Diane Montreuil
Diane is a self-taught artist originally from Montreal, Quebec, now living in Toronto, Ontario, for over 20 years. With documented roots of Abenaki & Huron (Algonquin), and of Métis, French ancestry.
Diane is a member of the MNOC (Metis Nation of Canada) and Board member of Education. She also serves on the Board of Directors at The Artists’ Network of Toronto as Education Director.
Since 2016, Diane has been involved in the Arts community: An Indigenous the French docent at the ROM for Anishinaabe Art & Power Exhibition; art shows with the Artist Network; AGO, and the French Alliance of Toronto in the Pierre-Leon Gallery exhibition Celebration of the Call of the Elders to Inner Peace. A notable exhibition for CPAMO (Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario), involved being part of a panel addressing questions about IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, People of Colour) visibility, inclusion and their intersections with artistic/organizational practices as well as offering many perspectives in the arts and the changing demographics of audiences, and participation within the Arts sector.
In 2019 Diane was designated by the Toronto Catholic District School Board as their Knowledge Keeper in Residence. She is also part of the Board’s Indigenous Education Advisory Committee. The year before, she began visiting schools speaking on Indigenous Culture and facilitating Art classes.
Diane received a Grant from Imagine Native in collaboration with Create to Learn, where she created four videos. Diane also received a Grant from OAC (Ontario Art Council) in collaboration with the Woodland Cultural Centre
“My paintings are dedicated to our Grandmothers & Elders and for keeping the teachings alive for the next generation and for people to understand our Indigenous culture.”
Website: https://dianeart13.wordpress.com
Grandmother Kim Wheatley
Kim is an Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Pottawatomi) band member of Shawanaga First Nation. She is Turtle Clan and a proud grandmother of 3 granddaughters, a grandson and mother of 3 daughters. Her Spirit name is “Shkoden Neegaan Waawaaskonen” which translates to “Head/Leader of the Fireflower”. She carries over 3 decades of experience working locally, nationally and internationally and is referred to as Grandmother Kim Wheatley in many circles.
She is a multi award winning speaker with a diverse background of work who has appeared in magazines, books, radio and television. Her background includes author, play right, singer, storyteller, event organizer, ceremonial practitioner and community partner for a diverse array of organizations, corporations, institutions, environmental groups faith based groups, schools, post secondary and special interest groups.
She continues to represent the beauty of her ancestry in public and private roles, committed to inserting Indigenous voice with all walks of life.