Ariel, Quach, and the NWIA board for their trust and confidence in me.” – Melissa Johns, Administrative Director

Native Women in the Arts looks forward to thriving under Melissa’s guidance, and continuing to empower Indigenous artists across Turtle Island and beyond.

Native Women in the Arts presents the Kwe Performance Series: Voices, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the TD Music Hall, featuring Mare Advertencia, Bobby Sanchez, Dioganhdih, and Kimiwan.

Kwe Performance Series: Voices, is a culturally dynamic event that amplifies the perspectives of Indigenous women and gender-marginalized artists. Through a carefully curated lineup of performers including Mare Advertencia, Bobby Sanchez, Dioganhdih, and Kimiwan. Each featured artist brings their own lived experiences, cultural influences, and activist work to the stage, using their craft as a means of resistance, empowerment, and connection.

Through musically immersive soundscapes, this series highlights the ways in which Indigenous artists navigate identity, challenge colonial narratives, and advocate for social change. Whether through Mare Advertencia’s sharp political lyricism, Bobby Sanchez’s approach to gender and decolonization, Dioganhdih’s restorative rematriation methods, or Kimiwan’s sonic storytelling. Voices creates a platform where Indigenous experiences are acknowledged, centered, and celebrated. 

Kwe Performance Series: Voices

Saturday, March 22, 2025, TD Music Hall, 178 Victoria Street, Toronto

General Admission – $25, Indigenous Discount Code: VOICES25

Doors 7PM, Show 8PM – 11PM

Tickets on Sale Now

Mare Advertencia

MARE ADVERTENCIA (rapper, zapotec, feminist, and immigrant) is one of the most important Rap references in Mexico: since 2003 she has independently developed her project, she is self-taught, and self-manager. 

Rap has allowed her to build her story and question her reality, dealing with uncomfortable issues on three productions, multiple collaborations, and projects as diverse as Narrativas y Memorias de la Desaparición en México (2021) (Narratives and Memories of Disappearance in Mexico), the album Un Canto Por México, Vol. 2 (A Chant for Mexico) of Natalia Lafourcade, and the soundtrack Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), in which she collaborated with Vivir Quintana on the song “Árboles bajo el mar” (Trees under the sea). 

She has claimed different political identities through her songs since the beginning of her career ; her voice has amplified and questioned the present reality based on a narrative that evolves constantly. Earlier, her work was more socially oriented, with collective questioning; as of now, she carries out a more introspective process, a process of grief and healing that allows her to embrace all her facets and to build up her new album.

Her path is not defined by a series of hits, rather by reaching places where she still walks while her voice, impact and work is recognized, through two decades; she establishes connections and carries out political and social actions outside of the music scene. She has given workshops at the Escuela para la Libertad de las Mujeres en Oaxaca (School for Freedom of Women in Oaxaca), she has collaborated in projects as the Colectivo Altepee in Veracruz, and she has managed spaces for women and dissents in Mexico City, this will soon grow into a label in which women’s work and dissents in music will make themselves visible.

Bobby Sanchez

BOBBY SANCHEZ (she/they) is a 29 year old poet, musician, model, painter, and personal trainer. Bobby identifies as trans as well as two-spirit in honor of her Indigenous ancestry. Her music and artwork cover topics of indigenous identity, environmental issues, LGBTQ+ discrimination and liberation on all fronts.

Some of her biggest accomplishments have been participating at the 2018 National Poetry Slam in Chicago, Performing at 2023 NYC Pride, 2024 Oakland Pride, Tulsa Pride, featuring in The July 2024 Issue of National Geographic, 14th annual Two-Spirit Powwow, and releasing 8 EPs since March 2021.

Dioganhdih

DIOGANHDIH (They/She) is a two-spirit Mohawk of Akwesasne, musician, MC, producer, and multi-disciplinary artist. Dioganhdih speaks on navigating and finding home through landback, rematriation, decolonization, and sovereignty work across Turtle Island. Dioganhdih’s art reflects the ever present and ongoing importance of honoring your individuality while being committed to uplifting your people and community. They are currently engaged in food sovereignty work across Haudenosaunee territory with their land based project, Iron Path Farms. 

Dioganhdih self released two albums, Do it Ourselves (2017) & Rezbien (2021), and currently is working on their next studio album. They have performed internationally at Club Gretchen in Berlin, Asinabka Film & Media Festival in Ottawa, House of Vans in Brooklyn, Women’s Audio Mission in San Francisco, the SoundCloud Summer Party in Berlin, Pride Toronto, The Art House in New Orleans, on the frontlines at Oceti Sakowin Standing Rock, in countless DJ booths, stoops, bodegas, rooftops and park benches.

Dioganhdih’s music has been reviewed in The Fader, CBC Music, Afropunk, BitchMedia, APTN’s Digital Drum.

Kimiwan

KIMIWAN is an Indigenous DJ, model, and fashion stylist based in Toronto. She made her debut in 2021 ‘Indigenous Grooves’, which celebrates Indigenous women and nonbinary artists in Toronto, along with sets at TD Music Hall and Toronto Pride, and a feature in Vogue Magazine. She skillfully uses her platform to amplify Indigenous voices and merge cultural heritage with modern creativity, leaving a lasting impact in both the music and fashion industries.

