Executive Director & President 

Jaymie Campbell is a multi-faceted practitioner who works in community development, visual arts and storytelling. She is of Anishinaabe and European ancestry, and a member of Curve Lake First Nation and resides on unceded territory in New Denver, British Columbia. 

Jaymie spent 10 years working in consultation and eventually as the Associate Director for a Cree Nation in northern Alberta. Afterwards, she founded White Otter Design Co. in 2018 as her arts practice which explores the connection to land and culture through beadwork, writing and visual arts. Jaymie has worked for numerous communities, organizations and post-secondary institutions in the fields of negotiations, community development and entrepreneurship. In 2024 she also founded The Aunte Indigenous Residency which is dedicated to supporting the creation, reclamation and dissemination of traditional and contemporary forms of Indigenous art.

Jaymie is a dedicated partner, daughter, auntie and community member. Her daily practices of art and storytelling are woven into the days of spending time on the land inspired by her culture and her family. 

Treasurer, Board of Directors

Smokii Sumac (Ktunaxa) is a poet and PhD Candidate in Indigenous Studies at Trent University, where his work centers on the question how do we come home? As an Indigenous adoptee, intergenerational residential school survivor, and two-spirit person, Smokii's lived experiences are deeply embedded into his art and research. His first poetry collection, you are enough: love poems for the end of the world, (Kegedonce Press, 2018) won an Indigenous Voices Award for published poetry, and Smokii has recently been named as a finalist for the Dayne Ogilvie Prize. Currently teaching at College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, BC, Smokii is extremely grateful to be living in ʔamaʔkis Ktunaxa (Ktunaxa territories), where he and his cat, Miss Magoo, have recently (and begrudgingly, on Magoo's part) added a new family member: a "big ole rez dog" named Kootenay Lou. 

Media Representative

Julie Grenier is from Kuujjuaq, a small community in Nunavik, Northern Québec. She currently resides in Notre-Dame-de-l’ile-Perrot,  small community west of Montreal, with her husband and three children. Having an Inuk mother and a Francophone father, she was raised with both sets of values from those cultures. 

After completing her BAC in Sociology at the University of Ottawa, Julie completed her studies at the École Nationale de Police du Québec with a certificate in Indigenous Policing. Julie is currently working as the Director General for Taqramiut Nipingat Incorporated (TNI), a regional radio and television production company that serves the Inuit of Nunavik Northern-Quebec and broadcasts 100% in the Inuktitut language. She held different positions at TNI before taking on the director general position, and she directed many documentaries aired on APTN, including a feature about Sheila Watt-Cloutier.

She is currently the TNI representative for Esuma, a regional working group that focuses on school perseverance. She was appointed by the TNI Board of Directors to sit as their representative on APTN’s membership table in 2015 and is currently serving a second 3-year term as Board of Director for the northeastern quadrant, where she is the current Chair of the Board of Directors. Before being named Chair, Julie served as the Vice-chair for one year and as the Secretary for 2 years. Recently, Julie was appointed to the Inuit Art Foundation Board of Directors, where she is the Secretary-Treasurer.

Beyond her contributions to Boards, she has been beading and sewing since the age of eight and has taught art to community members. Julie was recently one of 10 Canadian indigenous designers selected to participate in an indigenous haute couture fashion residency at the Banff center for creative arts under the tutelage of D'Arcy Moses. She also recently collaborated on the design and beading of the outfit worn by Canada’s governor-general. One of Julie's collaborative works is on permanent display at the Museum of Man in Paris, another one is on display at the Winnipeg art gallery, and she has been recognized by the Nunavik Arts Secretariat, the Avataq cultural institute and by Kativik Ilisarnilirijiit for her work.

Northern Representative

Katie is a proud and active member of Kluane First Nation. As Principle and CEO of Bella Elite Consulting, Katie has worked as a creative visionary, entrepreneur, and champion of Yukon First Nations arts and culture over the past decade, producing numerous acclaimed regional and national events, as well as co-founding the Adäka Cultural Festival in 2011. 

Katie’s personal style and grassroots approach to community and stakeholder engagement has helped heighten the profile of Northern art, culture and tourism. Katie is also a proud mother to Bella whom she enjoys taking with her on trips, and spending time on the land with family, community, and Elders in Kluane.

Youth

Shelby is a 2-spirit Anishinaabe/Cree artist from Aroland First Nation of the Wolf clan. She is a graduate of the fine arts program at Lakehead University where she explored the reclamation of Indigenous traditions, identity and land. She is an arts educator, hide tanner, muralist, and advocate for the lands and waters. Through involvement with community-engaged organizations and projects, she uses multi-disciplinary mediums to express and share her holistic feelings focused on land, water and all the spirits that call it their home.

