These sets of boxed note cards showcase traditional art from three Mi’kmaq artists: Melissa Peter-Paul from Abegweit First Nation in Epekwitk (PEI), Stephanie White of Qalipu Band in Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland), and Alan Syliboy of the Millbrook First Nation (Nova Scotia). From quillwork to mixed media to paintings, depictions of nature to traditional designs to petroglyphs, they represent only a very small range of the forms of cultural expression passed down over many generations. Each artist-specific set of 4x6 cards contains two each of six different images and come with envelopes. An “Authentic Indigenous Product” designation means the artists receive royalties from their sale.
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Alan Syliboy's cultural background is Mi'kmaq. He was born and raised on the Millbrook First Nations Reservations in Nova Scotia, and like many others of his generation, he grew up believing that First Nations artwork was generic; or what you saw on television and other mass media sources. As a youth, feeling unsure of his talents and his identity, he found painting painful and difficult. It wasn’t until he met and studied privately with renowned Maliseet Artist, Shirley Bear, that he found his confidence and began to take his own path. He eventually found great inspiration in the petroglyphs of his ancestors that have been discovered in ancient rocks all over the Maritimes. This spiritual connection has become the driving force of his artwork over the past forty years.
Over the last four decades, his artwork has taken him all over the world to many locations in Canada, The USA, Europe and the Orient. Alan has been recognized with some of the most prestigious honors. In 1999, he was commissioned by the Royal Mint of Canada to design a $200.00 22kt Gold Coin. In 2002, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for this contribution to the art world. In 2010, Alan presented an original portrait of Grand Chief Membertou to Queen Elizabeth II. Alan was commissioned by the Vancouver Olympic Committee to paint a 30-meter long mural entitled, “People of the Dawn”. This mural was presented during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and remains on permanent display at the Trout Lake Community Center, in Vancouver. Alan continues to be actively involved in promoting Aboriginal art, and is presently curator of the touring “Snap Shot Art Show”. Alan has remained on the reserve in Millbrook, and has also has opened a studio where he works as well as displays his art.
