This year Wabanaki Artis Art Collective “Mawi’Art” artists in Gros Morne Residency 2025 at Bonne Bay Aquarium and Research Station; Melissa Francis (NL), Michelle Roy (NS), Catherine Desjardins (Qc) and Oqim Nicholas (NB)

These 7-day residencies, held in various locations, provide artists with opportunities to explore themes of the four seasons, either individually or collaboratively. Each residency cohort includes one Indigenous artist from each of the four Atlantic provinces, fostering interprovincial collaboration and cultural exchange.

The residencies are open to emerging, mid-career, and mature artists across all disciplines. Selected artists receive support to develop their practice in a conducive environment, engaging with peers and the community.

Mawi’Art is the only pan-Atlantic, Indigenous-led organization supporting Indigenous artists in the region. Their initiatives, including these residencies, aim to elevate and celebrate Indigenous art and artists across Atlantic Canada.

This year Creative Gros Morne is happy to host its first cohort of artists in Gros Morne National Park in collaboration with Bonne Bay Aquarium and Research Station.

Creative Gros Morme is excited to present to you Mawi’Art artists cohort 2025

Melissa Francis is a Mi’kmaw multidisciplinary visual artist from Gander Bay, Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland) and a member of the Qalipu First Nation. Her bold, colorful work is inspired by her Mi’kmaw heritage and the landscapes of Newfoundland, often exploring multicultural identity and economic struggles. Over the past decade, she has expanded into mural arts, collaborating with artists across Canada and beyond. She has participated in residencies, exhibitions, and workshops, working in various media, including painting, sculpture, embroidery, and digital art. A passionate community artist, she recently earned a BFA in Visual Arts from Emily Carr University.

Michelle Roy is a proud member of Wasoqopa’q First Nation, living in Glod River NS. She is the owner and artist behind Two Feathers Mi’kmaq Designs Inc. She is passionate about learning and sharing the Mi’kmaw language and culture along her journey. With passion and pride she uses furs, hides, bone beads, porcupine quills and more to create one of a kind regalia, gala gowns and accessories. Fusing Mi’kmaw culture and traditions with contemporary designs. She has had designs shown across the Atlantic provinces. 

Catherine Desjardins is Wolastokewisqehs and Quebecoise from the Wolastoqiyik community of Wahsipekuk (Quebec). She is an emerging visual artist whose work explores illustration, beadwork and embroidery. Catherine is also a singer-songwriter and shares for the first time her songs from her first EP,  released in December 2023, under the name Kahtolin. Catherine grew away from her community and nation, but she is now located in Eqpahak (Fredericton area), where she graduated from the Intensive Wolastoqey language program of St-Thomas University and St-Mary’s First Nation.  While reconnecting with communities, the Wolastokuk and skicinuwey, she is committed to language revitalization and her artistic spirit. Through music and different mediums, she finally revives her passions in which she has long put aside.

*Photo by Cory Hunlin

Oqim Nicholas is a Maliseet musician, filmmaker, and actor from Neqotkuk Tobique First Nation, New Brunswick. He is the founder and producer at early\\morning company, a musical project established in 2016.

In 2017, Oqim directed the short film “Among the Forest,” which tells the story of a young boy struggling to survive alone in the forest after escaping a residential school. This film was showcased at various film festivals, including the U.S. premiere at Cinema on the Bayou and won the “Best Student Short Film” at the Festival Du Nouveau Cinema in 2018.

Oqim’s artistic endeavors highlight his commitment to storytelling and music, reflecting his cultural heritage and personal experiences.