Phyllis Poitras-Jarrett

Métis Nation of Saskatchewan

I am a self taught artist living on Treaty 4 land in Saskatchewan.

Nature's Influence on Artistic Vision:

I strive to celebrate this harmony in my art, including the land Indigenous people know as Turtle Island, which is derived from traditional stories passed down from the 1600’s . The stories explain how the land was built on a turtle's back, settlers know this area as North America. Giving equal value to all sources of life - animals, plants, insects, land, water, and air is known as "All My Relations" in Indigenous cultures and is at the heart of my art.

Symbolism in Animal Representations:

My artistic style is a mix of contemporary techniques and traditional Métis aesthetics. I often combine animal motifs with colorful, symmetrical Métis floral beadwork. I strive to match the essence of each animal to qualities and values that we all possess within ourselves. We all have a story or personal connection with nature that we cherish, and recalling these memories brings us joy. This is your personal spiritual connection with nature. For instance, the Métis people often say that if a dragonfly lands on you, it's a loved one visiting from heaven. Many Indigenous people believe that a deer’s visit is a message to slow down and enjoy life. Life is full of ups and downs, but nature always heals.

Infusing traditional Indigenous values, such as the 7 Grandfather Teachings, into my art was important. These teachings, passed down by the Anishinaabe people, represent essential human values through animals: Courage-Bear, Love-Eagle, Honesty-Ravens, Humility-Wolf, Wisdom-Beaver, Respect-Buffalo, and Truth-Turtle. These teachings continue to guide lives and are widely used by educators and storytellers across Indigenous cultures in Canada. Nature’s healing power and our spiritual connection to it are central themes in my work. Through my art, I hope to remind everyone of the joy and healing that nature brings into our lives.

Art as a Cultural Bridge:

Today, my art serves multiple purposes. It's a celebration of Métis culture, a tool for environmental awareness, and a bridge between different communities. I believe that artwork has the power to bring people together, to celebrate our unique cultures, and to create a better understanding of our past and present realities.