Carrie Okemaw

Carrie Okemaw is currently residing in Edmonton, Alberta (Amiskwaciwâskahikan). Her father is from Manto Sipi Cree Nation in Manitoba, while her mother hails from Berens River First Nation, Manitoba. Carrie grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which is situated in Treaty 1 territory.

In 2007, she graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts degree, specializing in Psychology and Native Studies. Later, in 2014, she obtained a two-year after-graduate degree in Education from the University of Alberta. Carrie feels fortunate to integrate different styles of traditional and contemporary Indigenous art into her teaching practice.

For the past 20 years, she has been beading and sewing traditional powwow outfits. Recently, over the last two years, she embarked on graphic design art and considers herself a self-taught graphic designer.

Her biggest influences are her late grandmothers and her late aunt, Margaret Okemaw. They instilled in her the importance of understanding one’s identity, appreciating one’s origins, and creating art that reflects their rich cultural heritage.

In her artwork, Carrie embraces both her Cree and Ojibway cultural knowledge and traditional teachings. Her most current art projects involve traditional and contemporary styles utilizing digital designs. She is presently focusing on creating more floral textile designs and exploring new art forms, such as embroidery and acrylic art pieces.