Where the Dreams of Our Ancestors Awaken

"My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back.”
~Attributed to Louis Riel

Calling all visual, literary, and performing Métis artists! 

The Métis Nation of Ontario Self-Government team, in collaboration with the Kooshkopayiw Art Collective, invite artists of all ages and art forms to contribute to a digital art wall.

We welcome you to inspire others with your talents, ideas, innovation and beauty. Help build on the work of our Métis ancestors and leaders; and reclaim our Métis spirit, self- determination and inherent right of Gouvèrnman awtawnawm dé Métis.

There are many possibilities for how you can express yourself on the Métis Self-
Government Digital Art Wall, including, but not limited to:

  • Visual Arts – Images of beadwork, dot art, a drawing, a painting; photography,
    animation or digital art
  • Literary Arts – A short story, poetry, or slogan
  • Performing Arts – Video or audio recordings of a live performance of a skit, song, poem, dance; or an interview with a knowledge holder

Artworks featured on the Métis Self-Government Digital Art Wall will be inspired by one or more of the prompts from the self-government conversations, including

  • What does Métis Self-Determination or Self-Government mean to you? Why is it important?
  • What are your hopes and dreams for our Métis Nation of Ontario in the next 30
    years?
  • What values and principles do we want to guide our nation?
    • What values and guiding principles can we learn from the actions and
      teachings of our Métis ancestors?
    • What values and guiding principles help to make a government effective?
    • Which values and guiding principles would be important in shaping our
      government-to-government and nation-to-nation relationships?
    • What values and guiding principles do we want our children to learn?

Recognition:

As a participating artist, you will have the satisfaction of communicating your messaging in the impactful form(s) that you are comfortable with, and skilled in.

Visitors doing a gallery walk of the Métis Self-Government Digital Art Wall will have the pleasure of viewing your artwork, considering your messaging, and potentially following up with you.

Your artwork may be featured in future MNO communications, where your name will be acknowledged, your messaging will help to awaken the spirit and thoughts of others, and your talents will be appreciated. Additionally, if your artwork is submitted by December 22, 2025, your name will be entered into a prize draw.

Eligibility:

You must be a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario to participate in this digital art wall.

Entry Process:

Please fill in the information on the form below to participate in the Self-Government Digital Art Wall.

Click here to submit your artwork

Korri Loveday

"Louis Riel"

Painting of Louis Riel, wearing a brown fringed jacket with colourful floral embroidery, set against a backdrop of tall trees and a vibrant sky.

Korri Loveday, “Louis Riel”

As I stand before the painting of Louis Riel, his spirit awakening in vibrant hues, I feel a profound sense of connection to my heritage and the hopes I hold for the Métis Nation of Ontario over the next 30 years. His gaze, fierce and luminous, speaks to the dreams of our people and the future we can create together.

Patricia Belanger

"Heritage and Culture"

Colorful landscape artwork showing a blue lake surrounded by trees and swirling patterns in the orange sky.

Patricia Belanger, “Heritage & Culture”

The Métis sash, woven with vibrant threads, reminds us of the unity that is possible when we honor our shared past and work toward a future of mutual respect and understanding. By embracing our common interests—protecting the land, preserving culture, and fostering community—we create pathways for reconciliation and meaningful collaboration.

Monica Ironside

"Solitude"

Tall pine trees stand on rocky terrain overlooking a calm sea with small islands under a cloudy sky.

Tina Jameson

"Into the Wild"

Colorful beaded animal skull mounted on white wooden planks with the phrase 'Into the Wild' painted around it.

Monica Ironside, “Solitude”

A quiet place to reflect on our history. To think of how we can continue to teach our children what we have learned as Métis people and to keep the traditions alive for future generations.

Tina Jameson, “Into The Wild”

It is tradition to always give thanks to the creator for providing us with food, water and shelter. The Into the Wild piece represents the importance of one creature giving life and in return we giving life back into something that could possibly have been almost forgotten.

Darlene Emerson

"Moose Tray"

Blue serving tray with a painted moose featuring forest and deer designs inside its body, surrounded by grass and a tree with a blue bird.

Darlene Emerson, “Moose Tray”

A very large moose was walking all around my lodge. The moose was there to teach me that I was a very strong woman and the Métis way of living that I always did unknowingly anyway. I want the Métis to become stronger in self-government. We must be strong like this moose.

Amanda Pierce

"Chrysalides"

A rectangular metal frame holding a series of cocoon-like structures wrapped around vertical sticks, arranged in a row against a white background.