Kwe Performance Series

Voices is presented as part of the Kwe Performance Series which showcases Indigenous women and other gender marginalized Indigenous artists from diverse nations, and communities, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation for Indigenous arts, culture, and community. 

The Kwe Performance Series events include performances and workshops for the community in Toronto as well as outreach to on-reserve and under-serviced communities in Ontario.

City Hall Live Bridges

Kwe Performance Series: Voices, is presented and supported through Allied Music Centre and the City of Toronto City Hall Live Bridges, a new program dedicated to building relationships with venues to amplify local grassroots promoters who represent Toronto’s exciting and diverse live music culture.

This City Hall Live Bridges partnership was formed based on research facilitated by the City of Toronto with local promoters from equity-deserving groups, whose results highlighted that the most requested music facility to work with was Allied Music Centre – Toronto’s new music hub that is home to legendary Massey Hall, TD Music Hall and a new community theatre. 

Allied Music Centre

Allied Music Centre is Canada’s new state-of-the-art cultural ecosystem featuring the legendary Massey Hall and three additional venues, all devoted to live music, artist development, community outreach, and educational programming.

About Native Women in the Arts (NWIA)

Established in 1993, Native Women in the Arts (NWIA) is a not-for-profit organization for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women and other Indigenous gender marginalized folks from diverse artistic disciplines who share a common interest in culture, art, community and the advancement of Indigenous Peoples. 

NWIA Presents unique artistic programming while developing, supporting, and cultivating 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 artists.

    NWIA NOW ACCEPTING FUNDING APPLICATIONS FOR INDIGENOUS VISUAL ARTISTS MATERIALS PROGRAM

    Native Women in the Arts (NWIA) is thrilled to join other Indigenous organizations across the province as a new recommender for the Ontario Art Council’s (OAC) Indigenous Visual Artists’ Materials (IVAM) program. IVAM supports Ontario-based First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists working in the visual arts, crafts or traditional/customary Indigenous art forms by providing Grants of $500 or $1000 help cover the cost of buying art materials and supplies.  As a recommender NWIA will receive and assess IVAM applications from artists and make recommendations to the OAC for funding. Recommended applications are then forwarded to OAC for payment directly to the artists.

    NWIA will review applications on an ongoing basis starting in September until January 31st, 2025, or until our allocated budget for the IVAM program is spent (whichever is first).

    ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
    The Ontario Arts Council supports Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) creativity and celebrates the vitality of diverse cultural and artistic expression. This program is for Indigenous applicants only. In the application you will be required to state your Indigenous nation and community and clearly speak to your lived experience. Indigenous OAC staff members administer the program, and all applications are assessed by Indigenous organizations.

    In keeping with a mandate to advance Indigenous cultural and artistic expression by Indigenous women and other Indigenous gender marginalized folks, recommenders NWIA will prioritize supporting First Nation, Métis and Inuit Women as well as other gender marginalized people though this program. NWIA respects trans women as women and uses the term gender marginalized to be inclusive of transfeminine people who may not identify as women, trans men and transmasculine people, Two Spirit, non-binary and gender queer people. 

    ELIGIBLE ART FORMS
    Art forms include, but are not limited to: basketry (birch bark, black ash, willow, etc.), beading, birch bark work, carving, drawing, drums, rattles and instruments, glass, hide tanning and fur processing, installation, jewelry, leather work, metal work, mixed media, moccasin making, painting, photography, pottery, printmaking, quillwork, sculpture, textile art (embroidery, quilts, weaving, etc.),regalia, traditional tattooing, tufting, woodworking (snowshoe making, tamarack goose making, etc.)

    Please refer to the Indigenous Visual Artists’ Materials web page for details on eligible applicants and expenses. https://www.arts.on.ca/grants/indigenous-visual-artists-materials

    APPLICATION PROCESS

    1. Artists look at the Ontario Arts Council – Indigenous Visual Artists’ Materials webpage and choose a suitable recommender to apply to from the list of Ontario Arts Council – Recommenders for Indigenous Visual Artists’ Materials

    2. Artists fill out an application form through the OAC’s online application platform Nova and submit it to the recommender of their choice.

    3. Recommenders review and assess applications 

    4. Recommenders submit assessments to OAC  (NWIA will asses applications as they come in and submit our recommendations to OAC within 30 days of receiving the application from artist.)

    5. OAC notifies artists of their results through Nova.

    6. Awarded artists enter their SIN number and acknowledge their notification letter in Nova.

    7. OAC mails grant cheques to artists.

    Applications for funding through the IVAM program must be submitted by artists through OAC’s online grant application system Nova. Before applying artists must create an online profile in Nova. 

    Your application will include:

    1. Your answers to application questions

    2. The name of the recommender you are applying to (for example NWIA)

    3. Artistic examples – images or video documentation of your own (8 images maximum)

    4. Artist resumé (optional but recommended)

    Complete instructions and details on the required elements of an IVAM applicatio can be found within the application itself in Nova.

