The Artists
2024 Orange Shirt Artist
Clayton Gauthier
Mother-Caretaker and Child
Walking this journey as an artist, Clayton has learned a lot about himself and the arts. His bloodline is Cree and Dakelh. The art he produces revolves around the teachings of the land, animals, water and sky. Clayton has learned many lessons and blessings from Elders and the Spirit within. Throughout this art journey he has completed many logos, murals, drums, rattles, carvings, tattoos, and digital art, and is also a published author. Artwork in this life gives Clayton a feeling of serenity that nothing can
replace.
Agenda Artist
Bayja Morgan-Banke
Bayja is from Toquaht, Nuu-chah-nulth Nation, and Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation. She was born and raised in Tofino and is now living in Victoria, British Columbia. Being from a small ocean-side community, Bayja spent a lot of time in her young life on the water and in nature.
Bayja is now attending Vancouver Film School for Animation Concept Art in hopes of furthering her skill and turning her passion for art into a career. Alongside
school, she’s been practicing Indigenous art, from drawing out designs to beading and creating jewelry. Her main goal is to one day combine her knowledge of film with Indigenous art as a method of sharing stories with the next
generation and with the rest of the world as a character designer and storyboard artist.
“We are products of our environments as is everything else. When I need inspiration, I find the best thing to do is take a moment and look around myself. I think of people I’ve met, the nature that surrounds us, and the experiences I’ve had. It’s good to create what you know. It gives you a connectedness to it."
2024 Pink Shirt Artist
Brooke Gillam
Sacred Feather
"I am a part of the Oromocto First Nation Community in New Brunswick on the east coat of Turtle Island and recently reunited with the other side of my family who originates from Victoria, British Columbia on the west coast. I chose the feather design after getting to know my Grandfather from the Shell Beach community of Stz'uminus First Nation.
I chose a sacred feather because it symbolizes and represents a high honour, wisdom, power, and freedom. The three hearts inside represent kindness, friendship and love. When I tied the two together it felt right because my heart told me it felt like it was meant to be."
2023 Orange Shirt Artist
Aiden Duncan
One Story
Aiden is a Cree two-spirit artist from Manitoba who moved to the Yukon to work in conservation and to share Indigenous knowledge. Aiden incorporates Indigenous knowledge sharing and practices through art, dance, and storytelling. His spirit name is ka mâhmâsinasohkôhow, which means "spotted owl" in Cree.
“I call this piece One Story. It represents a reminder of each individual’s experience with residential schools. Sometimes I think people forget that residential schools are still impacting Indigenous youth today.
I suffer from a loss of culture due to my grandmother attending Indian day school. Her favourite animal was the hummingbird. This design represents her and every single person’s story as a reminder that every story is different and every child matters.”
2023 Pink Shirt Artist
Koyah Morgan-Banke
Uplift
"This piece is inspired by unconditional love and support, designed to encapsulate the feeling of support and your ability to “uplift” those around you. It’s important for all of us to remember that we really do carry the hearts of others in our hands."
2022 Orange Shirt Artist
Stacia Goodman
Mother Bear Energy
For such an intimidating predator with impressive teeth and claws, mother bears are one of the most loving and caring creatures to their children. They are also ferocious defenders of their cubs and are a force to be reckoned with. This immense inner strength reminds me of the untapped raw power in all our Indigenous women who act as warriors and healers.
"In my piece, I wanted to capture that beautiful spirit of a protective warrior and an uplifting healer full of love. Our inner warrior can show those teeth and claws, never backing down when it comes to fighting for what is just and right when it comes to our people. Our inner healer does the challenging work, practicing love and lateral kindness, choosing to be a toxic cycle breaker and uplifting those who surround us in our communities. I thought this duality of love and strength was such fitting energy to bring into a representation of an orange shirt day design."