As a Métis woman and artist, I’ve always felt the horses running through my blood. My wild horse spirit art is an expression of my Métis heritage, capturing the flowing manes and powerful movements that mirror our journey as Métis people.
The 2026 Lunar Year of the Horse embodies energy, independence, and the strength to brave challenges. These were all qualities our ancestors needed as they built communities across the windy prairies. The horse runs with its eyes focused forward and despite the wind it continues on with resilience and determination.
Our Métis people have always stood strong against the winds of oppression and cultural erasure. My horses face into the wind, just as Métis people have faced challenges with dignity and unwavering spirit.
Lantern City’s 2026 celebration of the Year of the Horse with its beautiful giant illuminated lanterns are an expression of every artist’s role as cultural light-bearers. The wind’s challenge and the horse’s response, that powerful stance of facing forward with courage that defines us as Métis people. The Year of the Horse carries our stories forward, braving whatever winds may come.
As a Métis artist, my work celebrates my cultural heritage and connection to nature. Inspired by my people, known as the “Flower Beadwork People,” and teachings from my Kokum, Celina Poitras, my art reflects Indigenous worldviews emphasizing harmony with life.
My paintings incorporate animal motifs and symmetrical Métis floral beadwork, using modelling paste to create textured effects honoring traditional designs. Each piece carries symbolism. The animals represent qualities within ourselves, while a hidden glass spirit bead symbolizes human imperfection. In my animal series the greyish-white backgrounds with textured flowers represent the universe’s vastness.
After 28 years as a teacher, I now create art bridging generations and cultures, paying tribute to Kokums, Aunties, and present-day Métis beaders. By incorporating Michif words in my descriptions, I help preserve our language.
I grew up on a Saskatchewan farm near Last Mountain Lake, one of six siblings. My mother, a proud Métis matriarch, passed down the Poitras name from her family, who lived near Red River and later on the road allowance in Lebret. My father was of Scottish-English descent, creating my rich cultural tapestry.
Childhood explorations through the countryside, observing wildlife and wildflowers, built my intimate understanding of nature. These experiences, combined with my Métis heritage, shaped my artistic voice that speaks to both cultural identity and environmental harmony.
My art serves as a bridge between heritage and nature, offering cultural understanding and appreciation for all generations.
Riding the Wind With Mother Earth
As a Métis woman and artist, I’ve always felt the horses running through my blood. My wild horse spirit art is an expression of my Métis heritage, capturing the flowing manes and powerful movements that mirror our journey as Métis people.
The 2026 Lunar Year of the Horse embodies energy, independence, and the strength to brave challenges. These were all qualities our ancestors needed as they built communities across the windy prairies. The horse runs with its eyes focused forward and despite the wind it continues on with resilience and determination.
Our Métis people have always stood strong against the winds of oppression and cultural erasure. My horses face into the wind, just as Métis people have faced challenges with dignity and unwavering spirit.
Lantern City’s 2026 celebration of the Year of the Horse with its beautiful giant illuminated lanterns are an expression of every artist’s role as cultural light-bearers. The wind’s challenge and the horse’s response, that powerful stance of facing forward with courage that defines us as Métis people. The Year of the Horse carries our stories forward, braving whatever winds may come.
As a Métis artist, my work celebrates my cultural heritage and connection to nature. Inspired by my people, known as the “Flower Beadwork People,” and teachings from my Kokum, Celina Poitras, my art reflects Indigenous worldviews emphasizing harmony with life.
My paintings incorporate animal motifs and symmetrical Métis floral beadwork, using modelling paste to create textured effects honoring traditional designs. Each piece carries symbolism. The animals represent qualities within ourselves, while a hidden glass spirit bead symbolizes human imperfection. In my animal series the greyish-white backgrounds with textured flowers represent the universe’s vastness.
After 28 years as a teacher, I now create art bridging generations and cultures, paying tribute to Kokums, Aunties, and present-day Métis beaders. By incorporating Michif words in my descriptions, I help preserve our language.
I grew up on a Saskatchewan farm near Last Mountain Lake, one of six siblings. My mother, a proud Métis matriarch, passed down the Poitras name from her family, who lived near Red River and later on the road allowance in Lebret. My father was of Scottish-English descent, creating my rich cultural tapestry.
Childhood explorations through the countryside, observing wildlife and wildflowers, built my intimate understanding of nature. These experiences, combined with my Métis heritage, shaped my artistic voice that speaks to both cultural identity and environmental harmony.
My art serves as a bridge between heritage and nature, offering cultural understanding and appreciation for all generations.
The Lantern City is grateful to be held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). We acknowledge our privilege to be gathered on this land, and commit to work with and be respectful to the Indigenous peoples whose arts and stories inspire us to bring communities together.
