Indigenous artist Jessica Somers shared teaching on Indigenous spirituality during a recent workshop with Grade 9 students from École secondaire catholique Jeunesse-Nord (Blind River).

Students experienced a memorable artistic creation activity. With the accompaniment of Somers, they painted a canvas to reflect various aspects of Indigenous culture, including the medicine wheel, said a news release.

Born in Sudbury and residing in Lavigne, Somers is Abenakis and Metis decent. She is greatly influenced by her grandmother who enjoyed creating scenic and wildlife paintings. Her father’s passion for carpentry and his hard work ethics and determination are what attributed to her success as an artist today, the release added. Jessica loves creating paintings that represent knowledge of the natural world we learn and share through generations.

Captivated by the teachings of elders in her community and her Nation, Somers creates art that connect to these teachings. This honours her ancestors while also ensuring the knowledge is passed on. Jessica uses her artwork as self-reflection, a way of seeking peace, sharing knowledge, teaching moral lessons, and/or telling stories.

Jessica believes that art has been survivance, a way of holding on to stories and history, embodying a way of life, and expressing and sharing Indigenous identities.