Participate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous artist and educator Naomi Smith.

In an exploration of Indigenous creative processes and teachings, Naomi Smith will lead participants on a journey through historical and contemporary beadworks. Participants will create their own beaded hair-pipe as part of the experience.

This free event is for participants age 12 and up and is presented in two sessions (each 90 minutes): 10-11:30 AM and 1-2:30 PM. Registration through Eventbrite is required to attend.

About Naomi Smith:

Naomi Smith is an Indigenous Artist and Educator from the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation in Neyaashiinimiing. For over 25 years, she has focused on sharing teachings about the Indigenous people of the Woodlands and Northeastern region from historical and contemporary perspectives, often through the story of beads. Her work embraces ancestral designs in the form of bags, adornment, and traditional accessories.

Naomi’s art has been exhibited across Canada and internationally, including at the National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian) in Washington DC and New York, the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives, Art Gallery of Guelph, and Guelph Museums. Her work is in the permanent collections at the Museum of Fine Art in Boston, Art Gallery of Guelph, Schneider Haus, and private collections throughout the world.

While many of her lectures and presentations are art themed, Naomi also talks about the historic challenges facing Indigenous peoples and how this narrative has affected her life journey. Naomi provides insight into her Indigenous world, which is a unique blend of traditional teachings and colonial experiences.

Artist Statement:

“Honouring our traditions is my voice within and beyond my Culture and Community. Traditionally there is no word for “art” in Native languages yet artistry and visual expression are critical in defining who we are as First Nations people. It is this path I wish to exemplify through my teachings and my work.”

A Culture Days Event

From September 23 to October 16, celebrate arts, culture and creativity at free events in Guelph and beyond

Where art meets heritage meets a passion for the natural environment, That’s So Guelph! Our creative community embodies values that define Guelph – curiosity, compassion, innovation, collaboration, diversity, environmentalism, and activism. Their work entertains and challenges, beautifies and reveals, charms and inspires, remembers and aspires – and will be on full display daily during Culture Days, all around Guelph, in heritage buildings and contemporary concert halls, in galleries and online, in parks, on trails, and by the river. Come discover what makes us uniquely “so Guelph.”

Visit That’s So Guelph! Culture Days Hub for local event listings.