Native Woodland Art

10/20/2026

“Thunderbird Drummer” — Sikaasika (Francis Esquega)
2001 Original Native Woodland Art — $3,600 CAD
Original acrylic on canvas, 24 x 52 inches, framed

Created in 2001, this striking Woodland painting by Sikaasika (Francis Esquega) is titled Thunderbird Drummer.

According to Algonquian teachings, the Thunderbird (Animikii) is a powerful Manitou (spirit) of immense strength, dwelling on the highest cliffs. These supernatural beings are said to command the elements—summoning rain, wind, and violent storms with their wings and eyes. Their thunder comes from the flash of brilliantly colored wings, and lightning bolts shoot from their eyes, lighting the sky. Each year, they are believed to carry storms south in the autumn and return with them in the spring.

The name Sikaasika (see-ka-see-ka), given by Elders of the Midewiwin, means “the light of the sun rippling across the land as it rises.”

About the Artist:
Francis Esquega (b. 1955, Macdiarmid, Ontario) grew up in Esquega-ville near Sand Point, where his love for coloring and drawing began in childhood. By the early 1970s, art had become a passionate hobby, and in 1969–70 he designed the winning crest for Nipigon Public School. With deep roots in Anishinaabe traditions, his family carried artistic skills in beading, moccasin-making, mitt-making, carving, and drawing. His great-grandmother was a respected pipe carrier, giving spiritual names as medicine to the people.

Esquega recalls influences such as Norval Morrisseau, who once stayed with his family. He would often walk two hours each way to Beardmore to watch Morrisseau paint. These experiences shaped his approach to Woodland art, which he describes as using rough drawings and storytelling knowledge to explain symbols rooted in tradition—always careful not to cross into taboo.

His first solo exhibition in 1988 at Keskus Mall (Port Arthur) sold out 32 original watercolors. Over the years, his works have been collected across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, with pieces also reproduced as prints, postcards, and calendars.

Thunderbird Drummer stands as a testament to Esquega’s ability to carry forward the Woodland tradition while honoring sacred teachings and his own family’s legacy of artistry.

10/19/2026

Postagoni River, Anishinabe Aki

Flight of Eagles (2002) – Acrylic on Canvas, Framed
💰 $2400 CAD

10/18/2026

Four Races of Mankind

Michael Esquega (2002) – Original Native Woodland Art
Price: $3,600 CAD
Medium: Acrylic on stretched canvas
Dimensions: 36 x 48 inches

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Description

This original 2002 Woodland School painting by Ojibwe artist Michael Esquega (b. 1977) is titled Four Races of Mankind.

The work reflects the sacred significance of the number four within Anishinaabe and broader Indigenous teachings across the Americas. As with the Medicine Wheel, the four directions, colours, and stages of life are interconnected in a holistic worldview.

Teachings represented include:
• The Four Races of Humankind: Red, Yellow, Black, White
• The Four Directions: East, South, West, North
• The Four Seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
• The Four Stages of Life: Birth, Youth, Adulthood, Death
• The Four Times of Day: Sunrise, Noon, Sunset, Midnight
• The Four Elements of Life: Earth, Fire, Water, Wind
• The Four Trials of Man: Success, Defeat, Peace, War
• The Heavenly Beings: Sun, Moon, Earth, Stars

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About the Artist

Michael Esquega, gifted the name “Good Speaking Eagle” by the Elders of his homelands, is from the communities of the Ojibways of Rocky Bay, Sand Point, and Lake Nipigon.

Lake Nipigon—sometimes called the “sixth Great Lake”—is home to the Anishinaabe. Michael was raised with the traditional stories of his people, and his artistic influences include his uncle Sikaasika (Francis Esquega) and the legendary Norval Morrisseau, often regarded as the father of the Woodland School of Art.

Today, his home community, formerly known as McDiarmid Indian Settlement, is recognized as Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek in northwestern Ontario.

10/17/2026

2026 Toronto Waterfront Marathon shirt design! Hoping for an amazing weekend for this years runners and hope you all love the shirts!! ✨

The design is a celebration of strength endurance and forward momentum. Two runners are moving together representing unity, continuous growth and the shared journey of the marathon participants. Behind the runners are the circle of life, the sun, and the city skyline that captures the energy and vitality of the city of Toronto while drawing on Indigenous symbolism that honours connection, movement, and the cycles that bring people together.

10/16/2026

'Makwa's Medicine' (Bear) Sikaasika - Original Native Woodland Art $1200 CAD

Acrylic on canvas board, 20x24 inch

Each February we have what is known as the Bear Moon. This was the original reason for the annual February Pow Wow at Canadore College in North Bay ON Canada, to celebrate the birth of new macoons (bear cubs) and give thanks to Mukwa (Bear) for it was Mukwa that we first observed which plants & roots to use thereby being our original teacher about the medicine plants.