    OAC can arrange offline submissions for persons with limited internet access, and oral applications for Indigenous persons if requested. For additional information, read the Alternative Services and Application Processes page or contact the IVAM program administrator Maggie Lucas mlucas@arts.on.ca 437-538-3626 Toll-free in Ontario: ​​​​​​​​​​1-800-387-0058


    CONFLICT OF INTEREST
    Artists who have a conflict of interest with a particular recommender  organization may not apply to that recommender. An artist is in a conflict of interest if they are: an employee or board member of the recommender organization, a member of a committee or jury reviewing IVAM applications for the recommender, or an immediate family members of those described above.
    DEADLINE
    The 2024-2025 Ontario Arts Council’s Indigenous Visual Artists’ Materials program (IVAM) is now open and closes January 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET. NWIA will review applications on an ongoing bases until January 31st, 2025, or until our allocated budget for the IVAM program is spent (whichever is first).

    NWIA CONTACT
    Contact Artistic Director of Native Women in the Arts- Quach George at events@nwia.ca if you have any questions about NWIA as a recommender, or regarding eligibility and eligible art forms for the IVAM program.

    NINTH ANNUAL BARBARA LARONDE EMERGING ARTIST AWARD WINNER AND SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

    Native Women in the Arts is pleased to announce the shortlisted nominees and winner of the 9th Annual Barbara Laronde Emerging Artist Award: 

    The Barbara Laronde Emerging Artist Award recognizes outstanding emerging Indigenous (Status and Non-Status First Nations, Métis, Inuit) artists from Northern Ontario who are women or otherwise gender marginalized (transfeminine, transmasculine, non-binary, gender non-conforming, Two Spirit). NWIA recognizes the specific barriers that many Northern artists face, and we aim to support Indigenous artists from Northern Ontario by creating connections, professional development, and performance opportunities through our programming initiatives. 

    Each of the five shortlisted nominees will be acknowledged with a $1,500 award and the winner will receive a prize of $5,000. The winner and their work will also be featured on our website.

    The shortlisted nominees for the 9th Annual Barbara Laronde Award are Lucia Laford, Amber Waboose, Sara Kanutski, Leslie Neshkiwe, and Acadia Solomon.

    The Winner of the 9th Annual Barbara Laronde Emerging Artist Awards is Mishiikenh Kwe Autumn Smith.
     

    Mishiikenh Kwe

    Mishiikenh Kwe (Turtle woman, Autumn Smith) is an Anishinaabe woodland artist from the caribou clan, and a member of Magnetawan First Nation. Her research based practice revolves mainly around using art as a way to remember what she has learned and to help teach others. Autumn’s main inspirations are stories passed on from her grandmother and moments taken directly from her own lived experience as an Anishinaabe Kwe.
     

    Saabe Dream c.2023

    Mishiikenh Kwe was selected from a number of nominees from across Northern Ontario. NWIA’s Artistic Director, Quach George remarked: “ On behalf of the Board and staff of NWIA, we are thrilled to present this award to Mishiikenh Kwe and to recognize her commitment to the development of her artistic practice. We are confident that Mishiikenh Kwe has a great future ahead of her and wish her, the shortlisted candidates, as well as all of the nominees the very best in their endeavors. NWIA is excited to support the continuing creative and professional achievements of Mishiikenh Kwe with a $5,000 cash prize and to acknowledge each of our shortlisted nominees: Lucia Laford, Amber Waboose, Sara Kanutski, Leslie Neshkiwe, and Acadia Solomon with a $1,500 prize. A huge congratulations to all!”
     

    Mishibizhiw and the Canoers c.2022


    About the Barbara Laronde Award

    The Barbara Laronde Award was created to honour the legacy of NWIA founder Sandra Laronde and her vision and commitment to Indigenous artists. It celebrates and acknowledges the career of one outstanding, emerging, Northern-Ontario based Indigenous Gender Marginalized artist, recognizing the geographic and economic barriers that many Northern artists face. Sandra Laronde’s 19 years of leadership at NWIA paved the way for many Indigenous artists at various stages of their careers. The award is named after her mother, Barbara, who has been the backbone of her family and a leader in the Northern Ontario community, Temagami First Nation. Barbara inspired her children to be creative and entrepreneurial, and it is with this spirit that NWIA launched this award.
     

    Rest c.2022

    About Native Women in the Arts (NWIA)

    Established in 1993, Native Women in the Arts (NWIA) is a not-for-profit organization for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Women and other Indigenous Gender Marginalized Folks from diverse artistic disciples who share a common interest in culture, art, community, and the advancement of Indigenous Peoples. NWIA Presents unique artistic programming while developing, supporting, and cultivating 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 artists. 

    Native Women in the Arts presents Thirst Nation: Dusk, at the TD Music Hall, Saturday, March 30, 2024, with performances from Tygr Willy, Mx. Caligula, Thrasher, Indigibabes – Madame Ode’Miin Surprise, Salty Bae, Nenoo Freebird, and Bitchtina Columbitch, Janis Jameson, fox L’amour, Daisy Badcock, and DJ Gussyee. 

    Thirst Nation is a queer artistic event series that prioritizes and elevates queer Indigenous folks who are Trans, 2 Spirit or IndigiQueer from across Turtle Island and neighboring nations to the south. The series has functioned as a cabaret, talk-show, and now an immersive artistic party centered on joy, celebration, sexuality and queer expression. 

