Tansi! Tawnshi! Tawow! Shé:kon! Annii! Boozhoo! Kwey Kwey! ᐊᐃ
Indigenous Arts Collective
Powered and EMpowered by Indigenous women.
Indigenous Arts Collective
We gather the people with the sole purpose of putting into action the reclamation, preservation and revitalization of endangered Indigenous art forms and makers; this work directly translates into the retention of cultural knowledge. We are propelled by the Haudenosaunee Seventh Generation Principle that teaches us to understand that the decisions we make and the work we do today should result in a sustainable knowledge base that will benefit our people seven generations into the future. That is, we call on the knowledge of our ancestors to [re]connect us and deliver cultural wisdom to women, youth and children in order to rise and protect our innate connections to each other and the natural world to which we are family.
Our work moves people forward in such a self sustaining way that we see a future where our children will no longer need to heal and where epigenetics/blood memory can be embraced as an empowering resource.
Entrepreneurship
The IAC supports over 480 Indigenous, artistic entrepreneurs and provides elevated financial health, context to traditional Indigenous art forms, employment opportunities, sales, mentorship and networking journeys with like-minded creators. Click here to see all platforms, activities and services provided to Indigenous artists and women in Indigenous communities including 2024 Impact Report and Organizational Overview.
Healthy Foundations for Inspired Communities
It is this mandate along with personal lived experience, that makes us passionate about fully supporting, recommending and empowering the work of Indigenous peoples.
In supporting Indigenous women, we are building a foundation for inspired children and communities.
Resources and Funding
People living on reserves are often underserved and marginalized; this is why we serve them first. IAC priority groups are Indigenous women and artists who live on Indian Reserves.
We tirelessly work to access to funding that ensures safe spaces are created for healing and the restoration of healthy cultural foundations; healthy foundations are vital to sustaining healthy communities.
Donate here today or through our friends at Canada Helps.
We are a volunteer organization led by Indigenous women.
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 2013. Corporation Number: 9469869
Department of Canadian Heritage designation as a National Arts Service Organization,
Registered Charity #801401274 RR 0001
IAC Impact Report and Overview here.
Indigenous Identification Strategy
The IAC has implemented an Indigenous identification strategy where artists can voice their pride and IAC website visitors can be assured that they're engaging with authentic, Indigenous art and artists. In cases where identity is not verified, we encourage visitors to our website to make informed decisions by reaching out to artists directly.
For more information:
For Indigenous Artists
Indigenous Women's Gathering
Hundreds of women gather for free arts workshops, mentorship and entrepreneurial tool kits.
Over 75 vendors gather for our massive Indigenous Arts Marketplace at St.Laurent Shopping Centre.
Become A Member Today
Membership can bring you many free opportunities. Join our huge directory of artists and take advantage of free marketing, increased sales and workshop facilitation opportunities.
Our Marketplace
Become an IAC member today and open your own store at IndigenARTSY! Our new Indigenous marketplace empowers artists. Sell your work without the trouble of creating your own e-commerce site.
Advocacy
Protecting Intellectual Property
The IAC welcomes any and all opportunities to contribute and/or speak to issues of Indigenous intellectual property rights including but not limited to imitation art and design imports, reproductions, copies and appropriation.
Call to Action: Stop Vendor Fees
Government funding (tax dollars) is meant to enhance the lives of Indigenous peoples. When an event is meant to equitably improve the circumstances of Indigenous peoples then the organization is obligated to do that.
The IAC advocates for free vendor spaces at funded events facilitated by organizations with a mandate to support the economic and physical well-being of Indigenous peoples.
Fair Wages
The IAC actively supports Indigenous artists in securing contracts that offer fair wages. Through consultation, example and advocation, the IAC will contact potential clients or work one on one with members to ensure that costs such as materials, time, travel and per diam are included in quotations and invoicing.
Canada Post Discount
IAC Members Get 30% off shipping!
IAC finds solutions to unaffordable shipping costs.
IAC has worked very closely with Canada Post on an agreement that now gives a 30% discount to all IAC members who use Solutions for Small Business on line shipping tools!
We are very proud to do this work for you and excited to be on this journey with you. We will continue to work towards providing better tools for all members.
Solutions for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Sustainable solutions for Indigenous women and their families. We inspire and encourage financial, spiritual and familial health so the next generations are better equipped for success.
With vital small business resources, IAC fills the gaps for women in business who struggle with technology and we build bridges that connect them to like-minded community-based networks.
