We were pleased to be invited to the Indigenous Women’s Arts Conference 2025 as both performers and vendors. Hosted by the Indigenous Arts Collective, this annual gathering brings together Indigenous women from urban, rural, and on- and off-reserve communities to share art, culture, and knowledge. Since 2019, the conference has welcomed over 1,000 visitors and supported dozens of Indigenous artists and facilitators. Being part of this space felt meaningful and grounding.
We attended as performers and also as vendors in support of Y4Y Canada’s Kîšâc cultural initiative. We sold our handmade Indigenous chocolates, bannocks, and jams. All proceeds go directly toward funding Kîšâc workshops, including Elder honorariums, materials, space rentals, admission fees for land-based activities, and specialized programming like horsemanship or canoe training. It felt good knowing that our fundraising work at the conference will directly support future cultural learning for youth.
One personal highlight was meeting Brandy Bloxom, a photographer from Denare Beach, Saskatchewan, so close to our own home community near the Manitoba border. It was incredibly special to connect with another Swampy Cree from north of 53 at the IAC! Moments like that remind us how strong and far-reaching our connections to our northern homeland really are.
We left the conference feeling grateful, inspired, and proud to continue sharing Métis jigging wherever we are welcomed.
