Celebrating Indigenous Art, Artists, and Families this Family Day
- ONWA
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Ontario holiday of Family Day on February 16, 2026, takes place during the second moon of creation the Bear Moon. It is a time to look within ourselves, reflect and envision where we have been and where we are going.
This Family Day, the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) is sharing a sneak peak of the Gaabaiwiin “Forever home for everything” colouring and activity book to inspire creativity and togetherness. The name encompasses “my home, my territory, my people” and the chosen theme for the book was Indigenous Futurism and the Legacies we Leave Behind. The book will be released to our membership in the next coming weeks, so please keep an eye out.
The book features art created by 14 different Indigenous artists across Ontario:
Mariah Abotossaway “Niishin Creations”
Alma Lee Byzewski “Boreal Beautiful”
Rylee Thompson
Crystal Star Summers “Crystal Star Designs”
Red Cloud Sky Woman - Hilary Fox
Monica Lone
Mazainibiige – Kaiya Mongrain
Marion Green “Marion Green Art+ Designs”
Reed Lecomte
Cher Obediah
Travis Shilling “Otter Art Club”
Piitaanahkwan - Jordan Beardy “Heartberry Moon Art”
Jordan Quequish
Reena Larabee
ONWA has released 5 pages from this exclusive colouring book for this sneak peak. These pages are publicly available for communities to download and print below. Please feel free to print and colour these pages with your family!
Miigwech, Hiy hiy, Masi chok, Ish nish, Hoy chexw, Kinahnaskomihtin, Nakurmik, Marsii, Wela’lin, Ato’n:wa, Ya wan ko, Nia:wen, Nya;weh, Merci, Thank you.
Exclusive Colouring Page
Skekoli, my name is Crystal Star Summers. I am an Oneida member of Oneida Nation of the Thames. I am wolf clan, I have four beautiful daughters with my wonderful partner of 19 years. I always loved to draw but mostly were doodles. The past few years I’ve started taking my art more seriously. I’ve had the opportunity to design business logos, clothing, as well as tattoo designs for many, now this colouring book. I love creating and hope I can continue to for many years to come. I really hope you enjoy my work!
Jordan Beardy, or Piitaanahkwan “storm clouds coming this way”, has roots to Sachigo Lake and Muskrat Dam. Jordan grew up watching his father paint beautiful art and now he holds the gift of art himself. Every piece of art he creates is signed in the syllabics of his spirit name. Jordan loves to use bright colours, try new techniques, and uses inspiration from his Indigenous heritage, pop culture references, and his daily life.
Check out more of his work on Instagram @heartberrymoonart or Facebook Heartberry Moon Art.
Mazinibi’iige otherwise known as Kaiya Mongrain is an Anishinaabe multimedia artist specializing in digital illustrations and acrylic paintings. She comes from a remote reserve where a lot of her art is inspired by the natural beauty of the traditional homelands of her people. Her artwork takes a lot of inspiration from the natural world and her inspirations as a contemporary Fancy Shawl Dancer who has been dancing in Pow Wow for over ten years.
Marion Green is a Mik’maw artist from Miawpukek First Nation, Conne River, Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland); currently living in Toronto, Ontario. She has been working in the art and design industry professionally for 10+ years. Her work includes, but not limited to; design, concept art, motion graphics, and illustration. Her preferred mediums are acrylic and gouache paint, mixed media, and digital art. Marion’s style is heavily influenced by her cultural background, nature and Indigenous issues and awareness. She strives to create a balance between symmetry and asymmetry; using intricate shapes, traditional symbols and objects from nature in her work. Her artwork aims to invoke an emotional response and tell a story. Additionally, she has recently begun to study her native Mik’maw language and relearning traditional beadwork from her Sister and Mother. She loves long, meditative walks; whether it be in the city or along the picturesque shores of Ktaqmkuk.
Monica Loney is a Métis visual artist from Barrie, Ontario, and a descendant of the McGregor–Riel and LaRonde families. Her practice centers on the use of continuous linework to express the universal connection that binds all beings. A self-taught artist, Loney has exhibited in numerous Indigenous-focused shows across the region. Her artwork Wild Calling has been featured in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s Gathering Place exhibition for the past five years. In 2022, she received the City of Barrie’s Emerging Artist Award, recognizing her contributions to the local arts community. Loney continues to engage and uplift her community through public art projects and interactive workshops, demonstrating the transformative power of art in shared spaces.