Christi Belcourt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Christi Belcourt CM
Christi Belcourt as an Artist in Residence at the McMichael Art Gallery, Kleinburg, Ontario, 2004
Born	1966 (age 58–59) Scarborough, Ontario
Occupation	Painter

Christi Marlene Belcourt is a Canadian visual artist and author. She was born on September 24, 1966. She is famous for her acrylic paintings that show beautiful floral patterns. These patterns are inspired by the traditional beadwork art of Métis and First Nations people. Christi Belcourt's art often explores ideas about who we are, our culture, and our connection to the land.

About Christi Belcourt

Christi Belcourt was born in Scarborough, Ontario. Her father, Tony Belcourt, was a well-known activist for Métis rights. Her family's roots are in Manitou Saskhigan, also known as Lac Ste. Anne, Alberta. Her brother, Shane Belcourt, is a writer and filmmaker. Her sister, Suzanne Belcourt, is a graphic designer. In 1970, her family moved to Ottawa, Ontario, when her father became the first president of the Native Council of Canada.

As a Métis artist, Christi deeply respects the traditions and knowledge of her people. Most of her artwork celebrates the beauty of the natural world. She has written three books, and her art has been used on the covers of many publications. Her work has also been featured in two documentary films.

Christi Belcourt's art is part of the permanent collections at important places like the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History. She has also received awards from organizations like the Canada Council for the Arts. Today, she lives in Lac Ste. Anne, Alberta.

Community Work and Activism

Christi Belcourt is also known for her important work in the community.

Walking With Our Sisters

In 2012, Christi started a special art project called Walking With Our Sisters. This project is a way to remember missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada and the United States. Many people helped create this art, and it has traveled to communities across North America. Volunteers continue to help with this project.

The Onaman Collective

In 2014, Christi helped start The Onaman Collective with Isaac Murdoch and Erin Konsmo. This group works to keep traditional knowledge, languages, and teachings alive. They connect elders (wise older people) with young Indigenous people. The Collective also works to protect water, especially the Great Lakes. They have created banners that people can download and use at events to support water and land protection.

Speaking Up for Indigenous Rights

Christi Belcourt has also spoken out about important issues. In 2014, she supported the "blue dot" movement. This movement used blue dots on photos to show that marginalized people were not included in government discussions about Indigenous education.

In 2016, Christi asked the Métis Nation of Ontario to remove her name from their registry. She did this because she disagreed with the organization signing deals with mining companies.

Starting in 2017, Christi was involved in the "150 Acts of Resistance" project. This project aimed to share stories about colonialism and Indigenous resistance in Canada. It offered a different view from the Canadian government's "Canada 150" celebration.

Christi Belcourt's Artwork

Painting Style

Christi Belcourt creates large acrylic paintings that look like the beadwork of her ancestors. She uses tiny dots with her brush to create this effect. Her paintings are full of colorful floral designs, often including insects, birds, and other animals. Each painting tells a story.

For example, in 2014, she painted Offerings and Prayers for Genebek Ziibing. This painting was inspired by stories about uranium mining pollution near Elliot Lake, Ontario. The pollution from the mines badly damaged the water and affected the people living there.

Stained Glass Art

In 2012, Christi Belcourt created a stained glass window called Giniigaaniimenaaning (which means "looking ahead"). This artwork is in the Parliament of Canada. It was made as part of Canada's apology for its residential schools. The window includes a picture from the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. The shattered glass in the artwork represents how the silence around residential schools was broken. It also shows the hope for healing and reconciliation.

Exhibitions of Her Work

Solo Exhibitions

• Urban Myths: Aboriginal Artists in the City, Karsh-Masson Gallery (2000)
• Lessons from the Earth, Thunder Bay Art Gallery (2003/2004)
• New Works By Christi Belcourt, Metis Nation of Ontario Annual General Assembly (2005)
• Great Metis of My Time, Batoche National Historic Site (2008)
• Off The Map & Great Metis of My Time, Urban Shaman Gallery (2008)
• Off The Map, ArtSpace Gallery (2008)
• Identity, Land & Spirit, Red Shift Gallery (2009)
• Mapping Routes: Perspectives of Land and Water in Ontario, Thunder Bay Art Gallery (2010)

Group Exhibitions

Permanent Artworks

• Giniigaaniimenaaning, a stained glass window that honors survivors of Indian Residential Schools. It was installed in the Centre Block, Parliament of Canada in 2012.
• The Christi Belcourt Permanent Collection Room at the Gabriel Dumont Institute (2013).

Other Artistic Projects

• Christi Belcourt designed the medals for the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.
• In 2015, her drawing "Water Song" was used as a print for a clothing line by Valentino.
• In 2017, she worked with ela Handbags to create special handbags with prints like her paintings.
• In 2021, her painting "The Wisdom of the Universe" was used in a video dedicated to the "Highway of Tears" by the musical group Waxwing Trio.

Awards and Recognition

Christi Belcourt has received many awards and grants, including from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council. Some of her awards include:

• Metis Cultural Grant Recipient, Metis Nation of Ontario (1998)
• Emerging Artist Grant, Ontario Arts Council and Canadian Council for the Arts (1999, 2000)
• First place, Mixed Media, LaCloche Art Show, Whitefish Falls, Ontario (2004)
• Aboriginal Arts Projects Grant Recipient, Ontario Arts Council (2004)
• Mid-Career Artist Grant Recipient, Ontario Arts Council (2004)
• Judges Choice Award, Works on Paper Exhibit, Espanola, Ontario (2006)
• Aboriginal People's Collaborative Exchange Program, Canada Council For The Arts (2007)
• Northern Arts Grant Recipient, Ontario Arts Council (2007)
• Aboriginal Arts Projects Grant and Aboriginal Traditional Arts Program, Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council (2009)
• Chalmers Family Fund, Ontario Arts Council (2010)
• Influential Women of Northern Ontario, Aboriginal Leadership Award (2014)
• Aboriginal Arts Award 2014 Laureate, Ontario Arts Council (2014)
• Art Gallery of Ontario People's Choice Award for "The Wisdom of the Universe" acrylic painting (2015)
• Governor General's Innovation Award (2016)
• Ontario Premier's Awards for Excellence in the Arts, Individual Artist Award (2016)
• Order of Canada (2024)
• Commemorative Stamp, Canada Post (2024)

See also

• Aboriginal Canadian personalities