Canadian Indigenous Art – Culture, Heritage and Nature

Art has always been an important way in which Indigenous peoples keep their culture and history alive. In Canada especially, there are many kinds of Indigenous art, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, weaving, and embroidery. Indigenous art is filled with symbols that show the artists’ deep respect for their traditions and their connection to a way of life that can feel almost magical. The images in our collection show how much they care about wildlife and the environment.

The artwork in our indigenous collection comes to us from a variety of indigenous peoples including the First Nations, the Inuit and the Metis. Here are a just a few examples from some exceptional artists.

Family Teaching I
Family Teaching II

Bruce Morriseau (1965-2025) was an Ojibwe artist who worked in the tradition of the Woodland style of painting.  He brought his unique vision and lyrical style to the artform. His works are held in numerous private collections.

Mother and Moon by Betty Albert

Betty Albert is a Cree Indian who was adopted by French Canadian parents and grew up in Northern Ontario. She eventually was reunited with her birth father and together they began Wabimeguil Art Studio which distributes art throughout North America. Like many Cree people, dreams play an important part Betty’s life and her work. She discovered that her dream people were faceless and this is evident in some of her work. Her art allows the viewer to experience tradition, action, and a deep spirituality. 

Friends by Jim Oskineegish

Jim is a member of the Anishinaabe art community. He has been painting on a full time basis in the Ojibwe Woodland style since 2005. Jim wants to promote Ojibwe culture to the world by painting stories and legends, as well as traditional teachings and​​ values. He draws inspirations from 1st generation woodland artists like Norval Morrisseau, Roy Thomas and Benjamin Chee Chee to name a few. 

“I believe that Woodland art can promote healing and understanding amongst all of mankind. Color, I believe is a power that the creator gave us to communicate traditional values and teachings. Ojibwe culture is alive and well as long as we express it in a good way”

Approach of Autumn by Maxime Noel

Maxime Noel is a Santee Oglala Sioux from Manitoba, Canada. Her initial training as a legal secretary was soon overshadowed by her preoccupation with painting and drawing. In addition to being a skilled painter, Maxime also creates wonderful art using serigraphy, etching and stone lithography. Her artwork shows how skillful she is at using shape and line to suggest movement. 

Take a moment to immerse yourself in our wonderful collection of indigenous art HERE.