First Nations Artist and Order of Canada Recipient Joins WAG Advisory Board

Tuesday, 19 November 2019 14:23

Photo Credit: Custom Concept Photography.

Maxine Noel is a first nations artist who was awarded the Order of Canada last year. She recently moved to Woodstock and has joined the Woodstock Art Gallery Advisory Board.

WOODSTOCK - The Woodstock Art Gallery has added an internationally recognized first nations artist and a member of the Order of Canada to their advisory Board.

Maxine Noel recently moved to Woodstock and is looking forward to highlighting the importance of indigenous art in the community.

“I want more people to see our work, to understand what it’s about and why it matters. We all need to work together to share our stories, to protect our environment and to build a strong community.”

Board Chair Brian Hadley introduced Noel at the November board meeting.

“We are so pleased to have Maxine Noel join the Woodstock Art Gallery Advisory Board. She brings an immense passion for the arts, as well as a wealth of experience working with several Canadian and international organizations.”

Curator Mary Reid says they are absolutely thrilled to have her join the advisory board.

“Maxine has made incredible contributions not only to Canadian art, but to Canada as a whole. I am delighted that she will help guide the future of the Woodstock Art Gallery as a member of our board."

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Maxine Noel Biography

Maxine Noel is an internationally recognized Canadian First Nations artist, with a career spanning more than 35 years.

Noel was born on the Birdtail Reservation in Manitoba. She believes that there is a common bond that links all cultures of the world and she works tirelessly to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

She was one of the first artists to work with the Canada and Africa Village Twinning Programs, and is a founding Board Member of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (now Indspire).

In September 2016 First Nations leaders and federal cabinet ministers honoured Maxine’s artistry and contributions to raising public awareness of the Canadian crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls with her painting, Not Forgotten, which hangs in the Canadian Museum of History.

In 2017 Maxine leant her support to Dignitas International’s Indigenous Health Partners Program to help improve diabetes care in remote and underserviced First Nations communities in Canada. Currently Maxine, along with other First Nations artists, is working with Artists Against Racism on their EAGLES RISING project to raise awareness of racism targeting Indigenous peoples in Canada.

In 2018 the City of Stratford recognized Maxine’s contributions with a Bronze Star plaque, to be placed on Ontario Street.

In 2018, Maxine was made a Member of the Order of Canada.

Maxine signs her work with her Sioux name, Ioyan Mani, a name given her by her grandmother. It means “Walks Beyond”.