Pikangikum is an Ojibway First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, home to over 3,000 people. Since 2018, Pikangikum and Jamii have partnered on various arts initiatives, including photo exhibitions, video portraits, and murals in both Pikangikum and Toronto’s Esplanade community.

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In 2023 and 2024, Jamii collaborated with the Pikangikum Education Authority and Eenchokay Birchstick School to create a series of video portraits. These portraits feature Elders, emerging artists, established artists, and community leaders, produced by artists Isorine Marc, Gillian Mapp, and Eray Guler with support from the Jamii Team, including Iris Unlu.

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We are proud to share these powerful video portraits with you. They explore themes such as growing up in disconnected communities, youth struggles with addiction, the fight against suicide, and the challenge of accessing clean water. Yet, they also tell stories of hope, dreams, and a beautiful future, celebrating healers and artists who are creating meaningful change within their communities.​

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Gratitude ​

We extend our deepest gratitude to Pikangikum for their ongoing collaboration with Jamii, fostering shared experiences and connections between our communities. To learn more, visit this link. 

We are also grateful to the Ontario Arts Council who has supported this project since 2018; 

​What’s Next? 

Jamii remains committed to continue strengthening ties between The Esplanade and Pikangikum First Nation on the long term. This includes annual visits to Pikangikum and welcoming Pikangikum artists to Toronto to collaborate on creative endeavours.

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How You Can Support? ​

Wondering how you can help? Here are two ways to make a difference: 

1. Raise Awareness: Share the video portraits you find most inspiring on your social media platforms to help amplify Indigenous voices and stories. 

2. Donate: Support Jamii’s next visit to Pikangikum by donating here. In the donation form, specify “PIKANGIKUM,” and your full donation will go toward this project. 

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Thank you for supporting this important journey of connection, creativity, and community.