Diane Montreuil

My paintings are dedicated to our Grandmothers & Elders and for keeping the teachings alive for the next generation and for people to understand our Indigenous culture.

Diane Montreuil is a self-taught artist originally from Montreal, Quebec, now living in Toronto, Ontario, for over 20 years.  With documented roots of Abenaki & Huron (Algonquin), and of Métis, French ancestry.

Diane is a member of the MNOC (Metis Nation of Canada) and Board member of Education. She also serves on the Board of Directors at The Artists’ Network of Toronto as Education Director.

Since 2016, Diane has been involved in the Arts community: An Indigenous the French docent at the ROM for Anishinaabe Art & Power Exhibition; art shows with the Artist Network; AGO, and the French Alliance of Toronto in the Pierre-Leon Gallery exhibition Celebration of the Call of the Elders to Inner Peace. A notable  exhibition for CPAMO (Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario), involved being part of a panel addressing  questions about IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, People of Colour) visibility, inclusion and their intersections with artistic/organizational practices as well as offering many perspectives in the arts and the changing demographics of audiences, and participation within the Arts sector.

In 2019 Diane was designated by the Toronto Catholic District School Board as their Knowledge Keeper in Residence.  She is also part of the Board’s Indigenous Education Advisory Committee. The year before, she  began  visiting schools speaking on Indigenous Culture and facilitating Art classes.

Diane received a Grant from Imagine Native in collaboration with Create to Learn, where she created four videos.  Diane also received a Grant from OAC (Ontario Art Council) in collaboration with the Woodland Cultural Centre.

Website: https://dianeart13.wordpress.com

Nathalie Bertin

Nathalie is a multi-disciplinary artist from Toronto, Ontario, Canada with documented roots in Michilimackinac & Nipissing. She is of Métis, French, Omàmiwininiwak (a.k.a. Algonquin) heritage. Bertin is a member of the Waawaashkeshi (Deer Clan).

Bertin’s art style is often described as luminescent, energetic, bold and colourful. A self-confessed “colour junkie,” she is inspired by the way light filters through stained glass windows, the layering of colours in printing processes, Woodland artists and the northern European masters.

Bertin’s current body of work focuses on positive images of indigenous people especially on the women role models who have had an impact on her. Her aim is to present a different view of Indigenous people—one that is positive, powerful, knowledgeable, gentle and kind.

Bertin curated “Indigenesse” (2014, The Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora, Ontario) and “This is My Song” (2012, The Art Space, Huntsville, ON). Both exhibitions featured Indigenous women artists from across Turtle Island working to offer healing, education, and to inform all communities.

These curatorial experiences continue to push Nathalie to develop community-based projects. In 2020, Bertin co-created with friend and artisan Lisa Shepherd “Breathe. A collection of traditionally crafted masks demonstrating resiliency through this 21st century pandemic”. The project started as a Facebook group for the purpose of helping artists work through emotions brought on by the pandemic. It has been featured in several CBC articles, a CBC Arts documentary and exhibitions are booked into 2023 throughout Canada.

Website: http://nathaliebertin.com

Grandmother Kim

Kim is an Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Pottawatomi) band member of Shawanaga First Nation. She is Turtle Clan and a proud grandmother of 3 granddaughters, a grandson and mother of 3 daughters. Her Spirit name is “Shkoden Neegaan Waawaaskonen” which translates to “Head/Leader of the Fireflower”. She carries over 3 decades of experience working locally, nationally and internationally and is referred to as Grandmother Kim Wheatley in many circles.

She is a multi award winning speaker with a diverse background of work who has appeared in magazines, books, radio and television. Her background includes author, play right, singer, storyteller, event organizer, ceremonial practitioner and community partner for a diverse array of organizations, corporations, institutions, environmental groups faith based groups, schools, post secondary and special interest groups.

She continues to represent the beauty of her ancestry in public and private roles, committed to inserting Indigenous voice with all walks of life.