Sarah Burnstick, Mando Littlechild

Mando Littlechild is a non-binary, two-spirit artist from Maskwacis, Alberta. Art has been one of their main expressions of creativity and communication since they were a child, with their main inspiration coming from limited colour palettes and landscapes. Mando chose to paint a portrait of her late Kokom (grandmother) Sarah Burnstick. Sarah was a residential school survivor, and a powwow dancer for most of her life. Mando spent most of their childhood with her growing up and learning the old ways from her and their Mosom (grandfather). Sarah was and continues to be a personal hero of hers. Sarah had a very adverse childhood experience and she still managed to care for a large and loving family. To Mando, Sarah represents the Indigenous experience wholly and that's why she deserves to be honoured.

Rita Joe, Alexandra Beals

Alexandra Beals is an Afro-Indigenous artist originally from Mi'kma'ki/Nova Scotia. The mediums she works in are watercolour, acrylic, graphite/charcoal, as well as various digital media. Much of the inspiration for her work comes from the natural world. She chose to honour poet Rita Joe after being inspired by her work growing up. Rita Joe was a Mi’kmaq woman from Nova Scotia, known for her poetry and crafting. She was a highly respected elder in the community and seen as a true inspiration and symbol of resilience. Rita was inducted into the Order of Canada and earned a National Aboriginal Role Model Award for her contributions to the community. Alex made the background using traditional Mi’kmaq floral beadwork, a very old practice in the culture. The vibrant colours represent Rita’s personality and creativity.

Elsie Knott, Anna Heffernan

Anna Heffernan is a multidisciplinary artist of Michi Saagii Nishnaabe, Irish and French-Canadian heritage. Her work includes acrylic painting, digital drawing, and beadwork. She is a member of Curve Lake First Nation, just like the woman she chose to honour, Elsie Knott. Elsie was the first woman to be elected as Chief in Canada, when she was elected to lead Curve Lake First Nation in 1954. Before 1951, when the Indian Act was amended, women were not allowed to vote or run for office in band elections. Anna chose to feature Elsie out of respect for her service to their community, and because she is proud of their community for their early embrace of women in leadership. She incorporated an eagle in the background to represent the Eagle clan which is traditionally a clan of leaders.

Glenna Simcoe, Jennifer Faria

Jennifer Faria is a Canadian painter and illustrator. She began drawing as soon as she could hold a pencil and loved it, drawing her cat, her Barbies, and anything and everything in between. Her mother was highly skilled in calligraphy and trained her to print with excellence which helped inspire her to pursue all areas of traditional artwork. Her hero she chose feature on her $20 is her great aunt, Glenna Simcoe, Chippewas of Rama First Nation. This upbeat, no-nonsense woman exposed me to innumerable galleries, plays, museums, ballets, etc., passing on her love of art and culture, and inspiring me to become an artist. After my mother passed away when I was 15, Aunt Glenna was the next best thing.

Margaret Pictou, Tracey Metallic

Tracey Metallic is a Mi’kmaq artist born and raised on the shores of the Restigouche River and currently residing in her home community of Listuguj, in the territory of Gespe’gewagi. She chose to depict, Margaret Pictou. During WWII, Margaret joined the Royal Canadian Air Force to support her family, and her portrait in uniform was used on recruitment posters to encourage women to enlist. Tracey incorporated that very same portrait in the work you see here. Following the war, Margaret returned to New Brunswick and became the first woman elected as Chief in the history of the province. In 1996, she was made a member of the Order of Canada in recognition for her leadership abilities and for her protection and revitalization of the Mi’kmaq language and culture.

Josephine Mandamin, Adrienne Assinewai

Adrienne Assinewai is a visual artist born and raised on Manitoulin Island. She grew up surrounded by her traditional culture and nature and was driven to share these treasures with others from a young age. Now based along the coastline of New Brunswick, Adrienne continues to be inspired by the natural world and creates from her private home studio. She chose to depict Josephine Mandamin/Biidaasige-baname. Her traditional name translates to “The one who comes with the light” and she carried her name well. A water walker and strong advocate for future generations as well as the environment, she was an inspiration to many. During her 77 years, she walked 25,000 miles around the shorelines of the Great Lakes, carrying a bucket of water, to bring awareness to the need to protect the waters from pollution.

