The Indigenous Artist-in-Residence Program showcases the artwork of talented Indigenous artists.
The Indigenous Artist-in-Residence (IAiR) program is inspired by other Artist-in-Residence programs at the City of Edmonton and is a partnership between the Edmonton Arts Council, the City of Edmonton’s Indigenous Relations Office, and Indigenous artists and knowledge holders.
The City Operations department is a new collaborative partner of the program, providing work space at a City facility for exclusive use by the Indigenous Artist-in-Residence during their term.
Since the Indigenous Artist-in-Residence program began, there have been 3 artists who have taken part: Dawn Marie Marchand, Melissa-Jo (MJ) Belcourt Moses and Matthew Wood (also known as Creeasian).
Arsene Arcand is a nêhiyaw (Cree) artist from Alexander First Nation in Treaty 6 Territory, and was announced as Edmonton’s fourth Indigenous Artist-in-Residence in June 2025.
Arsene is a stone carver and visual artist whose work is grounded in cultural teachings passed down from his grandfather, spiritual leader and hereditary chief Arsene Joseph Arcand Sr. and his uncle, acclaimed sculptor Leo W. Arcand. His art is a reflection of kinship, ceremony, and a deep respect for the spirit of each stone.
“Art is a way to share our stories and our ways of living. I hope to not only share my own work but also help other young Indigenous artists showcase their talent.”
His residency is an act of cultural presence and celebration - building community through story, art and ancestral connections.
Matthew Wood (Creeasian): 3rd Indigenous Artist-in-Residence
Matthew is an entrepreneur, youth educator, dancer, DJ and producer who tours as a dancer with the Juno Award-winning group The Halluci Nation.
He is committed to bridging hip-hop and Indigenous culture, using the arts to empower and unite youth.
Final Residency Showcase
The final showcase of his 2021-22 artist residency took place over 2 nights in June 2022. "Identity" was an interactive exhibition with a live DJ, Cree syllabics and finger drumming. Creeasian invited audiences to follow his journey into the 4 directions of the medicine wheel while also celebrating community and healing.
"Every Child Matters" by Creeasian and Busyrawk
A tribute to the 215 children found in unmarked graves due to the abuse and negligence of the Kamloops Indian residential school, funded by the Canadian government.
MJ is a traditional Métis artist, certified Native Cultural Art instructor and most recently served as Indigenous Art Consultant for Fort Edmonton Park and Indigenous Curator for the Edmonton Public Library.
In 2019, MJ served as an Indigenous Artist in Residency with the City of Edmonton. Source: Art Gallery of Alberta
Feeding My Spirit Exhibit Samples
Photography Credit: Brad Crowfoot
Dawn Marie Marchand: 1st Indigenous Artist-in-Residence
Dawn Marie Marchand comes from Cold Lake First Nation in Treaty Six territory. cîpêhcakwawêw-iskwêw (Blue Horse Spirit Woman) is a celebrated Cree and Métis artist, educator, advocate, author, writer, speaker and Mother.
Indigenous Artist-in-Residence Logo Creator
Ohkomimâw mikisiw Grandmother Golden Eagle - her English name is Jessica Sanderson-Barry - is a nêhiyaw-iskwêw and mother from Chakastaypasin Band, Treaty 6 territory. She is the owner and designer behind JShine Designs, combining both traditional and contemporary beading styles into her art.
Contact Us
Indigenous Relations Office
Community Services
18th Floor, Edmonton Tower
10111 104 Avenue NW
P.O. Box 2359
Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7
Email indigenousrelations@edmonton.ca
Phone 780-944-7602
Fax 780-577-3525