Patrick Hunter, Toronto-based two-spirit Woodland Artist’s work to be a centrepiece of the celebration.
Today, Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization that supports and celebrates Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced the selection of artist and 2021 Indigenous Entrepreneur Award recipient Patrick Hunter’s work ‘Red Rising’ as the official art for the 2022 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards.
In addition to showcasing ‘Red Rising’ on the Awards website, social media platforms and digital Gala later this year, each of the 2022 Award Winners will receive a framed limited edition signed print of the work with their Award plaque.
ABOUT ‘RED RISING’
Patrick shares the following description of his piece.
‘Red Rising’ is about paying homage to all Indigenous artists, social workers, entrepreneurs, teachers, comedians, authors, musicians, actors, lawyers, students, and activists moving the culture forward.
In his Polaris Prize-winning speech, Jeremy Dutcher said it best: “You are in the midst of an Indigenous renaissance. Are you ready for the truth that needs to be told? Are you ready to see the things that need to be seen?”
It’s true. This renaissance is quite an amazing thing to be a part of. Seeing friends of mine and people I haven’t even met yet, have amazing success by creating their own content has been such good medicine.
Hats off to everyone who’s doing well and trying to get well! We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams, and this one’s for you!
“Red Rising”
17”x39” | acrylic on canvas | 2018
ABOUT PATRICK HUNTER
Patrick Hunter is a two-spirit Ojibway Woodland artist from Red Lake, Ontario. Hunter paints what he sees through a spiritual lens inspired by his homeland and growing up seeing the original works of Woodland painter Norval Morrisseau.
Patrick attended Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie, ON for graphic design, graduated in 2011 when he moved to Toronto.
Creating has always been his passion and the focus of his life from an early age. A transformative year for Patrick was 2014. Unable to find meaningful employment in his field, he launched his own company, Patrick Hunter Art & Design, with the intent to create artwork that makes people feel good. Since then, a small clothing and housewares line has been born and sold across Canada and the world.
Hunter still resides in Toronto but makes regular journeys home to stay inspired, be with family and teach art classes to the next generation of Woodland artists.
ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS
Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards to celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement of Indigenous entrepreneurship. Applications are now open and close on June 21, 2022, and are presented in partnership with RBC, Shopify, Meta and Mastercard with the support of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and Export Development of Canada.
Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous-owned businesses across Turtle Island can apply or nominate others for their entrepreneurial perseverance, growth, impact and example as true Indigenous icons.