Since graduating university Shelby has worked with many youth, BIPOC and LGBTQ organizations and groups in and around Thunder Bay. An organization she connected with was The Indigenous Food Circle where she worked on a project called Understanding our Food Systems in Partnership with Lakehead University, The Thunder Bay District Health Unit and 13 First Nations Communities that surround Lake Superior and Lake Nipigon in Northern Ontario. During the time working on this project Shelby supported communities and their visions that focused on developing food security and sovereignty plans that suited their landscapes and passions. Some projects included community gardens, building community kitchens and butcher shops as well as preserving, trapping and wilderness safety workshops.

She has traveled to further her skills with a focus on Indigenous land-based practices, she has been working to get her certificate through The Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning which is an Indigenous land-based initiative delivering accredited post-secondary education and research experiences in the North. She has been teaching and facilitating hide camps around northern Ontario with her hide family and is dedicated to learning with the Land and its people.

Shelby examines time as the past, present, and future flowing together like a river. To honour the resilience of the Indigenous worldview, she uses her practice to navigate, connect, and inspire both as an artist and collectively through community. Shelby’s reciprocal and relational way of being in the world is a way to heal mind, body, and spirit against systemic colonial violence.

Program Manager 

Daystar is a Cree Metis artist and advocate whose communities are Saddle Lake, Alberta, and Lac St Anne. Daystar (Lindsy) Belcourt is known for powerful and evocative artwork that explores themes of Indigenous identity, healing, and environmental stewardship. Inspired by their rich cultural heritage and lived experiences, Belcourt's paintings often blend realism and abstract elements to convey the intricate details and spiritual depth of their view of the world.

Belcourt's artistic journey is deeply informed by their advocacy work in marginalized and underserved Indigenous communities. As a harm reduction educator, psychedelic therapist, and decolonial consultants, they have worked tirelessly to support those in need, and promote social justice. Their passion for their community is evident in their volunteer work and ongoing commitment to preserving Indigenous traditions and knowledge.

Belcourt's work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including at the WhiskeyJack Art House, Massy Books Gallery, and the Hillside Café. Their art has also been recognized with awards, including the first-place prize winner of graphic art design for the Solidarity Art Space Fundraiser for the Wet'suwet'en Yintah.

In addition to their artistic pursuits, Belcourt has a strong background in education and community engagement. They have studied hide tanning, Indigenous land stewardship, and organic gardening. Belcourt seeks to inspire others to connect with their cultural heritage and contribute to a more just and sustainable future through their art and activism.

Research and Creation

Laura Linklater Doyle is a Gwich’in mother, artist, and land-based practitioner who is passionate about Indigenous resurgence and sustainable self-determination. As the student researcher, Laura engages with individuals, community members and small businesses. Her goal is to ensure that our services are culturally appropriate, responsive, and effective in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous communities and artists. I work closely with community leaders, elders, artists, and entrepreneurs to understand their needs, priorities, and aspirations. 

As a primary consultant specializing in art-based practices, Laura Linklater Doyle brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. With a deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and artistic expressions, Laura also serves as a cultural liaison.

Laura is a land-based practitioner who grew up hunting, trapping and hide-tanning. She is an accomplished beadwork artist and is currently completing her undergraduate degree in social work. She is a dedicated partner, mother, auntie and community member.

Administrative Support

Melissa Redpath is a caretaker, listener, and natural helper. She is of Michi Saagiig Anishinaabe and Scottish heritage and is a member of Curve Lake First Nation. She resides on unceded territory in Crawford Bay, British Columbia.

As a land-based learner and healer, Melissa draws inspiration from the people, landscapes, and teachings around her, affirming her commitment to Indigenous well-being in both her personal and professional roles. As administrative support with The Aunte, Melissa is responsible for fostering collaborative workflows, streamlining processes and providing support to leadership and artists. Melissa works thoughtfully to identify opportunities for others, provides strong advocacy and has a passion for relationship building and social justice. Her professional background includes team management, project management, community outreach, and human services. Grounded by strong ethics, Melissa is dedicated to uplifting Indigenous people.

Content, Design & Project Specialist  

Olivya is a multidisciplinary artist and creative professional of French Canadian, Slovenian and Wendat ancestry. Drawing from her ancestral cultural ties, she brings a deep sense of care, history, and intention to her work across beadwork, photography, fibre arts, and other mediums. Her love and respect for the land—one of her greatest teachers and sources of inspiration—deeply informs both her artistic and personal life.

A graduate of Humber’s BA in Art Direction for Creative Advertising, Olivya has built a versatile career as a freelance photographer, designer, marketer, and project manager. She has created compelling visual content for clients such as Moosehead Lager, Timberland, Wildflower Goods, BeadFX, and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. With a strong foundation in graphic design and a deep fluency in Adobe Creative Suite, she brings a creative eye and thoughtful precision to every project, from concept development to copywriting and proofreading.