About the IAC
Indigenous Arts Collective
There are only 34 organizations in the country that have National Arts Service Organization (NASA) charitable status designation by Department of Canadian Heritage and the IAC is the ONLY Indigenous organization on that list. This speaks to our value, responsibilities and diverse membership of over 500 Indigenous artists.
We are a collective of artistic Indigenous minds for over a decade.
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A Canada Incorporated Not-for-profit Corporation
Founded 2012. Corporation Number: 9469869
Heritage Canada Designation as a National Arts Service Organization,
Registered Charity #801401274 RR 0001
Annual General Meeting: Saturday, January 13, 2024 @ 1pm. To join: board@indigenousartscollective.org
Since it's inception, this has been a full time, volunteer position for all board members. No founder or board member has been renumerated for their work. All board members are numbered Indians under the outdated Indian Act. (Status Card Holders).
mission statement
In taking inspiration from the Haudenosaunee Seventh Generation Principle, the Indigenous Arts Collective was founded in 2012 to preserve and revitalize endangered Indigenous art forms and enrich lives through Indigenous arts and culture.
The IAC seeks to inspire financial, spiritual and familial health through resources and services related to successful and sustainable artistic creation and entrepreneurship. We amplify Indigenous voices and work in community so that everyone can see the greatness of Indigenous peoples and ensure that the next generations are not subject to the same obstacles as our ancestors.
In safe and inclusive spaces, through community based learning, the organization engages, [re]connects and empowers Indigenous women by promoting the transfer and conservation of cultural knowledge; securing the capacity for the next seven generations to retain and cultivate intrinsic cultural connections and world views.
purpose statement
Through community education and relationship building through the arts, IAC is defiantly motivated to facilitate healing and empowerment in Indigenous communities while creating informed opinions of Indigenous cultures in non-Indigenous society as a whole. We promote equality for all.
Indigenous peoples are significantly affected by inter-generational trauma due to, but not limited to, the Indian residential school system, mass apprehension of infants and children from their parents and communities ('60's Scoop' and present day 'birth alerts'), forced sterilization, unjust incarceration, destruction of food systems and erasure of language. These traumas affect spiritual, physical, mental and emotional well being. This organization recognizes that in improving all 4 quadrants of health we are transforming lives.
Art is the very soul of Indigenous spirituality because it's an expression of relationships to Creation; all the land and her resources who are our relatives. We continue to teach and protect this way of being.
vision statement
From within and outside of our communities, we will create the spaces, provide the resources and facilitate communal approaches to the retention of cultural knowledge.
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- Spaces and Resources • We believe that access to quality programming, appropriate spaces and art resources will facilitate experiential education and compliment formal educational institutes. We also feel in that making these spaces available to non-Indigenous visitors, we are creating an educational environment that speaks to inter-cultural respect and co-admiration.
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- Pedagogy • Place-based education employs the entire community and allows youth to be grounded in their own culture with hands-on, project-based learning.
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- Reconciliation • This organization is committed to the reparation of inter-generational trauma and the empowerment of the next seven generations. It is imperative that we teach not only confidence in history and culture but also co-operative and respectful interrelations with our Canadian neighbours.
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- Protection and Safety for Women • Our board of directors is built by strong Indigenous women. We are aware that we are more likely to go missing, be murdered or be victims of violence. We are also aware that we are not as likely to be investigated as non-Indigenous victims of violence; crimes against us often go unnoticed or are not valued as worthy of investigation. There is often no justice. This organization reaches at risk women both on and off reserve and provides accessible, safe cultural activities.
This organization is different...
We are different, there is no one like us. We are a Sisterhood. We are small business champions; inspiring and empowering others to embrace their brilliance! We are all hard working business owners in communities of hard working business owners. Our reach is vast. We like to see one business succeed but we love to see the whole community inspired. When one member of a community does well, they share and motivate others – this is equity.
We work for our communities because we want everyone to see and feel the greatness that lives there.
We are dedicated volunteers who are defiantly motivated to take proactive measures through strategic planning to improve the lives of women who face social, economic and cultural barriers.
We are not alone in our work, we are surrounded by a vast network of partners and we work together, of one mind to:
- educate, validate and inspire Indigenous small business creators,
- defend cultural ways of knowing and being,
- protect endangered Indigenous art forms and artists and above all,
- promote economic opportunities for marginalized women.