Amanda Pierce, “Chrysalides”

Chrysalides symbolizes Métis self-determination through the cyclical nature of life, growth, and reclaiming identity. These pods represent the journey of rediscovery, honoring ancestral knowledge and the continuity of life, empowering future generations to connect with their roots and heritage.

Patricia Griffin

"The Sturgeon"

Colorful embroidered textile depicting a detailed sturgeon fish swimming among green leaves and aquatic plants on a dotted background.

Patricia Griffin, “The Sturgeon”

Having existed for millions of years, it is hoped that one day, the sturgeon’s longevity will also be attributed to the Métis Nation. In waters fraught with obstacles and dangers, both the sturgeon and the Métis have demonstrated remarkable resilience in challenging environments.

Joe Jesseau

"Bois Brules"

Brown suede vest with colorful embroidered flowers in red, yellow, blue, and purple, displayed on a gray dress form.

Jennette Lavery-Smith

"Quillwork Poppy"

Close-up of a handcrafted circular leather patch featuring a red beaded four-petal flower with a black center and green braided edge.

Joe Jesseau, “Bois Brules”

A Métis beaded vest is a powerful symbol of cultural identity and self-governance, representing the Métis people’s history, resilience, and ongoing fight for recognition. The intricate beadwork reflects a deep connection to our land, heritage, and traditions, passed down through generations.

Jennette Lavery-Smith, “Quillwork Poppy”

A teaching of learning to harvest the birch bark, collect the porcupine quills from different opportunities (roadkill for me) cleaning the quills, dying the colors, gathering of Sweetgrass for edging to create beautiful art. This poppy was created for one of Métis Veteran, Alan Roy.

 

Morgyn McDonald

"Black Swan Quantum"

A stylized black swan with red highlights forming a symmetrical, flame-like shape against a white background.

Morgyn McDonald, “Black Swan Quantum”

The swan curls up like an angry spirit ball, symbolizing the dark impact of “Black Swan” events in our history. The deep crimson details highlight blood quantum oppression and how new age politicking can take any descendant and call them a lesser.

Denise Chartrand

“All the Things She Said”

Painting of three women facing each other under a blue sky with an infinity symbol made of clouds above them.
Denise Chartrand “All the Things She Said”
 
This painting is titled “All the Things She Said” which means that all of us, young or old, need to listen to each other or our culture will die out. We need the new knowledge as much as the. It is my genuine hope that we, as Métis, continue to grow and flourish while spreading the message of resilience and community

Lorrie Potvin

“Homage to Beading”

Metal wall art featuring two large flowers with yellow and red dotted edges on a vibrant blue circular background.

Lorrie Potvin “Homage to Beading”

‘Homage to Beading’ is made from recycled plywood and scrap metal. It represents my pride in being a citizen of MNO, and my hope that we as a people will continue to strengthen our commitment to land, family and community, while passing along our ancestral teachings through the expression of art regardless of its medium.

Riley Demery

“Beaded Medicine Wheel Globe”

Circular beadwork depicting a stylized Earth with green continents and blue oceans outlined in pink beads on a dark background.

Gayelyn Heffernan

“The Road Less Travelled”

Watercolor painting of a serene birch forest with slender white trunks and sparse yellow-green leaves under a pale sky.

Riley Demery “Beaded Medicine Wheel Globe”

A beaded globe surrounded by the medicine wheel reflects a vision of honouring Mother Earth, unity, and the sacred cycles of life. It reminds us of our relationship to the land, our home, and our responsibility. Through art and Métis self-governance we keep our spirits alive and show the world: we are still here.

Gayelyn Heffernan “The Road Less Travelled”

It evokes choice, and opportunity. The path depicted in the painting isn’t completely clear or well delineated, and hints of potential obstacles ahead. We have faced obstacles on our journey, but as the light greens of spring remind us of hope, and renewal, there remains the determination to achieve the goals set out in the Statement of Prime Purpose.

“I Found Me” by Cynthia Clancy

This poem reflects my journey of reclaiming my Métis identity, honouring my great-grandmother, and finding belonging. It speaks to self-determination, cultural recognition, and healing—my hope is that my granddaughters grow up proud, connected, and never have to search for who they are.

Michael Plante “My Riel My Riel”

What was once experienced by the Metis people should never be experienced by our descendants. Our collective is rooted in resilience and fortitude and must be passed along as a strength of human character. Our celebration is our unity.

Karen Vasconcelos “Teachings for Our Children”

I created a poem that captures the essence of sharing values and guiding principles to our children in order to cultivate success, happiness and wellness. To pass on meaningful and inspirational teachings that will be expressed through many generations.

