About us
Miska Creative Society is an indigenous-led not-for-profit organization co-founded by brother and sister duo Jesse and Jenna Gouchey, Cree Métis descendants of the Papaschase First Nation.
Over the past decade and beyond, lead artist Jesse Gouchey has been teaching mural and painting workshops for groups and communities across Western Canada.
Miska hosts art and mural painting workshops with an Indigenous lens, and meets with groups where they already gather to remove barriers for participation.
We offer hands-on career and life education by combining artistic instruction from creative professionals with cultural guidance from Elders and knowledge keepers. Our workshops are culturally-sensitive and perfect for all ages!
Miska = Find It.
Source: Maskwacis Dictionary, Language: Cree
Our mission
Our mission is to foster vibrant and healthy communities where art inspires individuals to unlock creative passion, connect with culture, find common ground, and realize their potential.
Our Values
Creativity
We nurture and encourage our participants to tap into their creativity and craft original art by providing an environment that is fun, informal and rich in cultural connection.
Culture
We aim to cultivate connections through shared knowledge, traditions, and stories that have shaped our communities for countless generations. We take pride in facilitating the preservation, revitalization, and transference of Indigenous cultural knowledge and storytelling.
Collaboration
We foster a collaborative atmosphere where skills are shared and peer encouragement is prevalent to bring out the best in all participants, grow their confidence and build connections.
Inspiration
We aim to find the spark that inspires individuals to explore their creativity, empower them in their learning and skill-building journey, and awaken the artist inside.
Community
Through the universal language of art, we encourage meaningful connections between community members using art as the gateway to conversation and finding common ground—a circle where everyone is welcome, respected, and valued for what they bring.
Limited access to cultural traditions and practices both at home and in the community leave those affected hesitant to get involved. We use art as the vehicle to reconnect people with culture. Miska offers a gateway to culture that is informal, artistic, fun, and available for all ages.
We strive to provide access to safe and inclusive experiences for people of all ages to connect with their culture.
“Join us on a journey as we look to learn about our Indigenous culture, and connect with those who have the knowledge.”
— Jenna and Jesse Gouchey, siblings and Co-Founders