Lucy Fern selected as Wanuskewin Artist-in-Residence

November 7, 2024 in People
Explorer: Fall 2024

This fall, Lucy Fern, a talented multi-media artist from Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation and a single mother of three who now resides in Prince Albert, will be the Artist-in-Residence at Wanuskewin Heritage Park near Saskatoon. The Olivia & Greg Yuel Artist-in- Residence program is a prestigious initiative designed to nurture and showcase Indigenous artists, offering them the space, time, and resources to create and inspire.

This fall residency was made possible thanks to a generous $6,000 donation from Athabasca Basin Development, which specifically aimed to spotlight artists from the Athabasca region.

“Being selected as the Wanuskewin Artist-in-Residence is both an honour and an incredible opportunity,” Lucy said. “It’s not just about creating art. It’s about telling the stories of my people, preserving our traditions, and sharing our culture with the world. I learned my art from my mother; she taught me everything about beadwork, making gloves and mukluks. She is my role model and my inspiration.”

In the past, Lucy didn’t always dedicate her time entirely to her art. She obtained a Bachelor of Indian Social Work with a minor in art. She also received a mental health and wellness certificate. After years of serving others as a social worker and participating in healing and sharing circles, she decided to brighten people’s lives through her art. “During and after university, I learned different media and wanted to develop that kind of mixed-media art. Now, I love what I do, and I love teaching it,” she said.

The residency will allow Lucy to work closely with the Wanuskewin community and visitors, giving her the space to create new works while also engaging with the public. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness her artistic process and learn about the cultural and historical significance behind her work. Lucy’s art draws heavily from her heritage, focusing on themes of land, identity, and resilience, making her a fitting representative of the Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation and the broader Athabasca region.

Athabasca Basin Development’s commitment to supporting Indigenous culture was a key factor in their decision to support the residency program. “We are proud to support Lucy and other artists from the Athabasca region. Art is a powerful tool for preserving culture, and Lucy’s work will help ensure that the stories of her Dene community continue to be shared with future generations,” said Kristy Jackson, Director of Marketing & Communications at Athabasca Basin Development.

During her residency, Lucy will offer beaded jewelry and moccasin-making classes, art therapy, medicine wheel teachings, and school programming. Her residency is set to inspire locals and visitors alike, spotlighting the artistic talent emerging from northern Saskatchewan. Some workshops will even be available over digital platforms to accommodate people who might not be able to visit Wanuskewin during her residency.

“My name, Lucy, means the ‘bringer of light,’ so I try to do that. Through my artistic installations and programming, I plan to share our Dene laws, which call us to share what we have, help each other, sleep at night and work during the day, be polite, not argue with others, behave respectfully as young girls and boys, love each other as much as possible, be happy as possible at all times, and pass on the teachings. So, that’s what I’ll be doing during and after my residency at Wanuskewin; I’ll pass on the teachings.”

Wanuskewin invites the community to visit the park and experience Lucy Fern’s work in person starting on October 1.

“I am proud to represent the Dene people,” Lucy said. “It takes a lot of work to do what I do and succeed; I hope that inspires others. I hope young artists see this and continue to grow, never give up on their art and their dreams, and motivate themselves to complete what they start and do more or something different. And with generous support from companies like ABD, everything is possible.”