IKWE

Jackie Traverse, who is Anishinaabe, is a graduate from the School of Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba. She works in many mediums, including painting in oils and acrylics to mixed media, sculpture, and stop-motion animation.The injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples are integral to Traverse’s art, leading her to be deeply involved in her community. Through her art she expresses her ideas and opinions while striving to inspire dialogue on addressing her people’s social issues. Traverse is known at the national and international levels as a gifted artist. To her, painting is truly where her heart lies.“I can be inspired by ceremony and prayer, as well as kind and moving words. I love the culture of my people, and this is where most of my inspiration comes from.”

“The importance of celebrating Indigenous women and girls’ space and place within our collective journey toward healing, empowerment and reconciliation cannot be overstated. When we, as Indigenous women and girls, see ourselves reflected in positive and powerful ways, it renders emotional and spiritual transformative change in our lives. Jackie’s art, her book and her life fundamentally contribute to the positive imagery of Indigenous women and offers a sacred way to understand one another moving toward reconciliation in Canada.”