A partnership between the Edmonton Arts Council, the City of Edmonton’s Indigenous Relations Office, and Indigenous artists and Knowledge Holders. City Operations supports the program by providing dedicated workspace at a City facility during each artist’s residency.
Since the Indigenous Artist-in-Residence (IAiR) program began, 4 artists have taken part: Dawn Marie Marchand, Melissa-Jo (MJ) Belcourt Moses, Matthew Wood (also known as Creeasian) and Arsene Arcand.
Our 5th artist, Carmen Miller, is now starting her residency.
Carmen Miller is an Alberta-based Métis artisan who specializes in Métis floral design, beadwork and the intricate art of moose and caribou hair tufting. She was announced as Edmonton’s fifth Indigenous Artist-in-Residence in July 2026.
During her year-long residency, Carmen will work from Ferrier Garage, an Edmonton Transit Service facility in southeast Edmonton. The dedicated workspace will give her time to develop her practice, explore new ideas and build connections through art.
As Carmen’s residency unfolds, Edmontonians may have opportunities to experience her work through workshops, open studio sessions, presentations and exhibitions. Updates will be added to this page as activities are confirmed.
Carmen’s artistic practice began with beadwork when she was a child and has grown over decades into a distinctive body of work that reflects patience, precision and a strong connection to culture. She creates jewellery, clothing and other pieces while sharing her artistic knowledge through teaching in communities across Alberta and other parts of Canada. Her work has been recognized at the Great Northern Arts Festival and the Adäka Cultural Festival.
“I’m looking forward to spending my year exploring and bringing alive the traditional clothing of the Métis people,” said Carmen. “Through research and careful craftsmanship I will also use different methods of adornment on these pieces showcasing the beautiful culture of the Métis Nation. I’m excited!”
Arsene Arcand: 4th Indigenous Artist-in-Residence
Arsene Arcand is a nêhiyaw (Cree) artist from Alexander First Nation in Treaty 6 Territory, and was announced as Edmonton’s fourth Indigenous Artist-in-Residence in June 2025.
Highlights Arcand's creative experience and explores the meaningful impacts of the IAIR program.
Arsene is a stone carver and visual artist whose work is grounded in cultural teachings passed down from his grandfather, spiritual leader and hereditary chief Arsene Joseph Arcand Sr. and his uncle, acclaimed sculptor Leo W. Arcand. His art is a reflection of kinship, ceremony, and a deep respect for the spirit of each stone.
“Art is a way to share our stories and our ways of living. I hope to not only share my own work but also help other young Indigenous artists showcase their talent.”
His residency is an act of cultural presence and celebration - building community through story, art and ancestral connections.
Matthew Wood (Creeasian): 3rd Indigenous Artist-in-Residence
Matthew is an entrepreneur, youth educator, dancer, DJ and producer who tours as a dancer with the Juno Award-winning group The Halluci Nation.
He is committed to bridging hip-hop and Indigenous culture, using the arts to empower and unite youth.
"Every Child Matters" by Creeasian and Busyrawk
A tribute to the 215 children found in unmarked graves due to the abuse and negligence of the Kamloops Indian residential school, funded by the Canadian government.
Final Residency Showcase
The final showcase of his 2021-22 artist residency took place over 2 nights in June 2022. "Identity" was an interactive exhibition with a live DJ, Cree syllabic and finger drumming. Creeasian invited audiences to follow his journey into the 4 directions of the medicine wheel while also celebrating community and healing.
Artwork Samples
Online Garden Party with Mile Zero Dance
Creeasian Breaking Class
Immersive Knowledge Transfer Series - DJ Set - Creeasian - DrumBeat - IM4
Creeasian, X Avant Festival, 2018
Creesian x Sampler Cafe
Meet A Tribe Called Red's Secret Weapon
MJ is a traditional Métis artist, certified Native Cultural Art instructor and most recently served as Indigenous Art Consultant for Fort Edmonton Park and Indigenous Curator for the Edmonton Public Library.
In 2019, MJ served as an Indigenous Artist in Residency with the City of Edmonton. Source: Art Gallery of Alberta
Feeding My Spirit Exhibit Samples
Photography Credit: Brad Crowfoot
Dawn Marie Marchand: 1st Indigenous Artist-in-Residence
Dawn Marie Marchand comes from Cold Lake First Nation in Treaty Six territory. cîpêhcakwawêw-iskwêw (Blue Horse Spirit Woman) is a celebrated Cree and Métis artist, educator, advocate, author, writer, speaker and Mother.
Indigenous Artist-in-Residence Logo Creator
Ohkomimâw mikisiw Grandmother Golden Eagle - her English name is Jessica Sanderson-Barry - is a nêhiyaw-iskwêw and mother from Chakastaypasin Band, Treaty 6 territory. She is the owner and designer behind JShine Designs, combining both traditional and contemporary beading styles into her art.
Contact Us
Indigenous Relations Office
Community Services
18th Floor, Edmonton Tower
10111 104 Avenue NW
P.O. Box 2359
Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7
Email indigenousrelations@edmonton.ca
Phone 780-944-7602
Fax 780-577-3525