By Alex Huls | December 19, 2025

Three Indigenous student artists have brought new meaning to a dedicated space for study and reflection. 

Their works – rooted in culture, land and learning – will transform York University’s Miinkaanensing Indigenous Reading Room into a space that reflects Indigenous identity and experience. At the same time, says Cora Coady, Indigenous teaching and learning librarian, the goal is to make visitors "feel more at home."

The artists were selected as winners of the inaugural Indigenous Student Art Competition, an initiative led by York Unviersity Libraries (YUL).

The competition invited Indigenous students to submit original artworks that reflect their identities, experiences or relationships to community or land. A committee led by Indigenous voices included two library staff, two students, a faculty member and a representative from the Office of the Associate Vice-President of Indigenous Initiatives. Together, they selected the top three works of art.

Entries were assessed for creativity and skill, as well as their potential to resonate with the Indigenous community members the space was created for. "The artists’ work each tells a story of strength, growth and connection,” says Coady. “When students see the art, they will be able to feel the connection to land and home and feel encouraged to continue their own journeys of growth.”

First place went to Jennifer Sedgewick for Odehmin, a mixed-media work centred on the lifecycle of the strawberry. “I was surprised and very grateful to learn that I won,” says Sedgewick, who identifies as Michif and Métis and is in her final year of a PhD.  

The win serves as something of a dream come true. “From walking the halls of universities for many years, my favourite artworks that adorn the walls are always by students. I wanted to be one of those students,” she says. 

The idea for Sedgewick's artwork came from a desire to represent the lifecycle of a plant – a  symbol of how libraries sprout and propagate ideas. She chose the strawberry because it carries teachings among many nations represented by Indigenous Peoples at York. Now that her work has a new home, she adds: “My hope is that, at the very least, it brings them some joy.” 

Second place was awarded to Marissa Magneson for ispâhkêpayiw (s/he ascends or reaches a higher level), a beadwork on melton framed in wood.

Magneson, a Cree Métis artist, educator and PhD candidate, was inspired to honour the journey Indigenous students – including herself – take in post-secondary spaces. The work reflects the challenges and growth some navigate in academia and asserts the value of Indigenous voices.

For Magneson, the recognition carries meaning most of all for how her art will impact students who see it.

“I was excited to know this work found a permanent home, especially in the company of Indigenous scholars and other incredible artists including kin,” she says. “I'm often reminded of the work of Kathleen Absolon who shares that knowledge can be found within. I hope that the books in the Miinkaanensing Indigenous Reading Room, as well as the artwork, affirm this for students.”

Third place went to Grace Devries for Flourishing Genesis Beauty. Devries, who identifies as Métis and is completing a BA in visual arts, blends traditional beading and quillwork techniques with recycled materials. It celebrates nature’s beauty while drawing attention to responsibilities held in relationship with land and depicts a bear.

In shaping the work, Devries drew inspiration from foundational Indigenous stories. “I was really inspired by creation. I wanted to do something central to Indigenous culture, so I chose the bear as it is really honoured and respected,” she says.

She says the competition offered something she values as an emerging artist – visible support for Indigenous creators. “I was really grateful an opportunity opened up for Indigenous creators,” she says. “It’s one of my first times entering any type of competitions, so I was pretty happy and excited.”

She notes the impact the space will offer to Indigenous students. “I think it allows people to build community with one another, and it's kind of a safe space for like-minded individuals that they can come together,” she says. 

The winners were announced at Miinkaanensing’s official opening on Nov. 27. The remaining submissions were purchased by Audrey Rochette, associate vice-president of Indigenous initiatives, and will be displayed in at still-to-be-determined locations across the Unviersity, ensuring the artists’ work continues to enrich Indigenous presence in York's spaces. 

Those interested in booking time in the Miinkaanensing Indigenous Reading Room can do so through LibCal.

As seen in YFile - December 22, 2025