The name Arts of the Land Pavilion reflects the role that land-based materials and knowledge continue to play in many Indigenous art practices today. Materials such as clay, hide, quills, antler, and plant fibres are gathered and used in ways that require skill, experience, and cultural understanding.

These practices are not only historical, they are active, evolving, and being carried forward by artists working today. The pavilion highlights this continuity, recognizing that land-based art forms remain relevant and are being adapted in new and innovative ways.

The name is meant to be clear and inclusive of a wide range of practices. It also aligns with ideas of Indigenous futurism, where artists draw on land, knowledge, and tradition while shaping contemporary and future-facing work. Whether working in traditional forms, contemporary mediums, or a combination of both, artists continue to engage with materials and processes connected to the land in ways that reflect both continuity and change.

This approach is also reflected in the pavilion’s logo, which brings together materials, animals, and local landscape elements to represent both longstanding practices and the ways they continue to evolve today. The logo was designed by Liv Rondeau and honours the multiple cultural art forms of this land.

The pavilion was originally established in 2017 by Jay Bell Redbird, an Ojibwe artist, mentor, and community builder. He created the space to bring together Indigenous artists from across Canada, providing an opportunity to share their work, connect with one another, and be present within a large public arts festival.

Over time, the pavilion has grown into a consistent and valued part of Artfest Kingston and is becoming a cornerstone feature of the annual festival weekend. This growth reflects the strength of the artists involved and the foundation that Jay Bell Redbird put in place.

We acknowledge and honour his contributions, vision, and the role he played in establishing this space. We extend our sincere thanks to Jay for his leadership, generosity, and the space he created for Indigenous artists to gather and share their work.

As the festival moves forward under new leadership, the decision has been made to update the name of the pavilion to better reflect its current direction. The name Arts of the Land Pavilion centres the work itself, highlighting the materials, practices, and knowledge that artists bring, while supporting a broad and evolving range of Indigenous artists.

Liv Rondeau is an artist of mixed Kanyen’kehá:ka, Irish, and French-Canadian heritage, raised in the Niagara Region. Her lineage carries both Kanyen’kehá:ka and Irish roots through her mother, and French-Canadian heritage through her father. Like many Indigenous families, Liv’s story is one of reconnection—held with care and approached with mindfulness to ensure it is guided by community and done with intention. 

With humility and respect, Liv is reconnecting with her Kanyen’kehá:ka heritage through the teachings of her maternal grandfather. She is a member of the Kenhtè:ke Longhouse, where she sits with the Wolf Clan, and grounds her work as an artist and scholar in the principles of the Great Law of Peace. 

Liv’s beadwork practice brings together traditional Haudenosaunee raised techniques and contemporary methods to create detailed, three-dimensional designs that honour Haudenosaunee artistry. Rooted in relationships, her pieces have been shared with Indigenous Matriarchs and Patriarchs across Turtle Island. 

Through community workshops and events, Liv shares beadwork as a way to foster connection, support well-being, and carry forward stories. Her practice is part of a larger commitment to cultural resurgence, supporting the continuation of Haudenosaunee traditions for future generations. 

This is Liv’s second year organizing the Indigenous arts space at Artfest Kingston. In this role, she works to support Indigenous artists and build on the foundation that has been created, with the intention of honouring those who established the space while also looking ahead to how it can continue to grow and evolve.