    After the success of their first event ‘Thirst Nation: Chill’ at the Rhubarb Festival hosted by Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Native Women in the Arts is proud to present ‘Thirst Nation: Dusk’ on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 8PM – 12AM at the TD Music Hall, 178 Victoria St, Toronto.

    Featuring up and coming DJ Gussyee, with performing artists Indigibabes Burlesque – Bitchtina Columbitch, Salty Bay, and Nenoo Freebird. Local starlets Janis Jameson, fox L’amour, Daisy Badcock, and Thrasher. With Ottawa’s Caligula and your hosts for the evening; ‘Canada’s Them Fatale’ Tygr Willy and ‘Mother of the House of Indigibabe’s Burlesque’ Madam Ode’miin Surprise.

    Step into the seductive thrivance of Thirst Nation: Dusk, a tantalizing soirée set to ignite the TD Music Hall with an evening of Indigi-queer euphoria. Surrender to a symphony of sensuality and explore the depths of desire amidst a tapestry of leather, wetness, blue hues, fiery oranges, and the enchantment of sunset. Join us as we revel in the allure of our theme, where artists and guests alike are urged to immerse themselves fully.

    Tickets Are on Sale Now!  

    General Admission – $30, Indigenous Discount Code: DUSK24 
     

    TYGR WILLY

    Don’t worry babes, Tygr Willy burnt down Neverland and saved all those thotty Faeries. Tygr Willy is Canada’s Them Fatale sure to leave you tongue tied. They’re part of the illustrious K-POP Drag Girl group ‘the Rice Queens’, and the group has toured to Ottawa Capital Pride and Calgary Pride this past summer 2023. They’re notorious for producing such events as; Thirst Nation, Our Flag Means Queer, Passion Fruit, Colour Me Now, and Drop Deadly Gorgeous: the Pageant.  All events prioritizing the Drag, Burlesque, Club Kid nightlife scene focusing on gender expansive and racialized artists.

    DJ – GUSSYEE

    GUSSYEE is an Indigenous DJ, producer and artist residing in Tkaronto whose work is a multidisciplinary queer approach to challenging coloniality and environmental destruction while emphasizing the sovereignty of two-spirit bodies. Expressing individuality across cultural practices is an important part of the artistic process for GUSSYEE, subversion, strife and confrontational imagery expressed through indigenous beliefs creates dialogue between the artist and their approach to conceiving art.

    GUSSYEE is an up-and-coming force in queer nightlife, recently becoming a resident DJ at Houndstooth Bar with their BYOV event. Furthering their practice, GUSSYEE is premiering INFERNO – a demonic inspired queer rave that is specifically curated for trans and 2spirit identifying individuals on March 21st at Drom Taberna.

    MADAME ODE’MIIN SURPISE

    The creator of IndigiBabes Burlesque. Madame Ode’Miin Surprise is the mother of Babes, an auntie, artist, and educator. Madame is truly like a craving for strawberries on a warm summer evening, mouthwatering and sweet with a little tartness that will always leave you wanting more!

    SALTY BAE

    Member of IndigiBabes Burlesque, Salty Baby hails from the rocky shores of the Bay of Islands, Newfoundland. They bring the salty Atlantic Ocean with a side of sass! Be prepared to get wet!

    MX. CALIGULA

    Caligula (they/she) is a 23yo métis drag artist based in Ottawa. A student of the game for over 3 years now, Caligula’s drag is all about blending the smart and the stupid together in a high energy, choreo-filled, and out of the box package.

    When not hosting their monthly show, Caligula’s Cabinet of Curiosities, you can find Caligula working on wild mixes, designing visuals for their numbers or scurrying around your local thrift store like the gremlin they truly are. 

    As a former Mx Capital Pride winner, Caligula’s goal is to highlight the diverse beauty of non binary drag.

    THRASHER

    Thrasher is a distressingly stunning mixed Indigenous and European, Queer, classically trained dancer and aerialist. In her almost 15-year burlesque career, she has performed on national and international stages, including Vienna and Montreal, as a solo performer, and she is ½ of the Dynamite Duo TnT. She regularly appears in Toronto at Live at The Funktion, produced by Sweet Rosie Mae. She has also performed with Bootleggers Burlesque, Legacy Cabaret, Les Femme Fatal Women of Colour Burlesque and many more! She has appeared in TV commercials and the feature film Becoming Burlesque, directed by Jackie English. You won’t be able to take your eyes off of her as she commands the stage.

    Thirst Nation

    Thirst Nation is an Indigenous Queer and 2-Spirit cultural impact that bridges the artistic communities with shared or allied sexuality, gender expansion and creative expression. First created as a late-night talk and cabaret formatted show during the 2020 lockdowns, the show was created by Anishinaabe/Chinese/White mixed raced artist Tyler J Sloane under the name “Thirsty 2 Spirit Tuesdays” through the Glad Day Lit and Twitch Platform. Due to the viewership of the show and the ability to bridge folks from across Turtle Island and the Tri-Nations, the show rebranded to Thirst Nation with Weird Alice assisting administratively . The design and format created by Tygr Willy, the duo brought on Performance Artists in the forms of; Burlesque, Clown, Clown, Drag, and Stand-up. The show held a beacon for bringing positivity and uplifting audience members of Indigenous background and allied communities. The show continued from 2020 to 2021 where it culminated in its online format during the 2021 Pride Toronto Hybrid Festival.

