First Nations Gathering Series with BAO: Storyteller's Canvas: Breath, Image, and Spoken Word

In this free workshop series, open to all peoples and programmed by local Indigenous singer-songwriter Pam Levi, you will learn about First Nations cultures and the fundamentals of Woodland style art through meaningful crafts. Series programmer Pam Levi will start each workshop by introducing the featured guest artist and providing a brief history of what participants will be making. After each workshop, participants will have created something significant to take home. Storyteller's Canvas: Breath, Image, and Spoken Word Join Anishinaabe multidisciplinary artist Robin Rice for an interactive session exploring the powerful intersection of spoken word performance and visual art. The session begins with grounding cultural storytelling, followed by Robin sharing insights from her own creative journey. Participants will then develop original spoken word pieces and translate those words into visual art to complement their stories. Robin Rice, also known by her spirit name, Waabishkizi Miigwan Kwe, is a Wasauksing First Nation woman of Ojibwe and Potawatomi from the Three Fires Confederacy. Born and raised in Toronto, she is an entrepreneur, advocate, speaker, poet, storyteller, muralist, and jingle dress dancer. As a survivor of the MMIWG crisis and the only Indigenous representative in Miss Universe Canada 2025, Robin uses her voice to promote Indigenous visibility, mental health, healing, justice, and empowerment. She is also the co-founder of Tradishalicious Foods and Drinks, blending Indigenous and Caribbean cuisines through food, culture, and family. Her work honours her ancestors while inspiring youth, women, and communities across Turtle Island. Workshop Facilitator Pam Levi is a multidisciplinary Mi'kmaq artist from Elsipogtog First Nation, New Brunswick. Her creativity flows through many forms — singing, dancing, acting, painting, and drawing — each one a reflection of her deep connection to culture and spirit. Pam's vibrant murals, inspired by Indig