Jersey Breen “Our Story Our Voice”

I have responded to all the topics above in full detail and filled with love, compassion and honesty.

Sheryl Lees

“Ontario Pine Marten”

Tall wooden paddle with a detailed painting of a lynx perched on a tree branch against a pale blue sky background.

Christina Bussineau

“The Beaded Bear”

Handcrafted earring made of black, white, and gold beads arranged in a fringe pattern with a gold hook on a gray fabric background.

Sheryl Lees “Ontario Pine Marten”

Self-Government means Family, family working together with others in the community. Keeping our traditions and skills alive and current and passing them along. Re-inventing art and incorporating art into traditional items that we use in our lives. My use of the Cedar stretching board as a canvas for a Pine Marten painting. Celebrates our trapline.

Christina Bussineau “The Beaded Bear”

Self-Government is essential for preserving our way of life. It allows communities to care for their people, land, and traditions in ways that reflect their values. Through Self-Government, we can pass down knowledge to future generations with confidence and continuity.

George Simard

"Tony Belcourt"

White plaster bust sculpture with detailed floral embroidery on the garment and a colorful woven ribbon on the base.
George Simard “Tony Belcourt”
 
Tony Belcourt is a historical leader and elder in Métis community, and first president of MNO. Tony is knowledge keeper of Métis culture and history. Métis self-government is the path forward for the future.

Métis Self-Government Digital Art Wall — Submission Form

As a contributing artist, your work will be displayed on the Métis Self-Government Digital Art Wall, inspiring viewers to reflect on your message. Please complete all required fields.

Name(Required)
Email:(Required)
Please enter a number less than or equal to 18.
Art Submission Category
Based upon the following questions, your submission should respond to one or more of the following Self-Government conversation topics: •What does Métis self-determination or self-government mean to you, and why is it important? •Which MNO accomplishments over the past three decades have meant the most to you and your family? •What are your hopes and dreams for the MNO over the next 30 years? •What traditional Métis teachings or values are important in your family? •How should we act and what values should we uphold when building relationships with other Métis, First Nation, Inuit, and settler governments? •What guiding principles or values should our Métis government follow to be successful? •What values and guiding principles should we teach our children for the success, happiness and wellness of future generations?
Upload Your Artwork
Max. file size: 128 MB.
Eligibility Confirmation(Required)
Consent(Required)
Consent
Guidance to Artists on Protecting Your Artwork(Required)
We encourage Métis artists to take steps to protect their creative work before sharing it online. One simple way is by adding a discreet watermark, such as a name, signature, or logo placed in a corner or lightly across the image so it does not distract from the art. The watermark should be visible enough to indicate who the artist is while still allowing viewers to appreciate the piece. While participation in the Métis Self-Government Digital Art Wall means granting the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) permission to share your work for cultural and educational purposes, you remain the full owner of your artwork. If your work is reproduced, altered, sold, or distributed without your permission, you may need to pursue action—independently from the MNO—under the Copyright Act of Canada (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42) and applicable Ontario laws. For your peace of mind, keep original files and dated documentation of your creative process. These can serve as evidence of ownership if you ever need to enforce your rights. Protecting your Métis art helps ensure your voice and vision are respected and preserved for future generations. To help safeguard your artwork, please indicate whether your submission has been watermarked. Important Notice: If you choose not to watermark your artwork, please be aware that your art may be at greater risk of being misappropriated, copied, or reproduced without your consent. The MNO is not responsible for unauthorized third-party use of unprotected artwork. Artists are encouraged to watermark their work to protect their intellectual property.
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Parent/Guardian Name (If Under 18):
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Disclaimer

The Métis Self-Government Digital Art Wall is a web based digital community space created by the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) in partnership with the Kooshkopayiw Art Collective to celebrate Métis creativity and cultural expression. All artwork displayed on this page is the original work of contributing MNO citizens and reflects their personal perspectives, stories, through artistic expression. The MNO reserves the right to moderate and remove submissions that do not align with the respectful, inclusive, and positive intent of this initiative.
All rights reserved. Permission is granted to view electronically. No part of the artwork or related materials may be reproduced, modified, republished, transmitted, or distributed in any form or by any means, including electronic or mechanical, for any other purpose without the prior written consent of the Métis Nation of Ontario and the contributing artist. Unauthorized reproduction, modification, or use of artwork may constitute an infringement of copyright and could result in legal action under the Copyright Act of Canada (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42) and applicable Ontario laws.