Creativity, culture and community came together this August through Sharing Our Story – One Dot at a Time, an intern-led Métis Nation–Saskatchewan project giving Métis families an opportunity to connect with culture through art.
Métis citizens in the Saskatoon area gathered for a hands-on workshop where parents and children created dot artwork side-by-side. Notable Métis artists Leah Dorion and Christi Belcourt helped make the experience special, with Dorion supporting the workshop and Belcourt generously sharing her expertise and providing colouring pages for the children. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with one family even travelling from Regina to participate.
For intern Paige Rolles, who led the project, seeing the idea come to life was especially rewarding.
“It was exciting to see how positively the project was received, with participants expressing interest in seeing it become an annual program. I believe the project was successful in teaching and celebrating Métis culture, engaging families and the broader community, and creating a space where Métis culture could be experienced and appreciated in a public setting.”
The project concluded with a community gallery exhibition at Midtown Plaza in Saskatoon, where families, friends, teachers and community members gathered to celebrate the finished pieces. Each artwork told its own story, showcasing the creativity and individuality of the young artists, and giving families the special opportunity to see their children's work proudly displayed in a public space.
The exhibition also introduced the project to a wider audience. Teachers explored how its resources could be used in classrooms, visitors created artwork of their own and community members showed their appreciation for the pieces on display. MN–S Minister Laura Burnouf was among those who visited and encouraged others to experience the exhibition.
Families also received take-home art packages, extending the experience beyond the workshop and encouraging parents and children to continue creating together.
From the first dots of paint to the finished pieces hanging in the gallery, Sharing Our Story – One Dot at a Time demonstrated how art can share Métis culture, strengthen connections between generations and bring community together.
The project was one example of the initiative shown by the 32 Métis post-secondary students who joined the MN–S Summer Internship Program in 2026. Throughout the summer, interns gained valuable experience while contributing projects and ideas that benefited the Nation and Métis communities across Saskatchewan.
Follow MN–S social media channels and continue reading Our Nation News for future internship opportunities.
