(submitted photo/Saskatchewan Art Board Facebook)

By Nicole Reis

La Loche Artist

La Loche man wins Indigenous artist grant on first attempt

Feb 4, 2020 | 12:23 PM

La Loche artist Bobby Janvier received a $6,370 Indigenous Peoples Art and Artists grant to “build a skiff, sled and a canoe.”

Janvier told meadowlakeNOW, he applied for the grant to buy new tools to create his wood-based art.

“I never had the tools so I never did much work. I was out for a while because I didn’t have tools. The grant gave me the money so I could buy new tools and now I’m making stuff with it,” he said.

According to the Saskatchewan Art Board, the Indigenous Peoples Art and Artists program aims to increase access to public funding by Indigenous artists in Saskatchewan, either to develop their artistic and cultural practices or to share their art, skills and teachings.

Recently the Saskatchewan Arts Board awarded funding to more than 100 individuals and organizations, totaling almost $850,000.

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Through the grant, the 48-year-old artist bought a table saw, a miter saw, a skill saw, drills, a jigsaw, and a router.

“Someone from Île-à-la-Crosse encouraged to me to apply for the grant,” he said. “I made a video profile discussing what kind of art I create and the tools that I use.”

Janvier said he’s involved in crafts and makes musher sleds and canoes. He said he encourages Indigenous people to get involved with their local Friendship Center for information on programs.

“It’s cultural. To me I learned it through my grandfather and uncle and it was passed on to me by watching and listening. I see a lot of potential in this community and the town should support the [art work] people do,” he said.

Janvier added he was surprised by his award as he never expected to win. He encourages all Indigenous artists and youth to apply.

“Show your stuff. If you think you’re talented enough, go for it,” he said. “That’s all you need to do. Show your stuff and be positive about it.”

The program offers two grant types. The Artist Projects grant allows Indigenous artists to work on their own artistic or cultural practice in any art form with a maximum grant allowance of $7,500.

The Community/Collaboration/Collective Projects grant supports Indigenous artists and traditional knowledge and language keepers to share their art, skills, and teachings with their communities with a maximum grant of $10,000.

The next grant application cycle is on April 15 and October 15.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicole.reis@jpbg.ca