Mother Earth, Annette Sullivan

Annette Sullivan (maaskowishiiw fleur) is a professional indigenous artist of Metis and First Nation, as well as older Inuit heritages. Annette studied drawing, painting, and textiles at Beal Art, London, ON Canada. Following that, an internship of billboard painting and a study and employment of commercial art transpired. A successful lengthy career in graphic design ensued. After the passing of family matriarchs, Annette was compelled to paint the stories of native ancestors. Ancestors’ stories reflecting earth wisdom combined with the concept of cultural sustainability are featured in this artist’s works. Annette’s colourful images in the Woodland genre offer insight on topics of historical trauma, community/land placemarks, and indigenous ways of being. For her submission she chose to depict Mother Earth, with sweetgrass in her hair, sitting in a canoe.

Autumn Peltier, Claire Shannon-Akiwenzie

Claire Shannon-Akiwenzie (Anishinaabe/Irish) is a digital artist, beader and educator based in unceded Musqueam, Tsleil Waututh and Squamish territory in Vancouver, BC. She is a proud member of the Chippewas of Nawash unceded First Nation in Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario. Claire’s father taught her to create at a young age and subsequently helped connect her to family, language and story through beadwork, painting, sewing, and drum making. Her artwork features Autumn Peltier, a globally respected Indigenous water & rights activist. Autumn has quickly become an empowering figure for young Indigenous women. children and voice for many indigenous movements around the world. She is strong in her cultural knowledge and teachings and unafraid to use her voice to speak up for the health and wellbeing of nibi (water), for the people and for future generations.

I am His, Laura Dieter

Laura Dieter is based out of North Bay, Ontario. She is originally from the Peepeekisis Cree Nation, Band #81, in the Treaty Four Territory of Saskatchewan. Since 2017, she has been producing original works of art that are inspired by First Nations culture and the natural beauty of Canada. Laura's art style is a variation of mixed media but with a primary focus on acrylic paintings and art prints. In this work she chose to represent the Creator’s daughter as strong and proud. She is beautiful and clothed in his royalty as she is perfect in her maker. She is made to represent every woman under the Creator’s care. Her braids represent her love that encompasses her role in every community. She is a leader, nurturer, and prayer warrior.

Shina Novalinga, Jasmine Chowace (Caffyn)

Artist Jasmine Chowace (Caffyn) is a proud member of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation located in

Northern Alberta. She is currently taking her BSc undergraduate at the University of British Columbia, situated in beautiful lake country. During her time off, she lives with her partner and her family in Edmonton Alberta where she enjoys creating artwork. She tends to work with abstract ideas, colours, and patterns that I envision in my mind, as well as portraits of people, characters, and nature. She created her piece for the Change the Bill by featuring Shina Novalinga, an Inuk singer & cultural influencer. She hopes that with this piece, viewers can envision the powerful integrity with which Indigenous women lead their people and culture.

Sisters, Pam Cailloux

Pamela Cailloux was born in Chibougamau, Quebec. She is of Metis descent consisting of Huron and Algonquin heritage. Her artwork is heavily influenced by the teachings of the medicine wheel consisting of balance, seasons, elements, and harmony. Mother Earth is often represented in her works as an energy and spirit that is determined to heal and restore natural order. In her submission, she chose to represent two women from different Indigenous cultures embracing each other. In unity, Indigenous women have strength, learn skills, share stories, and give each other support. By choosing this design she was hoping to provoke thought about the divisions taking place by the different nations. She chose to not represent one Indigenous woman, instead opting to represent all Indigenous women who deserve respect and honour.

Cindy Blackstock, Laura Dieter

Laura Dieter is based out of North Bay, Ontario. She is originally from the Peepeekisis Cree Nation, Band #81, in the Treaty Four Territory of Saskatchewan. Since 2017, she has been producing original works of art that are inspired by First Nations culture and the natural beauty of Canada. Laura’s art style is a variation of mixed media but with a primary focus on acrylic paintings and art prints. She chose to honour Cindy Blackstock, a Gitxsan advocate who is nationally and internationally respected for her fight for the rights of Indigenous children. She co-founded the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society in 1998 and has led the organization’s case against the federal government since 2002. Throughout her life she has been an influential voice within the Indigenous, social work and child rights communities.