Young artists recognized

Page 5

Four young people have joined the distinguished ranks of artists who claim their heritage from the Mistawasis First Nation.

In the recent Peace Hills Trust 21st annual First Nations art contest, Leonard Bird won second in the aged nine-and-under category, while 13-year-old Kelsey Lorn Watson received an honourable mention in the 10-to-13 category. As well, Melissa Dreaver and Marina Della Rae Daniels were winners in the age 14 to 17 group.

Kelsey Lorn Watson enjoys drawing cartoon characters and his entry depicted a television personality. The Grade 9 student credits his teacher with encouraging him to enter the contest. "It was an art project and I had lots of fun drawing it," he said. Much of his time is taken up with sports, playing video games and the loads of homework that completing Grade 9 involves. He hopes to continue drawing as time allows.

Chantelle Watson is a teacher and vice-principal at Mistawasis school, the kindergarten to Grade 9 school attended by the four award-winning artists. She noted that it is a school policy to encourage the students to enter any type of contest, especially where expressing their culture is possible.

"First Nations children are fantastic artists, and we find whether they are adept academically or not, their talents in the art world are present and waiting to be developed."

She and the other staff were pleased that four of their students won awards in the Peace Hills contest.

"Calvin Sand is our cultural programmer and an artist himself, so we must recognize him as being instrumental in getting the students involved in this project," she said.

The students produced many meaningful images and combined them with their current modern interests, such as in Kelsey's case. "Drawing cartoon characters is his interest at this time, and that's what he envisioned for his entry and we didn't want to limit the students in any way," she said. Others reflected on their heritage and produced bright and colourful cultural topics.

"An additional benefit is the increased confidence that putting their thoughts down on paper gives them. They see the finished product and it encourages them to try it again. Then when they see that art work being acknowledged publicly, such as winning in an art contest, whether they won it personally or other members of their group received recognition, it encourages them all."

She credits Peace Hills Trust for its much-appreciated role in developing the artistic talents of Aboriginal people.

Warren Hannay, president and chief executive officer of Peace Hills Trust, said that the Mistawasis students and their families should be very proud of the work the young people exhibited in the contest, which was held in Edmonton on Oct. 23.

"The company started the art competition 21 years ago, bringing to the forefront that as a financial institution we had an additional focus in promoting cultural activities as well," he said. "Over the years, it has evolved into a nation-wide event that sees entries from all areas of our country."

Hannay noted that the competition wasn't established for the artist who is already well established, but rather to develop talent in those just starting out on their journeys as artists.

"You'll notice there are a lot of children's categories and this is one of the most rewarding aspects of it. To see the excitement and enthusiasm of the youngsters is wonderful, and we especially encourage the teachers in the schools to get the kids involved," he said.

As a First Nations financial institution Peace Hills Trust feels an important part of the contest is its cultural benefits, giving the artists a chance to portray histories and stories through their own eyes. "We are capturing culture," he said.