The Kooshkopayiw Arts Council held the largest Metis Art Exhibit in Canada featuring over 35 Metis artists of all disciplines and ages during the MNO Annual General Assembly.

The exhibit featured various art forms including beading, paintings, and music from artists across the province, providing refuge from politics during the Metis Nation of Ontario’s Annual General Assembly.

During the exhibit’s opening on the morning of Friday, August 16, was perhaps the most important event during the exhibit where the artists were able to come together and share their journeys as artists.

Joe Jesseau, a Metis beader, gave perhaps the most inspiring speech of the day, encouraging other artists to give back to the community.

“Please find somebody, a friend, close family member, or cousin. I don’t care who you pick, but I can tell you this. If your artistic ability dies with you, it’s not about the Metis. It’s about you,” says Jesseau. “Your beauty has to continue with the generations that come after you.”

Joe has been taking on a Metis youth, named Riley, to pass down his beadwork style. She was sponsored by the Metis Nation of Ontario’s Youth Council to attend the exhibit.

Riley’s beaded hat, designed by Metis artist Patti Belanger, was a hit at the exhibit. Even catching the eye of MNO founding president Tony Belcourt.

Some of the other artists featured in the exhibit were Tracey-Mae Chambers, Kristy Cameron and Jason Baerg. 

If you are a Metis artist living in Ontario looking to participate in upcoming arts events hosted by Kooshkopayiw, you can contact Patti Belanger at pattibelangerart@gmail.com.