Nadya Kwandibens

Nadya Kwandibens is an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) photographer specializing in natural light portraiture, event, and concert photography. Her work documents the indigenous experience. In 2023, she was appointed Toronto's photo laureate.

Early life and education Kwandibens is from Animakee Wa Zhing 37 First Nation in northwestern Ontario. She grew up in foster care.

Life and work While in Arizona, she began booking portrait sessions and began focusing professionally on photography. In 2012 and 2013, she documented the Idle No More movement. In 2019, Kwandibens worked on a campaign with the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, photographing people who had lost a family member or friend. In 2020, she signed with Canon Inc. as a brand ambassador. In 2023, Kwandibens was appointed to a three-year term as Toronto's photo laureate. Her work challenges the "stoic Indian" stereotype and often features women. 2018: Ontario Arts Council Indigenous Arts Award