    This new era of Thirst Nation now launches into an in-person gathering of artistry, expression, and pride. Tygr Willy brings a new team: multidisciplinary Filipinx Canadian artist Alexi Pedneault/Kuya Atay with initial consultation by T’ànchày Redverse/Midnight Wolverine – a multidisciplinary performer, writer, and Draglesque artist, Riley Kucheran – a fashion designer and reIndigenizing scholar who recently helmed the successful ‘Unceded Dancefloors’.


    Kwe Performance Series

    Thirst Nation: Dusk is presented as part of the Kwe Performance Series which showcases Indigenous women and other gender marginalized Indigenous artists from diverse nations, and communities, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation for Indigenous arts, culture, and community. 

    The Kwe Performance Series events include performances and workshops for the community in Toronto as well as outreach to on-reserve and under-serviced communities in Ontario.
     

    Native Women in the Arts (NWIA)

    Established in 1993, Native Women in the Arts (NWIA) is a not-for-profit organization for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women and other Indigenous gender marginalized folks from diverse artistic disciplines who share a common interest in culture, art, community and the advancement of Indigenous Peoples. 

    NWIA Presents unique artistic programming while developing, supporting, and cultivating 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 artists. 


    Accessibility Information

    • TD Music Hall is wheelchair-accessible
    • Private, barrier free washrooms are available at TD Music Hall.
    • There is no parking at TD Music Hall, however accessible parking is available in adjacent buildings.
    • TD Music Hall offers special (priority) access. Advance booking of this service is not required. However advance booking may be done by emailing: frontofhouse@mh-rth.com.
    • A limited number of courtesy wheelchairs are also available at TD Music Hall. Advance booking of this service is not required. However advance booking may be done by emailing: frontofhouse@mh-rth.com.
    • Support persons who are accompanying guests with special needs are welcome at TD Music Hall. All guests, including support persons, must have a purchased ticket to attend a performance or event.
    • Service and support animals are welcome at TD Music Hall. Service animals should have either a visible indicator, or an identification card or letter from a healthcare practitioner confirming that the customer requires the animal for reasons relating to a disability. You may contact the box office at: contactus@mh-rth.com to ensure suitable seating is reserved.
    • Patrons are discouraged from wearing scented products however we cannot guarantee a scent-free environment.
    • Certified First Aid, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Automated External Defibrillator (AED) service providers are on duty for every event. Please contact any usher if these services are required.

      Tygr Willy Photography by: Kikki Guerard

    Native Women in the Arts Bids Farewell to Former Artistic and Managing Director and Welcomes New Artistic Director

    There have been some exciting structural and staffing changes at Native Women in the Arts lately. We are delighted to announce that NWIA’s long-time Programming Manager Quach George has been appointed to the new position of Artistic Director! 

    Quach George first started working with NWIA in 2015 as a Programming Coordinator, eventually being promoted to Programming Manager. She comes to the position of Artistic Director with much knowledge of the organization, a deep commitment to our mandate, and a wide range of artistic, creative, administrative and presentation experience with other Indigenous arts organizations.

    Quach George is succeeding Ariel Smith who held the position of Artistic and Managing Director from 2018-2023. After six years as both the artistic and administrative head of NWIA, Ariel has stepped down from her position  due to a move out West to the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples in Vancouver, and a desire to  take time to focus on her own artistic practice.

    Ariel is temporarily continuing to work for NWIA remotely from Vancouver in the position of Interim Administrator until a Toronto based replacement is secured. Keep your eyes out for a job call coming  in April of 2024! In her role as Interim Administrator Ariel remains responsible for coordinating administrative operations of the organization, as well as grant writing, fundraising, and financial management.

    The organization expresses its deep gratitude to Ariel for her contributions and visionary leadership during her tenure as Artistic and Managing Director. Ariel oversaw and curated numerous presentations including:
     
    Inaabandam, a 3-day symposium held in January 2020 which foregrounded issues of concern and interest to Indigenous Women and other Indigenous Gender Marginalized artists, featuring teachings with elders; panel discussions with Indigenous artists, curators and leaders, a visual arts exhibition, and an opening reception that included live musical performances.
     
    Native Americana: Indigenous Women in Roots Music, a concert series featuring Indigenous artists working in genres of country, bluegrass, blues and roots rock. Programmed artists included Samantha Crain, Dawn & Shawna Redskye, Celeigh Cardinal and Layla Creppel. Due to the pandemic the concert series was presented online. Each musician was commissioned to self-produce their own broadcast quality concert and was provided with the resources to do so. Afterwards the artists were able to maintain ownership of the videos.
     
    Materialized, a visual art exhibition which opened in April 2023 examining themes of intergenerational memory, familial narrative, and decolonization. Combining portrait photography with elements from adornment arts, textiles, sculpture, and customary Indigenous art practices curated artists Joi T. Arcand, Celeste Pedri-Spade, Catherine Blackburn and Nadya Kwandibens all resist colonial meta-narratives contained in settler-made images of Indigenous portrait subjects. 

    Please join us in welcoming Quach to her new position!