Sikaasika (see-ka-see-ka) name given by Elders of Midewiwin - proper spelling unknown, it means light of the sun rippling across the land as it rises. Francis Esquega was born in Macdiarmid Ontario in 1955 while living at Esquega-ville near Sand Point, I became fascinated with colouring and drawing in my childhood, started to do some art in early 70's as a hobby and it is still a favorite today, and while attending Nipigon public school in 1969-70 I designed a school crest and won the logo contest.
I was colouring and drawing lots when I was about 8-9 yrs old, horses, buffalo, my dad used to holler buffalo and I'd go around charging anybody in the way. You know there's artistic talent in my family, beading, leather moccasins, mitts, carvings, art drawings, my aunt and uncle were into that, the talent runs in the family. My great grandmother was a pipe carrier and she would give names which was a powerful medicine to the people. Then booze entered peoples lives and things started to get out of hand, my Grandparents buried traditions in the bush because of this.
The Native Woodland School of Art is a very distinct type of art, when I paint I use a rough drawing to go by, I use my own knowledge of a story line to explain symbols that reflect tradition without being taboo, that is very critical when you put a spirit to paint. Ojibway customary stories should only be told in Winter so as not to disturb those spirits, I think taboo has been broken, I seen some Norval Morrisseau art that aren't even shown to the public. Norval used to stay with us long ago before he painted. Later, in those days we went to see Norval paint often in Beardmore (2 hour walk each way) he had a big house there and a lot of friends.
My very first solo exhibition took place in 1988 in downtown Port Arthur, up in the Keskus Mall, I sold out thirty-two water colour originals. I used to hide animals in my landscapes, you really had to look for them, was catchy, lots liked my idea, haven't done too much water colour ones lately. I've also printed my work on canvas and paper and have had my artwork produced on postcards and calendars. Over the years I have sold my paintings to customers across Canada, down in the states and to many European tourists visiting Winnipeg, Manitoba and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Sikaasika's (Francis Esquega) original artwork is sure to be a family heirloom or a worthwhile investment!

10/15/2026

“Prayers for Geese” — Amik Gomm (2002)
Original Native Woodland Art
$280 CAD
• Medium: Acrylic on stretched canvas
• Size: 24 x 24 in
• Artist: Amik Gomm (Oji-Cree, b. 1978)

This original Woodland painting, created in 2002, is titled Prayers for Geese. It depicts the smudge ceremony, an offering of gratitude for the yearly return of the geese.

Story of the Smudge Ceremony

Long ago, the animals sought a way to speak with Creator. They decided the only way was to fly higher than ever before. Each winged being tried and failed—until tiny Hummingbird had an idea. She tucked herself into Eagle’s feathers and together they soared skyward. When Eagle could go no further and fainted, Hummingbird leapt higher still, pushing herself to the edge of exhaustion until she reached Creator.

Hummingbird delivered the animals’ message, and Creator gave her the gift of the smudge: “Whenever you need to speak with me, say your words and light kinikinik (sacred to***co mixture). The smoke will rise and carry your prayers to me.”

Hummingbird worried that no one would believe her, so Creator placed a ruby red necklace around her throat as proof. To this day, Hummingbird wears this shining gift, reminding us of the sacred way prayers rise on the smoke.

About the Artist

Amik’s name translates to Beaver. He grew up in Sachigo Lake First Nation, Ontario, where he learned the stories and legends of his people. Inspired by these teachings, he began painting in the Woodland style under the mentorship of renowned second-generation Woodland artist Tim Tait, a fellow community member from Sachigo near Sandy Lake.

10/12/2026

'Seeking Vision At Tree Of Life' Sikaasika - Original Native Woodland Art $540 CAD

Created in 2001, this piece of original Woodland Art is titled 'Seeking Vision At Tree Of Life'
Acrylic on canvas board, 16x20 inch.

There is a feeling of sincerity and calmness within this image.

Sikaasika (see-ka-see-ka) name given by Elders of Midewiwin - proper spelling unknown, it means light of the sun rippling across the land as it rises. Francis Esquega was born in Macdiarmid Ontario in 1955 while living at Esquega-ville near Sand Point, I became fascinated with colouring and drawing in my childhood, started to do some art in early 70's as a hobby and it is still a favorite today, and while attending Nipigon public school in 1969-70 I designed a school crest and won the logo contest.
I was colouring and drawing lots when I was about 8-9 yrs old, horses, buffalo, my dad used to holler buffalo and I'd go around charging anybody in the way. You know there's artistic talent in my family, beading, leather moccasins, mitts, carvings, art drawings, my aunt and uncle were into that, the talent runs in the family. My great grandmother was a pipe carrier and she would give names which was a powerful medicine to the people. Then booze entered peoples lives and things started to get out of hand, my Grandparents buried traditions in the bush because of this.
The Native Woodland School of Art is a very distinct type of art, when I paint I use a rough drawing to go by, I use my own knowledge of a story line to explain symbols that reflect tradition without being taboo, that is very critical when you put a spirit to paint. Ojibway customary stories should only be told in Winter so as not to disturb those spirits, I think taboo has been broken, I seen some Norval Morrisseau art that aren't even shown to the public. Norval used to stay with us long ago before he painted. Later, in those days we went to see Norval paint often in Beardmore (2 hour walk each way) he had a big house there and a lot of friends.
My very first solo exhibition took place in 1988 in downtown Port Arthur, up in the Keskus Mall, I sold out thirty-two water colour originals. I used to hide animals in my landscapes, you really had to look for them, was catchy, lots liked my idea, haven't done too much water colour ones lately. I've also printed my work on canvas and paper and have had my artwork produced on postcards and calendars. Over the years I have sold my paintings to customers across Canada, down in the states and to many European tourists visiting Winnipeg, Manitoba and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Sikaasika's (Francis Esquega) original artwork is sure to be a family heirloom or a worthwhile investment!