Cultural Integration - FNMPC Conference

Experience the vibrant cultural heritage of local Indigenous nations through live performances, marvel at the Indigenous artwork displays, and savor a menu inspired by Indigenous ingredients. These elements are curated to enrich the experience of each delegate, blending local colors and traditions into the fabric of the conference.

FNMPC 2025 Artist Statement

This illustration embodies the themes of respect, reconciliation, and partnerships through my perspectives as an Onyota’a:ka and Anishinaabe artist. There are four main images in this banner; an eagle, a turtle, a strawberry plant, and people. To me, these images represent values that are important to bear in mind when approaching reconciliation and partnerships with respect.

The turtle represents two things; on one hand it alludes to the Onyota’aka Creation Story, in which a turtle provided a place for Sky Woman to rest after she fell from the Skyworld and into the flooded physical world. In a later part of the story, the turtle offered to take on the responsibility of holding the earth on its back. This reminds us to honour our stories and always remember to include the wellbeing of the land in our minds and discussions; the land will always be the foundation of who we are as Indigenous peoples. On the other hand, the turtle represents Truth in the Seven Grandfather Teachings. In partnerships with other communities, organizations, and businesses, it is important to come together with a good mind to speak of, listen to, and consider each other’s truths and perspectives.

Much like the Turtle, the eagle also represents more than one meaning from the nations I belong to. In the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the eagle sits atop the Tree of Peace to protect the confederacy and warn them of danger. True partnerships between communities, organizations, and businesses cannot be contingent on the premise of “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” It’s about founding meaningful relationships, and helping each other in their times of need through brotherhood and sisterhood; that is where real change occurs. In the Seven Grandfather Teachings, Love is represented by the eagle. Love is something overlooked or often forgotten in professional settings, however it is integral to any meaningful relationship, and is fundamental in any dialogue pertaining to reconciliation.

The strawberries hold a great deal of significance to myself as Anishinaabe and Onyota’a:ka; they carry a great deal of medicines and teachings. In this illustration however, they represent the results that stem from approaching reconciliation and partnerships with respect, truth, and love; hence why they stem from the mouths of the eagle and turtle, and connect to the minds of the people within the artwork.

StAGE DESIGN Artist Statement

The artwork for the FNMPC Conference Stage encapsulates a vibrant fusion of tradition and innovation, which compliments this year’s theme of Stronger Together.

Drawing inspiration from the communal spirit of Longhouse design, the stage serves as a dynamic conversation starter. Intricate patterns of wood adorn the walls and beams, evoking the warmth of a lodge and symbolizing growth and our enduring ties to tradition. These crafted motifs embody the interconnectedness facilitated by the conference, weaving together diverse perspectives and creative solutions.

Through this blending of art and tradition, the artwork invites participants to engage in meaningful dialogue and exploration, cultivating a stage of collaboration and connection where we can create a future where we are stronger together.
Katie Wilhelm is an award-winning Indigenous designer and consultant from the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation.

Red Sky Performance

Red Sky Performance is a leading company of Indigenous performance in Canada and worldwide.

Red Sky Performance is an Indigenous-led company. The vision of Red Sky Performance derives from its creator Sandra Laronde from the Teme-Augama Anishinaabe (People of the Deep Water). Her vision is to elevate and expand contemporary performance informed by Indigenous worldview and culture.

Since its creation in 2000, Red Sky Performance has delivered close to 3,000 performances in 21 countries on 4 continents and regularly perform in communities across Turtle Island.

www.redskyperformance.com

**IG:** redskyperformance
**FB:** Red Sky Performance
**Twitter:** redskyperform

Little Wiggly Art

Laura Martin is a self-taught First Nations artist whose mother is a status member of M’Chigeeng First Nation and her father a status member of Qalipu First Nation. Laura follows a long line of artists in her family including noted Woodlands style artists John Laford, Peter Migwans, and Carl Beam.

While Laura creates many types of wearable art and one of a kind handcrafted items (including prints, bookmarks, wood burned boxes, hand painted pendants, hand drum bags, ribbon skirts and shirts, beaded jewelry, etc.), she is first and foremost a painter. Lauar’s work. Laura has been creating her style of artwork, one of a kind pieces containing traditional symbolism in a modern format, since 1986.

Key Contact: Laura Martin

Visit her profiles at:

Solstice coffee

A fully Indigenous supply chain

We’re proud to pioneer a fully Indigenous supply chain in Canada. From farm to cup, we support Indigenous producers and roasters. When you choose our coffee, you’re creating opportunities for Indigenous communities and ensuring fair wages for farmers.

Learn more at: https://solsticecoffee.ca/

Neechi By Nature Inc.

Neechi By Nature is an Indigenous designer brand that’s focuses on men’s and unisex apparel.

Key Contact: Shane Kelsey

Visit website and profiles at: Www.neechibynature.com

Still Stands Tall Designs

Family run hand made crafts, Beadwork, Earrings, Broaches, Baby Onesies, Textile Art.

Key Contact: J’net Ayayqwayaksheelth

Visit profile at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2820460118166526/posts/3416552438557288/

BeadworkbySaga

Saga is an indigenous youth based in Toronto, hailing from Constance Lake and Whitesand First Nation territories. Saga is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist and facilitator specializing in handmade, authentic First Nations jewelry produced locally from natural materials including: birchbark, quillwork, beadwork, sealskin, antlers & raw deer hide.

Key Contact: Saga Kwandibens

Visit website and profiles at: