We were honoured to be invited to the Indigenous Women’s Arts Conference 2025 as both performers and vendors. This gathering brings together Indigenous women from urban, rural, and on- and off-reserve communities, and it has grown into an important space for culture, learning, and empowerment. Since 2019, the conference has welcomed more than a thousand visitors and supported over 50 Indigenous women artists and educators. It felt powerful to be part of that circle.
We attended as The Lyons Sisters Métis Jiggers, and also as leaders of Y4Y Canada’s Kîšâc Cultural Workshops. Seven of our Junior Jiggers performed with us. Watching our young dancers step out with confidence in a room full of Indigenous artists and community members made us so proud. Families told us that seeing youth perform jigging filled them with hope for the next generation.
Joined by Y4Y member Akina Olhman, we sold our handmade Indigenous chocolates, bannocks, and jams. Every dollar goes directly back into Youth4Youth Canada. These sales help us pay Elder honourariums, buy workshop materials, rent space, cover fees for land-based outings like berry or veggie picking, and hire third-party providers for special sessions such as horsemanship or canoe training. It felt good to share our treats while also supporting future workshops for our youth.
The Indigenous Arts Collective created a warm and welcoming space all weekend. We were touched when they publicly thanked us and said our performances brought life and spirit to the conference. We left feeling inspired, grateful, and ready to keep building spaces where culture, youth, and community can shine.
Photo #4 Credit (Group): Brandy Bloxom Photography
