Naomi Smith

Naomi Smith is a First Nations artist, curator and educator known for creating and raising awareness about the history of traditional Indigenous beadwork.

Early life Born in Kitchener, Ontario, Smith is a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. One of thousands of Indigenous children removed from their families by the Canadian government during the Sixties Scoop, she was taken from her mother at 8 weeks of age and adopted by a non-Indigenous family. Her own work is rooted in traditional practice and incorporates natural materials including sweet grass, birch bark and porcupine quill. She was featured as a First Nations artist at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. In addition to her beadwork and exhibition work, Smith offers educational workshops focused on traditional Woodlands culture. As part of the residency she has curated the exhibit Baggage - Carrying On Between Two Worlds.