Celebrating Indigenous Artists: Three Talented Creators in Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant hub for Indigenous artistry, showcasing a diverse range of talents across various mediums. From stunning paintings and impactful films to unique fashion and engaging theatre, the city’s Indigenous creators are making significant contributions to the cultural landscape. This article highlights three outstanding Indigenous artists who are currently captivating audiences with their remarkable creations.

Jason Baerg: A Journey from Design to Art

At the age of 25, Jason Baerg embarked on a transformative educational journey. Initially aiming to study industrial design, he found himself enrolled in art fundamentals due to a full course. This unexpected turn of events propelled him into a successful career as an acclaimed painter and an associate professor at OCAD University. Over the past 25 years, Baerg has established his work in renowned museums and corporate collections.

Baerg, who is of Cree-Métis and German descent, has also ventured into the fashion industry with his line, Ayimach_Horizons. His designs incorporate colour symbolism and materials that reflect his Indigenous values, emphasizing natural fibres and recycled items. “By fostering a deep connection to the Earth and promoting social responsibility, Ayimach_Horizons stands at the forefront of the fashion industry,” he explains.

His striking horsehair accessories, including earrings and an emerald-green purse adorned with two tails, are particularly noteworthy. “Horsehair has been a material I love to return to, as it tells a story in movement,” Baerg adds. His creations aim to empower individuals, allowing them to express their identity through fashion. “What we wear can make us feel more powerful or serve as camouflage, depending on how we want to position ourselves,” he notes.

Pacha Indigenous Art Collection: A Family Venture

In 2014, the Cajas-Arcentales clan recognized a gap in the representation of Indigenous art in Toronto. “How is it that the largest city in Canada, with an incredibly high Indigenous population, had next to no visibility of Indigenous people?” asks Samay Arcentales Cajas. This realization led the family—comprising mother Patricia Cajas, father Marcos Arcentales, daughter Samay, and son Kinoo—to establish the Pacha Indigenous Art Collection.

Initially operating as a traveling vendor, the family transitioned to a brick-and-mortar store on Bloor West, eventually evolving into an online boutique. Their philosophy is rooted in the story of the Condor and Eagle, symbolizing unity among Indigenous communities. “The storefront became a hub where people could gather and learn from each other through events, workshops, exhibitions, and concerts,” Samay explains.

The collection features a variety of items, from jewellery and home décor to clothing, showcasing local talents such as Magneson Studios and Shawne Howe. Kinoo Arcentales has also introduced a runway collection called Yana Manta, which has been showcased at fashion weeks in New York and Santa Fe. “I reinterpret traditions so they continue to live and grow in the present,” he emphasizes.

The family is currently busy preparing for Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week and their annual Christmas pop-up, committed to building networks across borders. “We are here and have always been here, and nothing can stop us,” Samay asserts.

Assinewe Jewelry: Crafting Sisterhood and Tradition

For Anishinaabe-Ojibwe twin sisters Edie and Jacquelyn Assinewe, the art of jewellery-making is more than a profession; it is a wellness practice that fosters connection. Their venture, Assinewe Jewelry, was founded during the COVID-19 lockdowns as they began creating pieces for their regalia, including barrettes and headbands.

The sisters draw inspiration from their childhood experiences at powwows, where they learned to create jewellery from beads. “It gives us time to create side by side,” Edie notes. Their designs are rooted in traditional Ojibwe styles yet are designed to appeal to a broader audience. “We always bring our Ojibwe traditions and culture into our work,” Jacquelyn explains, referencing their floral beadwork collection, which reflects the cycles of life important to Ojibwe beadwork traditions.

In addition to their core designs, the Assinewe sisters have created a Spirit Name Collection inspired by their spirit names: Edie is Dancing Spirit, and Jacquelyn is Carries the Thunder. Their jewellery is available in various tones and is not limited to one-off designs, allowing for multiple pieces of popular items.

The Assinewe sisters have garnered attention for their custom wedding designs and have participated in the Fabrique 1840 program at Simon’s. They also have had their pieces featured in television shows. Edie reflects on the experience, stating, “Working together has brought us closer as sisters.”

These three Indigenous artists not only showcase their talents but also embody the spirit of resilience and creativity within Toronto’s Indigenous community. Their work serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that continues to thrive and evolve in contemporary society.