Storytelling in its diverse expression – whether through song and dance, performance, film, fashion, painting, beadwork, or other forms of creative expression – is a visionary process in that it challenges us to rethink, reorder, and reimagine the world. Storytelling provides us with ingenuity that echoes the voices of ancestors, speaking to the histories, experiences, and lifeways that made them the people they were.
The beauty of interconnection, the lessons and challenges of the day-to-day, provide a glimpse of who we could become. Building on themes of temporal continuity, activation, and relatedness, #WeAreIndigenous foregrounds the creative sovereignty of each artist while also exploring culturally grounded specificities that resonate between them.
Originally created as a physical exhibit by Humber College’s Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre and Indigenous Education and Engagement, the recorded artist interviews paired with their original artwork provide access to a frank and reflective conversation about what it means to be an Indigenous artist today, where the artists’ draw their inspiration, how art has helped in their respective lives, and what they hope to achieve though their art.
Artist Bios
James N. Wilson
James N Wilson is a Mohawk Singer / Songwriter / Musician. He has done many performances around Canada and in 2017 he had the great opportunity to be a part of a vocal group that sang back-up for "Lorde" at the MMVA's (Much Music Video Awards). More recently James released his first debut album “Tidal Wave” with Jace Martin. You can find the album on all streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music. In December of 2019 his single “City Lights” hit #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown!
Instagram: @JamesWilsonMusic_
Marissa Groulx (M.Hungrywolf/Ojibeauty)
Northern Ontario, Canada based Ojibway versatile artist/designer Marissa Groulx is a member of Sagamok Anishnawbek, next to Lake Huron. She is a part of the 3 fires people. The love for art has always brought her to cross other disciplines, such as Fashion, Fine Arts, and Sustainability.
Marissa was one of the first in her family to pursue their artistic and creative ways as a career. She is a Fashion Design Graduate, as well as recent Humber Graduate with her Bachelor's of Commerce: Fashion Management Degree. Marissa opened the doors this year, to allow design, workshops, and space to grow as Indigenous businesswoman and artist.
Instagram: @Ojibeauty
Emma Petahtegoose (Niigaanii)
Emma “Niigaanii” Petahtegoose is Anishinabe and Oneida from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. Emma specializes in digital art and is currently a freelance designer. She attended Humber College from the fall of 2015 to the spring of 2019. Emma graduated with a certificate from General Arts and Science and a diploma from Media Communications. She currently resides in her home community.
Emma’s art is influenced by the woodland style of painting and pop culture. Emma enjoys combining her love for fashion with small pieces of her identity in her illustrations. Emma believes in uplifting the voices of Indigenous youth through art.
Instagram @By.Niigaanii
Exhibit Images
Project Credits
Exhibit Team (in alphabetical order)
Jennifer Bazar
Quazance Boissoneau
Nadine Finlay
Regina Hartwick
Kevin Vose-Lavalier
with special thanks to Jonathan Thiang and Jonny Devaney
#WeAreIndigenous was a collaborative creation by Humber College’s Indigenous Education & Engagement and Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre.
Indigenous Education and Engagement works in partnership with regional Indigenous communities to ensure Indigenous students are supported and connected to their learning environment- academically, culturally and socially.
We assist Indigenous students in making the transition and adjustment to the challenges of college life while creating an awareness and appreciation of Indigenous culture and history in the greater campus community.
The Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre researches, preserves, and shares the natural and built histories of the Lakeshore Grounds and surrounding communities in Etobicoke Lakeshore. Located at Humber College’s Lakeshore campus, we engage our community in the rich local history of the area through exhibitions and cultural programming. We focus primarily on themes of education, mental health, indigenous history, environmental sustainability, and civic engagement.