We are public, proud and dedicated; we bring every woman with us, never leaving anyone behind. We transform cultural misinterpretation into absolute admiration.
The IAC is valuable to Indigenous entrepreneurs because we bridge technical gaps that are barriers to both on reserve and off reserve Indigenous entrepreneurs. Our success is measurable.
Our sacred fire has been lit since 2012 and thanks to volunteers, it continues to burn and provide light and comfort for over 500 Indigenous artist members.
Artists rely on the IAC to overcome barriers, develop their art form(s) and achieve financial success. IAC is a non profit org & registered charity with no operational funding. We rely on project grants and volunteers to continue supporting artists.
The light we provide with the Indigenous Arts Knowledge Bundle
- streamlines the application process which accelerates access to resources,
- verifies authentic Indigenous identities,
- eliminates artists’ anxiety over marketing (an intimidating but vital requirement for any self-sustaining business).
We are defiantly motivated to continue to advance Indigenous arts and empower Indigenous artists. The IAC is valuable to Indigenous artists and our success is measurable. The following list will provide you with context of our ongoing work:
- Our National Indigenous Women’s Arts Conference sees hundreds of women attending free Indigenous art workshops, meeting master artists, relationship building with Knowledge Keepers & Elders, creating, exhibiting, selling and collaborating through new connections and friendships. More info at: https://indigenousartscollective.org/indigenouswomensconference
- Indigenous Arts Marketplace – this annual event sees thousands of visitors and lines the wallets of over 100 Indigenous artists. In partnership with St.Laurent Shopping Centre we take over the largest mall in the national capital region. Our artist membership boasts their best sales ever can be contributed to our exhibitions and marketplace events. More info at: https://indigenousartscollective.org/indigenouswomensconference
- IAC Profile pages - The IAC creates a membership page for each artist on our website. The membership page gives access to viewers and enables them to reach out with workshop and sales opportunities. Our membership sees public speaking opportunities and exhibition venues from our website. We have over 500 featured Indigenous artists. More info at: https://indigenousartscollective.org/search-iacc-artists
- IAC Indigenous Identity Verification Strategy - To deflect Indigenous resources such as grant funding, we have a strong strategy in place that assures that each member is an authentic Indigenous identity and commitment to maintain the integrity and history of traditional Indigenous art forms. Indigenous Identity Strategy
- National Museums Gift Shops – After years of advocacy for Indigenous artists, the IAC has secured over $1000 in sales at McCord Museum (Montréal). IAC membership artists now sell their work in national museum gift shops!
- Visit IndigenARTSY.com -Our pandemic response, is a massive multi-vendor ecommerce site not unlike ETSY but for our Indigenous artist membership. This site enables tech challenged Indigenous artists to share their work on an international stage. Outrageously successful IndigenARTSY.com contributed over $240,000 in sales to date – all in the pockets of Indigenous artists. Visit: IndigenARTSY.com
- Facebook Marketplace and Auction - Celebrating 4 years of supporting IAC artists, this was a COVID-19 response and solution to the cancelation of in-person events. Participating artists take home anywhere from $100-$1000 / week in sales (depending on the value of their products). The marketplace has over 30,000 organic viewers/shoppers and we gain about 100 more weekly. Visit: Facebook.com/groups/IndigenousArtsAuction
- 1st & 2nd National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Parliament Hill – Upon the Canadian acknowledgement of Indian residential school graves and immediate naming of September 30th as National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, IAC was the first to facilitate a Parliament Hill national event in 2021 and 2022. We sponsored children from surrounding communities, hired performing arts members and employed about 20 visual artists. This event was live streamed and marketed on television with commercials as well as through our websites and social media paths. 2021 saw an attendance of over 40,000 in person visitors. It has now been occupied by governmental organization and ceases to be community centred. Visit: remember-me-september-30.org
- IAC Short Doc/Commercial Series – IAC has produced many short docs for IAC members that aired on television, streaming networks and social media that are used for commercials to promote our artist membership and programs. Visit: Indigenousartscollective.org or https://vimeo.com/passthefeather
- Marketing & Promotion - Each day over 30,000 viewers become acquainted with our artist membership, they engage with our websites and auctions and actively seek out the makers and products of Indigenous artists. Our Facebook page posts have seen as many as 1,000,000 views weekly, our viewership is organically grown through intriguing engagement and boasts 56, 562 pages likes and 61,000 followers.