    Quach George’s long history with the NWIA coupled with her creative vision and passion for Indigenous arts, and community building make her the ideal person to lead NWIA into its next chapter. The transition between Artistic Directors marks an exciting time for NWIA as we continue to grow and seek new ways to support Indigenous women and otherwise gender marginalized Indigenous artists in the spirit of collaboration, community and celebration.

    “I’m so happy to step into this role at NWIA and look forward to working in this new capacity within the community. I am honoured for this exciting opportunity and I want to thank Ariel Smith for all of her dedication and hard work over the years and join the NWIA board of directors in wishing her luck with all of her future endeavours.”
    – Quach George, Artistic Director

    Visit www.nwia.ca and join our social media pages to find out about upcoming activities, and hope to see you at our next event.


    Nominations Now Open for the 9th Annual Barbara Laronde Emerging Artist Award. Deadline to apply is January 31, 2024.

    This award recognizes outstanding emerging Indigenous (Status and Non-Status First Nations, Métis, Inuit) artists from Northern Ontario who are women or otherwise gender-marginalized (transfeminine, transmasculine, non-binary, Two Spirit, gender non-conforming). You can nominate yourself or another artist. The winner will receive a cash prize of $5,000 and up to 2 shortlisted artists will receive prizes of $1,500 each.

     

    Eligibility

    • Must be 18 years of age or older

    • Must be an Indigenous person living in Northern Ontario (Métis, Inuit, Status, and Non-Status First Nations peoples).

    • This award is for women and other gender-marginalized folks. NWIA respects trans women as women and uses the term “gender marginalized” to be inclusive of not only women but also trans men and other transmasculine, transfeminine, non-binary, Two Spirit, and genderqueer folks. Cis-gendered, heterosexual men are not eligible for this award.

    • Must be at the emerging stages of an artistic career. NWIA defines an emerging artist as:

      • In the early stages of their career, regardless of age

      • Has created a modest body of work

      • Has had some evidence of professional achievement but may not yet have a substantial record of accomplishments.

      • One who is not yet recognized as an established or mid-career artist by other artists, curators, producers, critics, community members, and arts administrators.

    • Open to all artistic disciplines including:

      • Traditional/Customary Arts (examples: Beading, Carving, Quillwork, Tufting, Weaving)

      • Visual Arts (examples: Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Installation, and Performance Art)

      • Performing Arts (examples: Dance, Music, Theatre) 

      • Media Arts (examples: Film, Video, New Media)

      • Literary Arts (examples: Prose, Poetry, Creative-Nonfiction, Spoken-Word)

    • Live in one of these geographical regions in Northern Ontario:

      • Kenora District 

      • Algoma District 

      • Cochrane District 

      • Manitoulin District 

      • Nipissing District

      • Parry Sound District 

      • Sudbury District 

      • Timiskaming District 

      • Rainy River District 

      • Thunder Bay District 

    • All eligible artists are encouraged to self-nominate.

    • Individuals can also nominate an eligible artist they feel deserves this award.

    • Individuals who have been shortlisted for the award previously are still eligible to win the award.

    • Previous winners of the Barbara Laronde Emerging Artist Award are ineligible to be shortlisted or win the award.

    Please ensure your nomination includes all of the following items :

    • Artist Resume or CV

    • Short bio up to 250 words max

    • A maximum 1-page letter outlining why you, or the artist you are nominating, should receive this award.

    • Images, audio, written, or video support material of your artwork. Please do not send more than 10 individual files or any originals. 

    • Maximum 1-page letter of support from the nominator or in the case of a self-nomination, a letter from someone who is familiar with the nominee’s career in the arts.  

    Nominations Open: November 10, 2023

    Nomination Deadline: January 31, 2024

    Winner Announced: April 2024

    Value of Award: $5,000 for prize winner/ $1,500 for up to 2 shortlisted nominees

    Award Jury: *NWIA Board of Directors 

    Please submit your nomination directly to Native Women in the Arts at awards@nwia.ca You may also direct any inquiries regarding the award if you have any questions.  

    Please share this call on Facebook, Twitter, and by email to family and friends! 

    *In the event of a direct conflict of interest between an NWIA board member and a nominee, said NWIA Board members will recuse themselves from the selection process. Examples of direct conflicts of interest include a nominee being a family member, partner, employee, or employer of a board member, A board member being from the same community/band as a nominee, or having worked in collaboration with or curated a nominee in the past would not be considered a direct conflict of interest. 

    Our Vision: To support and celebrate the achievement of Indigenous gender-marginalized artists from Northern Ontario, and to provide financial support and career-enhancing opportunities to encourage their continued excellence.

    The Impact: The Barbara Laronde Emerging Artist Award is given in the spirit of fostering the careers of emerging artists from Indigenous (on and off-reserve) communities in Northern Ontario. NWIA recognizes the specific barriers that many Northern artists face, and we aim to support Indigenous artists by creating connections, professional development, and exhibition opportunities through our programming initiatives. Since 1994, NWIA has delivered theater, dance, music, and spoken word presentations, exhibited visual and media arts, and published three books of Indigenous visual art and writing. We also hold community-driven artist talks, workshops, commissions, and symposiums. Our programming is offered to diverse audiences in Toronto, Northern Ontario, and online.

