Original Peoples Investment Program
A collection of stories highlighting FNMI artists in our community
The Original Peoples Investment Program (OPIP) supports the preservation and revitalization of First Nation/Métis/Inuit (FNMI) art through art-based projects and activities that are supported and validated by FNMI artists, community, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers.
Calgary Arts Development is honoured to work upon Treaty 7 land here in Southern Alberta. This is the territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy; the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani, as well as the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Stoney-Nakoda people—Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Wesley, which are west of Calgary. It is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
Reflecting on the 143rd anniversary of the signing of Treaty 7—signed on September 22, 1877—and our ongoing journey of Reconciliation, Calgary Arts Development is pleased to highlight a handful of projects that were funded through the program in 2019.
Even though we can’t celebrate these projects with you through an in-person showcase as originally planned, we hope these stories share a small fraction of the amazing work being created by FNMI artists in our community.
Artist Profiles
Kelli Morning Bull
Kelli Morning Bull is a Piikani filmmaker of exceptional skill and talent, trained at SAIT’s Cinema, Television, Stage and Radio Arts Program (Now the Radio, Television and Broadcast News Program).
Her recent film, Treaty Money, examines the annual payment of $5 that the Indigenous people of Treaty 7 receive from the Government of Canada since the signing of Treaty 7 in 1877. Read More
Sandra Sutter
Sandra Sutter has been part of the Calgary arts scene for many years, sharing her powerful voice and music in music venues across this city.
Her album Cluster Stars has her working with Elders Reg and Rose Crowshoe of the Piikani Nation to create music that gives voice to the land and mountains and tells the eternal story of the stars. Read More
Stoney Nakoda AV Club
A youth run arts production and storytelling society, the Stoney Nakoda AV Club believes in the potential of youth and the power of story.
The group received funding in 2019 for its Win’ge’he Ahiya (Raising a Song) musical film. Watch the Video
Glenna Cardinal & Seth Cardinal Dodginghorse
A mother and son duo of creative powerhouses, Glenna Cardinal and Seth Cardinal Dodginghorse have spent their lives making and creating things.
Get to know more about them and their personal and timely projects. Watch the Video
Angel Sanderson & Alex Manitopyes
Angel Sanderson and her partner in life and creativity, Alex Manitopyes, have created and developed a successful, dynamic, and fashion forward business called Indi City.
They applied to help with the cost of attending a cultural exchange and trade mission in Japan. Read More
About the Original Peoples Investment Program Showcase
The Original Peoples Investment Program (OPIP) supports the preservation and revitalization of First Nation/Métis/Inuit (FNMI) art through art-based projects and activities that are supported and validated by FNMI artists, community, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers.
Reflecting on the 143rd anniversary of the signing of Treaty 7—signed on September 22, 1877—and our ongoing journey of Reconciliation, Calgary Arts Development is pleased to highlight a handful of projects that were funded through the program in 2019.
Check back each day this week for a new profile.
