Shawnesia Ottawa

Shawnesia Ottawa is an Anishinabeikwe traditional and contemporary artist who discovered her passion for creating at 19. Her multidisciplinary practice spans beadwork, quillwork, birchbark, carving, leatherwork, regalia-making, and painting, weaving together traditional teachings with personal expression. Her work reflects the identities, stories, and lived experiences of her community, honouring her people while contributing to cultural continuity. Bridging ancestral knowledge with contemporary artistic expression, Shawnesia creates tactile stories of resilience, identity, and heritage. Through both her artistic practice and community teaching, she shares cultural knowledge and helps keep ancestral traditions alive for present and future generations.