- Weekly Email Blast – IAC sends weekly emails to highlight membership artists, our websites and marketplaces. We also send weekly membership emails that create awareness of events, grant opportunities, art supply giveaways and vendor opportunities.
- Grant Writing Assistance – IAC provides live help and grant writing to make sure that we leave no one behind regardless of tech barriers or educational gaps.
- Website & Logo Design – IAC makes websites and logos for artists who find themselves challenged by technology and connection.
- Canada Post – IAC has secured a relationship with Canada Post that will offer our membership artists almost 40% off shipping! Enabling maximum profit by offsetting the most expensive part of business.
- Art Supply Donations – In partnership with Keilhauer, the IAC has donated over 1000 lbs (500kg) of leather and textiles. Their generosity has directly enabled Indigenous artists to cut out large disabilities such as the cost of leather so they can better focus on creation and sales.
- Art Supply Donations – In partnership with Pass The Feather, the IAC has given thousands of feathers to Indigenous artists. We have seen great creations come of the gift from the birds including jewelry, regalia and tools of gratitude (smudge feathers). Eagle feathers have been in ceremony and presented to survivors of Indian residential schools and other Indigenous child apprehension programs through the IACC.
- International Wampum Belt - In 2024 the IAC took on a monumental and historic Wampum Belt art project for the Haudenosaunee confederacy (Mohawks, Senecas, Onondagas, Oneidas, Cayugas, Tuscaroras) leadership including Chiefs, Clan Mothers, Faithkeepers and women from across the confederacy. Women from each nation contributed to the beading of the historic belt which was presented to Haudenosaunee Leadership and Moon and Sun at the 2024 total solar eclipse gathering. This project created a meaningful and vital sisterhood in a time where displacement, identity theft and lateral violence play a large role in community relationships. More info at peace-mother.com
- Vital Spiritual Support - IAC plays an active part in spiritual journeys such as the Moon Lodge Society, Oherokon (Rights of Passage teachings and fasting) and is present for cultural community events like art shows, museum presentations, powwows and festivals. This serves to create context and stories which artists will communicate through new artistic creations and workshop opportunities.
- Friendships –IAC is fully endorsed and supported by The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, the 27th Governor General, Commander-in-Chief of Canada and is in partnership with the Michaëlle Jean Foundation. Mme Jean has publicly announced this partnership. See her public speech about us here: https://vimeo.com/707332829
- United Nations 16th Session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) – IAC facilitated a women’s delegation (Matrilineal Order of the Haudenosaunee) visiting Geneva, Switzerland in July 2023. Delegates mitigated the threats to Indigenous women around the world. The IACC established new global relationships.
Dawn Iehstoseranon:nha
Founder & President
Volunteer
Dawn is the founder of the Indigenous Arts Collective and owner at Pass The Feather.
Dawn is Akwesasronon (Akwesasne), Kanienkéha’ka (Mohawk), Wakhskaré:wake (Bear Clan),Feather Keeper/Protector and artist practicing and sharing bird medicines, web and graphic design and writing.
Dawn is the founder and full time volunteer of the Indigenous Arts Collective and artist at Pass The Feather.
Pass The Feather is a sole proprietorship and offers custom feather medicines, graphic and website design. Dawn is also a writer, graphic and web designer passionate about elevating Indigenous voices through websites, branding and marketing. Full bio on her personal website.
Her work as founder of the IAC spans over a decade and includes Indigenous Women's Arts Conference, Remember Me: National Day of Remembrance (1st ever National Day of Truth and Reconciliation), the construction of IndigenARTSY - a massive on line e-commerce website for IAC membership artists as well as all all original programming and day to day workings of the non profit organization. Dawn and the entire board of directors are volunteer and do not take any compensation for their work relating to board duties.
Over the years, Dawn has established important and meaningful relationships with Elders, artists, Indigenous women and organizations. 2023 she was a delegate to the United Nations with her sisterhood Matrilineal Order of the Haudenosaunee, she is very active in her community of Akwesasne and a helper to Louise McDonald Herne (condoled Bear Clan Mother of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy).