    History: The Barbara Laronde Emerging Artist Award was created to honour the legacy of NWIA founder Sandra Laronde, and her vision and commitment to Indigenous artists Sandra Laronde’s 19 years of leadership at NWIA that paved the way for many Indigenous artists at various stages of their careers. The award is named after her mother, Barbara, who has been the backbone of her family and a leader in the Northern Ontario community, Temagami First Nation. Barbara inspired her children to be creative and entrepreneurial, and it is with this spirit that NWIA launched this award.

    For more info visit: www.nwia.ca/apply 

    Native Women in the Arts is pleased to announce the shortlisted nominees and winner of the 8th Annual Barbara Laronde Emerging Artist Award

    The Barbara Laronde Emerging Artist Award recognizes outstanding emerging Indigenous (Status and Non-Status First Nations, Métis, Inuit) artists from Northern Ontario who are women or otherwise gender marginalized (transfeminine, transmasculine, non-binary, gender non-conforming, Two Spirit). NWIA recognizes the specific barriers that many Northern artists face, and we aim to support Indigenous artists from Northern Ontario by creating connections, professional development, and performance opportunities through our programming initiatives. 

    Each of the five shortlisted nominees will be acknowledged with a $1,500 award and the winner will receive a prize of $5,000. The winner and their work will also be featured on our website.

    The shortlisted nominees for the 8th Annual Barbara Laronde Award are Teddy Syrette, Evelyn Pakinewatik, and Cheavaun Toulouse. 

    The Winner of the 8th Annual Barbara Laronde Emerging Artist Awards is Storm Angeconeb.
     

    Barbara Laronde Emerging Artist Award Recipient 
    Storm Angeconeb

    Storm Angeconeb is an Ojibwe visual artist from Treaty Three Territory, Lac Seul First Nation. Who was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and currently resides in Red Lake, Ontario. 

    Much of Storms’ work includes animals and birds as representations of herself or those close to her. Over the past few years, her artwork has been seen throughout Winnipeg from murals to lightboxes. Storm continues to practice her art through painting, digital art, and beadwork.
     

    Image: Storm Angeconeb, Creation Story, Digital.

    Storm Angeconeb was selected from a number of nominees from across Northern Ontario. NWIA’s Artistic Director, Ariel Smith remarked: “ On behalf of the Board and staff of NWIA, we are thrilled to present this award to Storm Angeconeb and to recognize her commitment to the development of her artistic practice. We are confident that Storm has a great future ahead of her and wish her, the shortlisted candidates, as well as all of the nominees the very best in their endeavors. NWIA is excited to support the continuing creative and professional achievements of Storm Angeconeb with a $5,000 cash prize and to acknowledge each of our shortlisted nominees: Teddy Syrette, Chevaun Toulouse, and Evelyn Pakinewatik with a $1,500 prize. A huge congratulations to all!”
     

    Image: Storm Angeconeb, Sisters, Digital.

    The Barbara Laronde Emerging Artist Award

    The Barbara Laronde Emerging Artist Award was created to honour the legacy of NWIA founder Sandra Laronde and her vision and commitment to Indigenous artists. It celebrates and acknowledges the career of one outstanding, emerging, Northern-Ontario based Indigenous Gender Marginalized artist, recognizing the geographic and economic barriers that many Northern artists face. Sandra Laronde’s 19 years of leadership at NWIA paved the way for many Indigenous artists at various stages of their careers. The award is named after her mother, Barbara, who has been the backbone of her family and a leader in the Northern Ontario community, Temagami First Nation. Barbara inspired her children to be creative and entrepreneurial, and it is with this spirit that NWIA launched this award.

    Image: Storm Angeconb, Aandeg, Digital. 

    Native Women in the Arts (NWIA)

    Established in 1993, Native Women in the Arts (NWIA) is a not-for-profit organization for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Women and other Indigenous Gender Marginalized Folks from diverse artistic disciples who share a common interest in culture, art, community, and the advancement of Indigenous Peoples. 

    NWIA Presents unique artistic programming while developing, supporting, and cultivating 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 artists. 

    Exhibition: Materialized

    Native Women in the Arts and Critical Distance Centre for Curators are pleased to present Materialized in partnership with Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival and Partners in Art. The exhibition is curated by Ariel Smith and features works by Joi T. Arcand, Celeste Pedri-Spade, and Catherine Blackburn, with a public art billboard by Nadya Kwandibens.

    On view: April 21 – June 3, 2023 / Opening reception: Friday, April 21, 2023
     

    Image: Catherine Blackburn, Scooped (detail), 2017, photos, 24 kt gold-plated beads, seed beads, thread, 12 x 9cm. Courtesy of the artist.

    Combining portrait photography with elements from adornment arts, textiles, sculpture, and customary Indigenous art practices, Materialized examines themes of intergenerational memory, familial narrative, and decolonization. By using their craft to reclaim portraiture as a form of self-expression and self-determination, each artist resists the colonial metanarratives contained in settler-made images of Indigenous subjects.

    Images left to right: Celeste Pedri-Spade, Shirley’s Tobacco Bag, 2014, Delica beads, brain-tanned moose hide. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Rebecca Bose. 

