The New Brunswick Arts Board is an arm’s length arts funding agency with a legislated mandate to facilitate and promote the creation of art as well as administering funding programs for professional artists in the province.
Judie Acquin is a Wolastoqey multi-disciplinary artist, educator, and social activist. She uses her educational background in art and adult education with Wolastoqiyik traditional knowledge to teach about art, culture, knowledge, tradition, diversity, and pride.
Judie’s goal is to educate people of their traditions and culture, in order to give others, the opportunity to form positive views of their brothers, sisters and aboriginal culture.
Presently teaching at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in the Aboriginal Visual Arts Program, Judie is in her element.
Hubert Francis hails from Elsipogtog Mig’Mag Indian Reserve. Eaglefeather, an internationally award winning rock group lead by Hubert Francis, has been around since 1990, setting itself apart by its unique sound combining traditional chants and contemporary rock. Hubert has also been a cast member of a production titled DRUM! for over 10 years. A musical production based out of Halifax N.S.,produced by Brookes Diamond, DRUM! tells through song and dance the story of the Acadians, Celts and Black cultures and the history of how they came to be in the Maritimes and how the Mig’Mag people have contributed to their survival on this land.
George was born on the Red Bank Indian Reservation along the Miramichi River in New Brunswick Canada. For the past 30 years, George has been involved with the Aboriginal Traditional Movement in reviving Mi’kmaq Songs, Chants and Ceremonies. George Paul is now very well known in the Atlantic Region, particularly in the field of Aboriginal Studies. He has been involved with the production of many documentaries. George is recognized for his outstanding public speaking abilities and has been appointed on several occasions to be a voice for his people on several aboriginal issues. He has collaborated with many schools, universities and government agencies in the development of Mi’kmaq Music, Language, Art and Dance.
Mariah Sockabasin is a Wabanaki Fashion Artist from Neqotkuk, New Brunswick. In 2015, Mariah graduated from the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design with a Diploma in Fashion Design. She creates wearable art that embodies pride and strength, rooted in her cultural teachings. Mariah works towards creating opportunities for Indigenous artists and youth through various committees, boards and workshops. She is mother of two boys and loves spending time outdoors with them in her free time.