She welcomes all to contribute, collaborate with and join her in her work to empower Indigenous women and protect endangered Indigenous art forms.
Iehstoseranón:nha (She Keeps/Protects the Feathers) Pronounced: Ya sto sah la nuhk hna. Named by Louise McDonald Herne, Rotiskarewa:ke, Akwesasne Kahsennahon:we, Tehanakari:ne, Midwinter 2023. English Birth Name (pre-adoption): Mary Francis. Post Adoption Renamed: Dawn Setford. Dawn is a Sixties Scoop Survivor and was reunited with her birth family in 1989.
Lindsey Kirby McGregor
Volunteer Director
mother | educator | change maker
Lindsey is a member of Whitefish River First Nation. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work (Indigenous Specialization) from the UVictoria, a Master of Education from UOttawa, and is beginning her MA studies with Professor Ruth Kane in January 2019.
Lindsey managed Indigenous programs at Willis College and she developed and taught an Indigenous Community Service Work Program that became accredited by the Indigenous Certification Board of Canada, as well as a three-week course in Indigenous Knowledge for the Helping Professions for Indigenous Personal Support Worker students.
Lindsey developed and coordinated two programs for Indigenous women through Minwaashin Lodge, including a program that trained 8 Indigenous women as literacy and basic skills tutors to work with clients at Oshki Kizis Lodge, a domestic violence shelter.
She has assisted with Circle of Care facilitation for families involved with the Children’s Aid Society through Wabano Center. She has lived and worked in Kuujjuaraapik, Kuujjuaq, and Kangirsujuaq, Nunavik in various community roles and has supported many Inuit students from Nunavut and Nunavik, to upgrade their skills as well as successfully complete college-level studies in the city of Ottawa. Most recently, she has been assisting in the evaluation of the Nunavik Teacher Education Programs offered by Kativik Ilisarniliriniq.
Lindsey is now acting Program Manager of Indigenous Relations for the City of Ottawa. The Indigenous Relations Office works alongside Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners to identify opportunities for systemic changes that improve access to programs and services and supports the City’s work to further reconciliation. Meet Lindsey at https://youtu.be/Hb1NcG63n74
Brandy Bloxom
Volunteer Director
Brandy Bloxom was born in Pinawa, Manitoba and soon after relocated to Leaf Rapids in northern Manitoba where she spent the remainder of her youth.
Growing up in the north with First Nations roots has inspired Brandy throughout her creative processes in art and photography. A self -taught photographer, Brandy has also helped aspiring photographers by hosting small workshops and one-to-one sessions within her home community of Denare Beach, SK and neighbouring communities of Creighton, SK and Flin Flon, Manitoba. Brandy has always been curious about her Indigenous history. She has explored and shared many teachings and her love of the outdoors in the work that she creates. Brandy has evoked strong thought and feeling that connect her with issues regarding our women today.
With an eye for detail, Brandy promotes self-acceptance, passion, and celebration of our physical uniqueness with her artistic and boudoir photography. As a mother of two young women, her work in this area has been strongly inspired to ensure she leaves her children with positive media influences andstrong self esteem
Brandy has recently taken on a role as a documentary photographer to capture events locally and internationally. As a board member of Diamonds in the Rough (DITR), Brandy was able to travel to Russia to document the ground-breaking work of the team. DITR is the first all women’s mine rescue team to compete in an international mine rescue competition and the first ever women to perform work in the underground operations of mines (where it is illegal for women to work underground) Brandy continues to seek opportunities that display women in roles that break barriers. Brandy has been invited to photograph the emotional and important healing ceremonies for MKO and families of missing and murdered women.
She has been recently invited to facilitate and contribute with the Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada and Pass the Feather in Ottawa.
High in demand as a photographer and artist, Brandy balances her work with her life as a wife and mother of three. She continues to enjoy the outdoors in northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba always with camera in tow.
View Brandy's photographic stories on her website at BrandyBloxom.com
Bailey Bjarnason
Volunteer Director
Engineer | Artist
As a proud member of the Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation and former resident of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Bailey carries a deep connection to her Indigenous roots and a deep reverence for nature, nurtured during her upbringing in Northern Manitoba. Her childhood instilled in her a passion for sustainability in the forms of art, wellness, and the environment.
