Inspiring Artistry

Competition honours talented young Indigenous writers and artists.

Showcasing the winners of the Indigenous Arts & Stories competition.

Historica Canada’s Indigenous Arts & Stories program encourages First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth from across the country to submit creative writing or art exploring a moment or theme in their history, culture, or identity. Launched more than fifteen years ago, the competition has seen entries from more than five thousand young people between the ages of six and twenty-nine. A jury of notable Indigenous artists, writers, and community leaders from across Canada selects the winners.

The tremendous creativity and artistry displayed by the participants is a reminder of the capacity of both writing and art to empower Indigenous youth and to educate all Canadians. Encouraging youth to explore their voice through art and writing is vital to the continued survival and revival of Indigenous cultural heritage and an integral part of our country’s shared reconciliation journey.

Indigenous Arts & Stories hopes to inspire the next generation of Indigenous artists and writers to share their voices and stories with the nation. This year’s winners come from across the country and reflect the diverse experiences of the participants.

In the writing category, the senior winner was Gabriel Castilloux Calderon, twenty-seven, of Edmonton (non-status Mi’kmaq and Algonquin). Calderon’s story, Ishkode (Fire), tells the story of a relationship between a Two-Spirit youth

and his grandmother. The junior winner was Hanna SaultHartwick, sixteen, of Kelowna, British Columbia (Mississaugas of the Credit). Her story, Whole, speaks of the challenges of navigating the Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds as the child of one Indigenous and one Caucasian parent.

Prizes are also offered to younger writers. The emerging writer winner in the 10–13 age group was Preston Gabriel, twelve, of Oliver, B.C. (Osoyoos Indian Band/Penticton Indian Band), for Lost Without It. The emerging artist winner for the 6–9 age group was Nescia Giangrosso, eight, of Elginburg, Ontario (Anishinaabekwe), for The Language Nest.

In the arts category, the senior winner was Aija Komangapik, twenty, of Iqaluit, Nunavut (Inuit) for her image Drumdancer. Her piece uses vibrant colours to depict the movement of traditional dancers. The junior winner was Ashton Walker, sixteen, of Winnipeg (St. Theresa Point First Nation). The artist’s mixed-media piece, Meant Beauty, explores the legacy of the “sixties scoop” of Indigenous children.

In the emerging artist category, the age 10–13 winner was Patience Woodford, twelve, of Fairford, Manitoba (Pinaymootang), for The Crying Girl. The winner of the age 6–9 category was Adam Lenk, nine, of Langley, B.C. (Tsimshian Metlakatla Band in Prince Rupert) for Eagle Mother.