NATASHA ROOT
Listuguj First Nation, QC
BIO
Gwe', teluisi Natasha Root.  I am a Two-spirited Mi'gmaw woman from Listuguj First Nation, which is in the traditional district of Gespeg, in the unceded territory of the Mi'gmaq, known as Mi'gma'gi. I am a Mixed Media Artist who specializes in painting & digital designs.
 
I am a self-taught artist who has been been creating art ever since I can remember.  At the age of thirteen, I  moved to Kjipuktuk (Halifax).  The city influenced my first artistic style; graffiti. Then, my style evolved to reflect Indigenous life in modern-day urban society.  I returned to Listuguj three years ago.  Being back home led me to explore my Mi'gmaw heritage more through my art, leading me to have more Mi'gmaw and Indigenous focused styles that strive to honour the Peoples' of traditional unceded territories across Turtle Island.
 
Some of the highlights of my artistic career include being showcased at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia along my Artist peers for the Worn Inward Exhibition and being able to work with renowned artists like Loretta Gould.  I work primarily as a freelance artist and continue to expand my talent across Turtle Island.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Orange Shirt Day Design, 2024
With this design, I have created a symbol of a warrior and the ability to stand proud for who you are, wherever you are. Descending from relatives who faced the challenges of residential schools, I draw strength from their endurance. Conversations with elders, sharing reflections of a painful past, highlight the urgency of addressing intergenerational trauma.
My design incorporates a wolf, a sacred symbol in my Indigenous heritage, embodying humility―one of the seven sacred teachings of Mi’kmaki. This creature, one of the most beautiful animals to ever walk this earth, represents the profound connection between a child and their surroundings, echoing the continuum of past, present, and future. It serves as a timeless reminder that, regardless of the era, the significance of our children remains unwavering.