Facing a pivotal decision between pursuing a career in art or science, Bailey chose the path of engineering with a noble aspiration—to protect the environment and give back communities like her own. Throughout her academic and career journey, she has remained diligent and committed to utilizing her artistic talents to enhance her work. As an Indigenous-women, artist, and engineer, Bailey offers unique perspectives and skill sets to all of her pursuits.
Despite the demands of her engineering career, Bailey has never strayed far from her artisticroots. And has continued to create and innovate in her personal artistic journey. Bailey is honoured to be an artist and board member of the Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada, an organization founded and led by Indigenous women. With a deep sense of pride in her heritage, dedication to empowering Indigenous women, and conserving Indigenous culture, Bailey strives to use her knowledge and resources to create opportunities for cultural expression and community engagement.
employees | liasón
Shannon Graham
Executive Assistant
advocate | ally | master organizer
Shannon IAC's Executive Assistant. She joined IAC in July 2022 and has been walking alongside the over 500 IAC artists through grant writing, management of on line programming (IndigenARTSY and FB Marketplace), Canada Post discount agreement and more. Shannon is a master organizer for our Parliament Hill National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous Women’s Arts Conference.
Although Shannon is non-Indigenous, her drive to support others led her to pursue a degree in Social Work at Trent University. It was here that Shannon learned about the injustices and marginalization Indigenous women have and continue to face in Canada. This encouraged Shannon to seek out more knowledge and make connections with Indigenous professors and students in her academic career. Shannon is very grateful to be able to continue learning from the amazing women at IAC and is very fortunate to have the opportunity to use her degree to support an organization that uplifts Indigenous women and promotes the preservation of cultural knowledge and art forms.
Natasha Darling
Communications & Outreach Manager
mother | water protector | history geek
Natasha is a member of Kenhtè:ke Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte) who's passionate about Water, Indigenous history, and stand up paddle boarding. She grew up in the Katarokwi (Kingston, Ontario) area before making her way south to pursue a career in marketing and web development. Natasha spent the last 12 years working in the wellness and hospitality industries in Southern California before relocating back to Eastern Ontario with her family in 2021.
As a Kanyen’kéha second language learner, and Language Warrior, Natasha is committed to Mohawk language revitalization and is actively engaged in creating and participating in language learning opportunities in her community.
Last year, Natasha, along with her sister, founded Two Sisters SUP Inc., a stand-up paddle-boarding company leading Indigenous history tours in Kenhtè:ke, Katarokwi, and the 1000 Islands, with the purpose of helping to connect people to the spirit of water.
When not working or out on the water, Natasha volunteers on the board of All our Relations Land Trust (a charitable organization led by Indigenous Peoples who are committed to supporting and restoring diverse ecosystems within the greater Katarokwi area) and as well as with the Kenhtè:ke Paranormal Society, an Indigenous-led historical research team supporting the One Dish Project and food sovereignty in Kenhtè:ke.
Natasha is constantly amazed at the talent that surrounds her at the IAC and is excited to use her marketing and design background to advance the work of the Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada and to help member artists reach their business and marketing goals.
Charrine Lace
West Coast Liasón
Artist, Morricetown First Nation
artist
Charrine Naziel-Lace is a Northwest Coast Indian Arts and Crafts Professional, carver, and illustrator.
A member of the Moricetown First Nation in the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, Charrine has 20 years of experience in the First Nations Art Industry. A graduate of the Ksan Carving School, BC and Gitanmaax (Kitanmax) School of Northwest Coast Indian Art, Charrine has built on old art traditions while studying in the styles and techniques of master carvers and artists. She is also a graduate of Cowansville Vocational Education Training Centre, Cowansville, QC where she became proficient in design and layout.
Works to her credit include the design of the Moricetown First Nations Flag and illustrations for the Wet\'suwet\'en Children\'s First Language book series, which included \"The Pink and Sockeye Salmon\", a story about bullying.
Charrine is owner of Wet'suwet'en Native Arts in Morricetown, B.C. She is passionate about working in the Northwest Coast Indian style and is very excited to promote west coast art with our IAC programs.