During its annual members’ assembly in Ouje-Bougoumou September 10, the Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association celebrated the region’s cultural leaders at the Eeyou Istchee Achievement Awards.
“Our artists inspire us to carry our culture forward,” said CNACA president Dwayne Cox. “This is not only about honouring excellence, but also honouring our traditions, our stories and the future we are building together.”
Host Lance Cooper said the biennial gala highlights the deep passion with which Cree creators “transform materials into works of beauty.” Building on the gathering’s theme – “The Future is Eeyou Made” – the ceremony looked back to cultural trailblazers and forward to young artists exploring new technology.
Along with presentations from local arts committees and Cree entities, the assembly featured discussions about pricing and inflation, social media marketing and intellectual property rights. CNACA executive director Dale Cooper said he’s passionate about expanding the region’s artisanal industry.
“CNACA wants to be at the forefront of it all,” said Cooper. “We’re even having discussions about artificial intelligence and what that means to art in Eeyou Istchee. It’s important the artists benefit economically from their talents.”
A growing source of revenues is the organization’s Wachiya store, which opened a year ago in Old Montreal. Along with its online version, Wachiya showcases Cree artists provincially, nationally and internationally.
“Our goal has been to educate our customers about Cree artisans, ensuring their stories are told,” Cooper explained. “The storytelling really drives the message home. We’re trying to build a sustainable and social economy where the artists are paid directly and can continue their skills – it keeps the culture alive.”
The Wachiya store raises the profile of artists like Beth Sealhunter, winner of this year’s contemporary arts award. Learning beadwork in the bush from her grandmother nearly 50 years ago, Sealhunter thanked the organization’s leadership for pushing her to create more, dating back to former CNACA head Sheila Orr.
“I didn’t think I’d want to be recognized for something I’ve done so long,” said Sealhunter. “Receiving that feels amazing. When I create, I’m in prayer and pray for whoever wears my creation – my hands are their hands.”
Selling her beaded jewellery since she was a teenager, Sealhunter is also known for her dreamcatchers, belts, little drums and silhouette paintings. After winning the 2021 Jamesian award from Nord-du-Québec en création, she invested her winnings in a new sewing machine to expand her work.
“I have so many ideas of what I’m going to do with my sewing machine,” Sealhunter said. “I was going off my medium one time and my son said, ‘I think you should continue on, people voted for you for a reason’. He must have been eight. It brought my contemporary work to where it is now.”
Christopher Cox Jr., winner of the traditional arts award, is one of the youngest and most active snowshoe-makers. Cox leads workshops in Cree communities and recently completed a four-week course in Eastmain.
“It’s very important to have more knowledge keepers for the traditional way, from the tree to the end product,” said Cox. “The Elders are starting to pass away so we’re trying to preserve the tradition.”
The gala honoured six Cree trailblazers who have passed on but whose legacy remains strong: Margaret Loutit, Gracie Orr, Thomas Coon, Steven Sheshamush, Sandy Masty and Andrew Natachequan. Living legends David Bosum, Edwin Jolly, Helen Hester and Jean Masty were named to the trailblazers’ hall of fame.
The lifetime achievement award was given to Evadney Edwards, a traditional artist from Mistissini who specializes in moose-hide and miniature products. Jerry Coon accepted the arts leadership award on behalf of Mistissini’s cultural department, declaring it “powerful motivation to continue pushing boundaries for Cree arts.”
Christine Petawabano won the Buckley Petawabano award, named for the icon of Cree media, while Melanie Lameboy earned the multidisciplinary arts award. Jo-Marie Einish won the artist entrepreneur award, honouring their two-spirit advocacy and business acumen while creating handmade soaps, candles and beadwork.
The rising star award went to painter Darwin Sam, who creates walking out banners. Graphic designer Mariah Shecapio Lacroix won the self-innovator award, while Demisha Gilpin was named youth artist of the year.
“I see a lot of emerging talent we have to nurture, making sure they have the proper skills and knowledge to keep that moving forward,” said Cooper. “We’re in a growth phase, so there’s definitely new opportunities coming to light.”
Wemindji 13-year-old Demetrius Asquabaneskum said that winning the best fiddler award “truly means a lot.” The event featured musical performances by Diane Bosum, Jossée Bernier and performing arts award winner Miikuun.
During CNACA’s tour of Ouje-Bougoumou’s Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute, visual arts award winner Lindsay Visitor was inspired by Paula Menarick’s presentation of the ancient beaded hood. She suggested creating her own version from caribou hide and “wemin” traditional paint from her community of Wemindji.
Recognized for her painting, drawing, digital art, beadwork and crafts, Visitor said she learned about acrylics, photography and filmmaking at art school in Montreal. Recent digital artwork on her Redbubble account has been turned into prints for clothing.
“Before I got the award, I wondered if I should put my art on the backburner, but then out of the blue this happened,” shared Visitor. “This is definitely motivating me to finish some projects and start new ones.”