    Joi T. Arcand, Through That Which is Scene, 2014, found objects, photographs, acrylic sheets, wood, glue. Courtesy of the artist.

    Through their multifaceted practices, the artists in Materialized individually and collectively raise—and unpack—crucial questions about photography: How can photographs—both archival and contemporary—support personal and familial histories? And how can these same photographs act as the basis for social, political, and conceptual explorations of Indigenous identity when they are put through a process of physical materialization?

    Image: Nadya Kwandibens, Shiibaashka’igan: Honouring the Sacred Jingle Dress, 2019, digital photography. Courtesy of the artist.

    As a satellite component of this indoor exhibition, Animakee Wa Zhing #37  First Nation artist and recently appointed Toronto Photo Laureate, Nadya Kwandibens’ photograph Shiibaashka’igan: Honouring the Sacred Jingle Dress (2019) will be presented on a public billboard located outside Artscape Youngplace at 180 Shaw Street.

    Please join us for the opening reception on April 21, 2023, from 6 PM to 8 PM. A panel with the artists and curator will take place on April 22, 2023,  from 1 PM to 3 PM at Urbanspace Gallery. Capacity is limited, register on Eventbrite.

    Opening Reception: April 21, 2012, 6 PM – 8 PM, 401 Richmond Building, Suite 122

    Artists Panel: April 22, 2023, 1 PM – 3 PM, 401 Richmond Building, Ground Floor

    Location & Accessibility Information

    Critical Distance Gallery is located on the ground floor at 401 Richmond, a wheelchair-accessible building with a ramp at the Richmond Street doors, and an accessible washroom on every level. The gallery is equipped with automatic doors and access to exhibitions, artworks, publications, and events is prioritized from development through production for all programs. This exhibition will include visual description. Information on additional access measures will be posted as it becomes available. For further access-related questions, please contact Critical Distance Gallery at info@criticaldistance.ca. 

    Artists & Organizations

    Celeste Pedri-Spade is an Anishinabekwe artist from Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation. She identifies as a “mark maker” who works primarily with textiles and photography. Celeste holds a PhD in Visual Anthropology and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at McGill University where she is also the inaugural Associate Provost of Indigenous Initiatives. Her art practice is committed to honouring the women in her life and exploring the tactile and sensuous meanings made possible through creative entanglements with our material environments.

    Joi T. Arcand is an artist from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan, Treaty 6 Territory, currently residing in Ottawa, Ontario. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with Great Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan in 2006. In 2018, Arcand was shortlisted for the prestigious Sobey Art Award. Her practice includes installation, photography, and design and is characterized by a visionary and subversive reclamation and indigenization of public spaces through the use of Cree language and syllabics. She is currently a student at University nuhelotʼįne thaiyotsʼį nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills and a member of the art and curatorial collective: Wolf Babe.

    Catherine Blackburn was born in Patuanak Saskatchewan, of Dene and European ancestry, and is a member of the English River First Nation. She is a multidisciplinary artist and jeweler, whose common themes address Canada’s colonial past which is often prompted by personal narratives. Her work merges mixed media and fashion to create a dialogue between historical art forms and new interpretations of them. Through utilizing beadwork and other historical adornment techniques, she creates space to explore Indigenous sovereignty, decolonization, and representation. Her work has been exhibited in notable national and international exhibitions and fashion runways.

    Nadya Kwandibens is Anishinaabe from the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation in northwestern Ontario. She is an award-winning photographer and a Canon Ambassador. In 2008 she founded Red Works Photography. Red Works is a dynamic photography company empowering contemporary Indigenous lifestyles and cultures through photographic essays, features, and portraits. Red Works specializes in natural light portraiture and headshot sessions plus event and concert photography. Nadya’s photography has been exhibited in group and solo shows across Canada and the United States. She currently resides in Tkarón:to on Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Mississauga of the Credit River & Dish With One Spoon Territory.

    Ariel Smith is an award-winning nêhiyaw, white settler and Jewish filmmaker, video artist, writer, and cultural worker. Having created independent media art since 2001, she has shown at festivals and galleries across Canada and Internationally.

    Ariel has worked as a programmer/curator for such organizations as Saw Gallery, The Ottawa International Animation Festival, Reel Canada, imagineNATIVE, Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre, and the National Gallery of Canada. Ariel works as the Artistic and Managing Director of Native Women in the Arts and is in the process of completing an MFA in Film Production from York University.

    Critical Distance Centre for Curators (CDCC), a not-for-profit gallery, publisher, and professional network devoted to the support and advancement of curatorial inquiry in Toronto, Canada, and beyond.

    With a focus on critically-engaged, collaborative, and cross-disciplinary practices, underrepresented artists and art forms, and community outreach and education in art and exhibition-making, Critical Distance is an open platform for diverse curatorial perspectives, and a forum for the exchange of ideas on curating as a way to connect, engage, and inform people and publics across cultures, disciplines, geographies, and generations.

    Native Women in the Arts (NWIA) is one of the leading arts organizations in Canada for Indigenous women and other gender-marginalized Indigenous artists working at the intersection of customary and contemporary practices. NWIA serves as a site of artistic exchange, encouraging dialogue between artists and audiences about social, cultural, and political issues and their relationship to artistic expression.