Cultural Medallion and Pin
We are excited to announce the winning artists of our cultural medallion and pin contests:
- Kim Coppard – Cultural Medallion
- Sonia Burke-Smith – Cultural Pin
The pin design had to be inspired by the diversity of cultures of the region, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, while the concept design for the cultural medallion had to reflect Wood Buffalo’s rich Indigenous heritage and the Medicine Wheel, which symbolizes equity and the cycle of life in the natural world.
The winning designs will be unveiled at a later date.
Meet the artists!
Sonia found a passion for art later in life, it was the craft that helped her rebuild after a series of life altering events. She used drawing to help her through this time and that’s when she was discovered by the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Sonia joined their team with a program called Learning Through the Arts. It combined Indigenous traditional knowledge, working with Elders and core curriculum together with art to teach at risk youth. It was there she really started to study Indigenous traditions and stories and incorporating it into her artwork.
Sonia has won numerous awards for her art and has shown her work locally and nationally. She is currently getting ready to make the leap to international shows.
