BIOGRAPHY

Sandra Lamouche is a Nehiyaw Iskwew (Cree Woman) from the Bigstone Cree Nation in Northern Alberta and married into the Piikani Nation in Southern Alberta. She received a B.A. in Native American Studies from the University of Lethbridge in 2007. Currently she completing my Master of Arts Degree at Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario in Indigenous Studies; my thesis is titled “Nitona Miyo Pimadisiwin (Seeking a Good Life) Through Indigenous Dance” which examines Indigenous Dance as a Social Determinant of Health and Well Being. She is a champion hoop dancer, award winning educator, writer, and two-time TEDx Speaker. She uses a land based and multidisciplinary approach to her creations and art.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I am born of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, residential schools survivors, assimilation and colonization. I carry this trauma with me, but I am also born of bead workers, language speakers, drummers, storytellers, and culture carriers. I am a Nehiyaw Iskwew, a wife, mother, and an award winning educator, a champion hoop dancer, writer and public speaker. I use my art and creativity throughout everything I do as a way to empower and educate others. My degree in Native American Studies allowed me to create an interdisciplinary practice through studying Indigenous Law, Politics, and History to Creative Writing, Art, and more. Much of my work focuses on movement and land based practices from a holistic perspective.