b'BUILDING BETTER FUTURESYes. Even with the Mtis Nation public spaces and homes. WhatThinking about identity, how do Saskatchewan commission, mydoes it mean to have that reachyou see your role as a Mtis artist first massive commission. Id done people honouring your work inin your community and beyond?paintings for family or friends ortheir homes and in the world? Ive applied for a Saskatchewan prints they purchased; no oneReally cool. With my owl in theArts grant to work with elementary outside my immediate circle. It feltIndspire calendar, a few peopleschools in the city. I want to paint like a big deal. reached out. My mom hasmurals in up to five schools this Also, how do you value yourself?moved to Midland, Ontario. Weyear. Ill work with principals on Pricing something like thatmyplanned a trip to see her, andwhat theyd like to see and include partner always gives me shitbecause we were road-tripping, Ian aspect of Mtis history so it can because I undervalue myself. Hehand-delivered a painting. Drivingbe a teaching point, even some-says, Youre worth more. Sell youracross provinces to give someonething small like red carts, a piece art for what its worth. In my headmy artsomeone wants my artof our history that sparks dialogue I think, No ones going to buy it.all the way out there!felt soacross elementary schools in He says, Then they wont. Thecool. Proud and a little weird, in athe city.people who want to will. Hesgood way. Im hoping it happens; it would right. I try to bolster myself, but Ibe a wonderful opportunity. The dont have that natural instinct toRecently, a local Saskatoon coffeeschools are gung-ho and ready to say, I am worthy of this, whichshop invited emerging artists towork with me. Now I hope they sounds sad, but its my reality. submit for a couple of months onpick my application. Its important display. My art was picked. Theto show a younger generation the When Indspires calendar includedMtis Nation piece is local but onpossibility of making it and doing my owl the first time, I wasa floor that isnt necessarily public,it, and for me to give back time to overjoyed. It was unreal. For it towhereas the coffee shop is totallyteach and show them my practice happen again has been amazing.public. Itll be neat to have it on in this case, murals. Sometimes Im so thankful and grateful. display for anyone to see, includingthat gets missed when youre on me when I grab a coffee. your way up: remembering where Its so important to talk about that.you came from. One of the schools So many studentsIndigenousIts surreal that people like myis my own elementary school, and non-Indigenousfeel thoseart enough to own it or put it onwhich would be so special.emotions transitioning fromdisplay. Id love to have more than student to the working world:Im already cultivating, which is What am I worth? Should I chargeamazing, but I didnt expect it toAbsolutely. Thinking about this? Were all just out here fakingget this far, which is amazing onreciprocity and going backit till we make it. Your work is inits own. having been a Building Brighter Futures (BBF) recipient and now having your art in our calendarshow did the BBF scholarship help your artistic journey? And what does it feel like to now be working with Indspire?It bolstered my confidence through the roof. Me? Holy crap. Financially, I didnt have to serve as many shifts. During my degree I was a waitress; with financial aid, I could focus on school, keep my grades up, and earn other scholar-We are a 100% Indigenous-owned screen printing &ships. It was immensely helpful.decorating company with 25+ years of industry experience. We have a wide range of imprintable products; tees, headwear, workwear & more.Working with the organization the Serving Turtle Island since 2016, we offer affordable small runs & larger volume discounts.first time gave me another confi-We can work with your courier of choice to ensure your order is received on time. dence boost. It led to commissions Contact us for a free estimate, we would love to work with you to bring your ideas to life! for folks, primarily across Ontario, @nishtees | admin@nishtees.ca | www.nishtees.ca which is super cool. Im not expecting it, but Im thinking 46indspiration2025'