Indigenous Arts & Stories Announces 2019 Winners After the Most Competitive Contest in Program’s 15 Year History

June 17, 2019 – With nearly 1,000 submissions, this year marked the toughest competition ever for Indigenous Arts & Stories, the largest art and writing contest for Indigenous youth in Canada. Historica Canada is proud to announce the 2019 winners of the contest, now in its fifteenth year.

Winners were chosen by a jury composed of notable Indigenous authors, artists and community leaders, including John Kim Bell, Ryan Rice, Drew Hayden Taylor, Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley, Shirley Moorhouse, Bonnie Devine, Brian Maracle and Maxine Noel.

“We are always so impressed, but not surprised, by the calibre of work submitted to the Indigenous Arts & Stories contest,” said Anthony Wilson-Smith, President and CEO of Historica Canada. “This contest continues to showcase the eloquence and talent of Indigenous youth throughout Canada, and we are proud to provide a platform to amplify their stories.”  

Winners were selected from more than 950 submissions, covering every province and territory. Junior and Senior winners all receive a $2,000 cash prize, while Emerging Artists receive $100 cash prize.

Arts winners:

• Emerging Artist (6-9): Adam Lenk, “Eagle Mother”, Age 9, Langley, BC, Metlakatla Band
• Emerging Artist (10-13): Patience Woodford, “The Crying Girl”, Age 12, Fairford, MB, Pinaymootang First Nation
• Junior (14-18): Ashton Walker, “Meant Beauty”, Age 16, Winnipeg, MB, St. Theresa Point First Nation
• Senior (19-29): Aija Komangapik, “Drumdancer”, Age 20, Gaspe, QC, Iqaluit (inuit)

Writing winners:

• Emerging Artist (6-9): Nescia Giangrosso, “The Language Nest”, Age 8, Elginburg, ON, Anishinaabekwe
• Emerging Artist (10-13): Preston Gabriel, “Lost Without It”, Age 12, Oliver, BC, Osoyoos Indian Band/Penticton Indian Band
• Junior (14-18): Hanna Sault-Hartwick, “Whole”, Age 16, Kelowna, BC, Mississaugas of the Credit
• Senior (19-29): Gabriel Castilloux Calderon, “Ishkode (Fire)”, Age 27, Edmonton, AB, Non-Status Mi'kmaq and Algonquin

Indigenous Arts & Stories invites First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists (ages 6-29) to interpret an aspect of their culture and heritage through literary and visual arts for a chance to earn prizes and national recognition. Supporting sponsors include, TD Bank, Canada’s History, and The Government of Canada.

Historica Canada offers programs you can use to explore, learn, and reflect on our history and what it means to be Canadian.  

For more information:                                                             

Andrea Hall

Manager, Communications

1.866.701.1867 x 261

ahall@historicacanada.ca