There’s no denying that creativity helps us grow. No matter the art form, engaging in creative pursuits is not only an avenue of expression, but it also brings us closer to each other and closer to ourselves.
In Thunder Bay, one organization is helping to promote creative expression among Indigenous youth: Neechee Studio. Neechee Studio is an Indigenous-owned art collective that has been teaching art and traditional craft for the last 11 years, forging connections across generations in the process.
Neechee Studio was co-founded in 2013 by Lucille Atlookan of Eabametoong First Nation and Matilda Suganaqueb of Webequie First Nation. The vision behind Neechee was to offer Indigenous youth a safe and empowering space to express themselves and grow their artistic skills. Today, Neechee is run by a small team of Indigenous artists who offer free programming to young people in Thunder Bay throughout the core of the school year. One of Neechee’s coordinators, Corrina McKay, said that Neechee arose from a need for programming for Indigenous youth that had no financial barriers.
“Neechee is important because we do a lot of cultural arts programming,” McKay said. “It’s always free, and it’s special because everything is made by Indigenous youth—it’s a welcoming, fun environment to be in.”
Neechee Studio offers monthly programming, with different themed workshops each month. Most workshops are scheduled during weekend evenings, offering youth the chance to immerse themselves in different art forms and explore a variety of creative pursuits. While programming is geared toward people aged 14-30, younger participants are welcome to attend with an adult. At its core, Neechee offers a space for Indigenous youth to explore their creativity, identity, and to grow their artistic skills.
Over their 11 years in operation, Neechee has hosted a wide variety of programming; some recent workshop examples include making ribbon skirts, making traditional mitts, painting, beading, and a zine making workshop. Part of McKay’s role is reaching out to local Indigenous artists who are willing to teach a workshop, and working with the youth participants to bring them the workshops they’re the most interested in.
Apart from learning opportunities, Neechee Studio also hosts events throughout the year and shares their art within the community. Earlier in 2023, Neechee had a 10th anniversary exhibition at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery called O My Creator! featuring the work of 25 Indigenous artists in northwestern Ontario, including past Neechee youth participants. They also designed a mural that was installed at Lakehead University’s Bora Laskin Faculty of Law. The piece, entitled “Where the Heart Gathers,” honors survivors of the residential schools and the children who did not return home. The mural was unveiled ahead of September’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“It was a good opportunity to be able to take up space and celebrate all the love and care that goes into community,” McKay said.
Community truly is at the heart of Neechee Studio. With multi-age learning opportunities and workshops taught by local artists, Neechee Studio has forged strong connections among people at every stage of their creative journey; it also serves as a way to keep craft alive and pass on cultural practices to the next generation. McKay said it’s been heartening to see young artists grow—over 11 years in, many of the young participants in those first years are now established artists in the area.
Neechee Studio meets at the Definitely Superior Art Gallery in Thunder Bay; those interested can find more information about their programming in the Neechee Studio Facebook group.
