Winners of National Indigenous Arts & Stories Contest Announced

Winners of National Indigenous Arts & Stories Contest to be Celebrated in Ottawa

TORONTO, ON – June 21, 2018 Historica Canada’s annual Indigenous Arts & Stories contest has revealed this year’s winners, all of whom will receive a $2,000 cash prize, and an all-expenses paid trip to the Governor General’s History Awards in Ottawa, where they will be honoured. The contest is the largest art and writing contest for Indigenous youth in Canada, and it continues to provide a forum for Indigenous youth to explore their heritage, identity, and culture.

A jury of renowned Indigenous artists, writers and community leaders, including John Kim Bell, Ryan Rice, Drew Hayden Taylor, Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley, Shirley Moorhouse, Brian Maracle and Maxine Noel chooses the winners from the hundreds of submissions received.

Arts winners:

• Junior (14-18): Tehatsistahawi Kennedy, “Seventh Fire Leadership,” Age 16, London, ON
• Senior (19-29): Jared Boechler, “Do Never,” Age 23, Saskatoon, SK

Writing winners:

• Junior (14-18): Leah Baptiste, “Crucible,” Age 17, Brooks, AB
• Senior (19-29): Shelby Lisk, “Invisible Indian,” Age 25, Belleville, ON

Now in its 14th year, the contest has been a launching pad for many writers and artists, and has brought national attention to the traditions, stories and experiences behind the works. Past winners include Billy-Ray Belcourt, Aviaq Johnston, Joshua Whitehead and Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais.

“The powerful stories told by Indigenous youth through their art and writing deserve a broad audience,” said Anthony Wilson-Smith, President and CEO of Historica Canada. “We’re proud to be able to offer them that and hope Canadians of all backgrounds will explore these perspectives.” 

Winners were selected from more than 670 submissions from across Canada. Emerging artist and writer categories (age 9-13) will be announced later this month.

Indigenous Arts & Stories is open to all self-identifying First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists (ages 6-29) to interpret an aspect of their culture and heritage through literary and visual arts for a chance to earn prizes and national recognition.

Supporting sponsors include Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, TD Bank, Canada’s History, and Indigenous Link.

Historica Canada offers programs you can use to explore, learn and reflect on our history and what it means to be Canadian.