We are on the ground, in our communities, amplifying the voices of Indigenous entrepreneurs and feeding the flames of equity.
↓ Find Indigenous Art & Artists ↓
Are you looking for workshops? Art? Presenters? Resources?
Millside Ceramics, Chill Baskets, Brandy Bloxom Photography, Tracy Metalic Painting, Nancy Oakley, Rebecca Maracle, Chantal Lanouette, Anna Thompson
IAC Artist Directory
Are you are looking for a specific Indigenous artist or art form? Our on line directory has photos and links to over 250 Indigenous artists. Support our artists and search hand made, Native arts.
Your Marketplace
Your new Indigenous marketplace! Every purchase you make goes directly to Indigenous artists. Find 'a little book of smudge', custom feather bundles and more at IndigenARTSY.
Let's Shop on FB
Are you looking to buy Indigenous arts? Join our amazing new Facebook group where dozens of artists are posting their work for sale.
Looking For Indigenous Art?
Our membership directory hosts over 500 vetted Indigenous artists.
IAC Productions
Indigenous Arts Collective - Empowering Indigenous Artists Commercial Campaign
Pat Bruderer
Halfmoon Woman
Television commercials and social media ads starring Indigenous women artists have been developed by the IAC to promote https://IndigenARTSY.com our Indigenous arts superstore! Pat Bruderer, Halfmoon Woman is one of the few practicing Birch Bark Biting artists. The Indigenous Arts Collective along with Bawaadan Collective has produced two short videos to honour Pat's work. Find her work at: http://halfmoonwoman.com and https://IndigenARTSY.com
Project funded by the Ontario Arts Council.
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Get all the deets about IAC events, artists and sales!
Carrie Hill
Chill Baskets
The Indigenous Arts Collective with Bawaadan Collective and Carrie Hill has produced this short to honour her monumental work in Black Ash and Sweetgrass Basketry. Her work has been sent all over the world including an entire collection representing the Haudenosaunee People for the U.S. Embassy in Swaziland, Africa. Visit: http://chill-baskets.com Project funded by the Ontario Arts Council
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Get all the deets about IAC events, artists and sales!
Indigenous Arts Collective - Empowering Indigenous Artists Commercial Campaign
IndigenARTSY is a monumental e-commerce platform run by the IAC and always FREE for IAC members. The commercials below were created by Shelby Lisk, photographer, storyteller and videographer. Commercials feature Marleen Murphy of Millside Ceramics on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and Kelly and Claire Nehwegahbow of The Beading Drum. A mother/daughter team combining traditional and contemporary Indigenous arts! We also highlight Frankie Pasapa of Whitebear Nakota Nation, Treaty 4 Territory and uplift her work in teaching and creating ribbon skirts.
We are grateful! Visit IndigenARTSY and support Indigenous artists!
With much thanks to Theresa Bear Fox for allowing us to use her voice to represent amazing Indigenous women. Bear is an established singer and songwriter from Akwesasne Mohawk Territory and leads Mohawk women in learning and teaching or original words through song. You can hear more of Bear's music and read lyrics at BearFoxMusic.com Look for her at iTunes and you will be soon be able to buy her music at IndigenARTSY.com!
The IAC honours the survivors of Indian residential schools and Indian child apprehension programs.The IAC supports, loves and gently holds onto all Indigenous persons affected by child apprehension programs such as the Indian residential 'school' systems, the Sixties Scoop and present day efforts to change, erase, ignore, kill or conform Indigenous cultures of Turtle Island. We offer oien'kwa'ón:we (assemma, tobacco) and Atónnion (Eagle) medicines in memory of those who died and for the continued healing of survivors, their families and communities. May all hold close the teachings of the Ka'nikonhriióhtshera (Good Mind) and move forward in a way that promotes compassion, equality and inclusivity.
The IAC facilitated the 1st and 2nd, National Days of Truth and Reconciliation on Parliament Hill (September 30th, 2021 and 2022). Ours was a grass roots, community minded event led by the children, women and Elders of surrounding Indigenous nations including Kitigan Zibi, Akwesasne & Pikwakanagan. The event has since been facilitated by federally supported organizations and we are no longer visiting Parliament Hill but we will never give up supporting survivors and intergenerational survivors every single day.
A Canada Incorporated Not-for-profit Corporation
Founded 2013. Corporation Number: 9469869
Department of Canadian Heritage designation as a
National Arts Service Organization,
Registered Charity #801401274 RR 0001
We are powered and EMpowered by Indigenous women.
We are a volunteer organization led by Indigenous women.