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. 

Secretary, Board of Directors

Catherine Blackburn was born in Patuanak Saskatchewan and is a member of the English River First Nation (Denesųłiné). She is a multidisciplinary artist and jeweller, whose narrative work often addresses Canada’s settler-colonialism. Her work grounds itself in the Indigenous feminine and is bound through the ancestral love that stitching suggests. Through stitchwork, she explores Indigenous sovereignty, decolonization and representation. 

Her work has exhibited in notable national and international exhibitions including: Radical Stitch, Àbadakone, Santa Fe Haute Couture Fashion Show and Toronto Indigenous Fashion Week. She has received numerous awards for her work including the Sobey Art Award longlist (2019/2023), a Forge Residency Fellowship (2022), and an Eiteljorg Fellowship (2021). 

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. 

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.