Jackie Traverse, Anishnaabe from Lake St. Martin First Nation, is the mother of three daughters and a grandmother to Lily. She graduated from the School of Art at the University of Manitoba. Her art is multi-media, including video, sculpture, mixed media and paint, and she is known across Canada for her powerful, beautiful work. Her paintings, drawings, documentaries and sculptures speak to realities of being an Indigenous woman. She is committed to her community and teaches art in public schools.

Jackie Traverse's profile page

Geraldine (Gramma) Shingoose is a grassroots grandmother. Her spirit names are Sky Woman and Northern Lights Woman, and she comes from the Bear Clan. She is a Saulteaux Woman from Tootinaowaziibeeng First Nation, Treaty 4 Territory. She is 9 year Residential School Survivor.

Geraldine (Gramma) Shingoose's profile page

• Winner, Manuel Dias Manitoba Book Award for Illustration

“Jackie Traverse is a beautiful Indigenous woman artist, leader and friend. Through her advocacy, activism and art, she inspires, supports and contributes so much to so many. I, among countless others, value and appreciate Jackie’s continued contributions. I look forward to copies of this book joining her earlier works, as well as the many pieces of art that I have the privilege of displaying in my office and home.”

Kim Pate

“It is with great pride that I write this piece for Jackie’s next book. Her colouring books have had great meaning in my role as a Kokum to my grandgirl as we have been able to do this beautiful work together. I grew up learning beadwork and sewing from my grandmothers, who did not speak English, who did not grow up in Residential Schools, and they gave the best of themselves to me. This is what Jackie does for everyone who finds her work. She gives the best of herself, her culture, her gifts. Jackie is a fierce protector of culture and a generous, grand teacher. Her works are gifted to us through her books, her paintings in exhibits, her gifts of skateboards to young people, her live painting auctions for fundraising for the MMIWG2S and education scholarships for Indigenous youth, and in her amazing pieces for the public such as the Coca-Cola Olympics campaign and her project at the Red River College for the Innovation Centre. I have gifted her artwork to friends and family as she captures traditional teachings in her works and the gifting feels like a fine, delicate transfer of energy — of joy, caring, love, pride. I hope that is true for all who find this book by Jackie Traverse. The gift. I say Kichi miigwetch, a big thank you to Jackie Traverse for sharing with all of us.”

Tina Keeper