Arts Council Wood Buffalo is excited to announce that Alyssa Miller has been selected as the Suncor Indigenous Artist in Residence for 2025. During her three-week residency from June 4 to June 25, Alyssa will engage with the community, share her creative practice, and develop new artistic work. Her residency will include time spent in Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, and Fort McKay.
Alyssa Miller is a Métis artist born and raised in Hinton, Alberta. Specialising in porcupine quillwork, Alyssa works with porcupine quills and birch bark to create jewellery and accessories that are inspired by the natural beauty of the mountains and wildflowers of her home. Alyssa’s artistic journey began in 2015 when she first learned to work with quills and birch at a cultural festival in Whitehorse. Since then, she has honed her skills, expanded her practice, and taught workshops across Canada. Alyssa has participated as a sponsored artist at both the Adaka Festival and the Great Northern Arts Festival, while also collaborating with organisations such as Head Start and The Métis Nation of Alberta.
“The Suncor Indigenous Artist in Residence program is an opportunity to showcase Indigenous talent while providing mentorship and fostering connections across communities,” says Liana Wheeldon, Executive Director of Arts Council Wood Buffalo. “We are honoured to welcome Alyssa and look forward to the meaningful impact her residency will have on our communities.”
As part of her residency, Alyssa will be leading Porcupine Quill Medallion workshops in Fort Chipewyan and Fort McKay, inviting participants to explore traditional Indigenous materials and techniques.
Registration is open for a Porcupine Quill Medallion Workshop, happening on June 11 from 5:30pm-8:30pm at Bouchier in Fort McKay.
The residency will culminate in a final showcase event on June 25 at Bouchier in Fort McKay, where Alyssa’s artistic works will be celebrated, and the creative process shared with the community. The community is invited to join this celebration, and can RSVP for free online.
