In honour of Truth & Reconciliation month, we’re excited to feature former actress and 

 who gives us the inside scoop on her creative journey.

In recognition of this important month there’ll be 

 ( it’s easy to see where to insert the code, if using a larger device)

 is of Ojibwe / Potowatomi heritage, and was brought up in the bustling city of Toronto, Ontario. With a love for the arts from an early age, she studied theatre but soon after decided to pick up the paintbrush in pursuit of honing her skills in the arts & illustration world. Not only changing careers- but also countries, moving to sunny San Diego, California with the support of her status card and Jay Treaty rights, she began expanding her creative endeavours and learning more about her family history.

In candid conversation with Matthews amidst working on an oracle deck (featuring Indigenous legends!) she opens up about her artistic vision – and the innovative path in getting there.

Tell us about how it all started with your art, Kait!

Years ago, after considering studies in illustration or theatre in Canada , I chose the latter after which I pursued work as an actor. I moved stateside to continue my studies. I worked sporadically in theatre, film and television until I realized I wasn’t enjoying the journey anymore. I went back to school and graduated, summa cum laude (the highest distinction achievement) with a Fine Art degree from the Laguna College of Art and Design, Laguna Beach, California.

Your works of art come in many beautiful mediums. Is this multi-faceted approach something you’ve always envisioned as an artist?

Initially I worked with oil, acrylic and mixed media. However, with the advent of Photoshop and the digital age, I currently paint digitally which allows my art to be presented in a variety of different mediums and products (canvases, tote bags, phone covers, journals, t-shirts!) with the hope that more people will be able to enjoy my work, and to also make it more affordable.


What does your Ojibway and Potawatomi identity mean to you?

, I never knew much about my heritage. I searched for my natural mother in my twenties. I was introduced to a whole new family, and culture of which I am so happy to have found and be a part of.

I am also a proud member of Chippewas of Rama. The 

 and my status card allows me to work and live in the United States. I would never have been able to be stateside otherwise.

Was there a reason for moving out to Cali’, U.S (besides the weather)?!


I lived in Toronto for many years, and yes, the weather was definitely calling to me. 😊

And do you find any differences with the artist scene when comparing Toronto and San Diego?


I live in a small town that doesn’t have a large art community so I can’t compare the differences to big cities that have thriving art districts. Any place that honours the art world is a good place to be regardless.

What does Truth & Reconciliation look like from your perspective?


My mother was a residential school survivor. She has shared stories with me.

Any new and exciting things on the horizon for you that we should look out for, Kait?

, published by RedFeather Publishing late last year. Another illustration project is the 

 Currently, I am creating illustrations for an oracle deck featuring the wisdom of Indigenous female warriors, heroines, goddesses, and archetypes through rarely found First Peoples legends.

Kait Matthews’ incredible art on her website

First Nations Artist Kait Matthews on Tarot and Truth & Reconciliation

At the fine few days towards the end of August whilst the weather was still pretty 

 (awesome!), we had our OneFeather bi-annual summit. It was located on the Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Territory on the lands of Esquimalt and Songhees Nations (Greater Victoria, BC), a beautiful region which many of our team are lucky to call home.

Aidan and Samuel get a selfie with Victoria's infamous orca 

 and led by their founding social impact Métis consultants Jace Meyer and Jaime Morais, it was a wonderful team- building experience. Filled with laughter, collaboration and purposeful work practices we came back with some juicy OneFeather ideas that we can’t wait to start implementing for you!

COYA stands for consequences of your actions

And it really couldn’t have happened without applying our Indigenous values, and also getting just a 

 silly. So it did involve sampling freshly dried moose meat- which had been honoured and hunted prior by COYA Founder, Jace Meyer, and sharing thoughts in our hearts; thinking of those affected by the intense 

Celebrating birthdays, balancing ballons and red cups - 

, 😇 and being together in circle were also highlights that we're so glad to have enjoyed as a group. 

Birthday boys Travis and Lawrence (Virgo energy!)  

Behind our backs 🙊 - telling each other very nice things  

Like we said, we have some exciting things in the works at OneFeather which we want you to be in the know of. So, 

 is the best way to find out all that’s happening at OneFeather as well as the 

Birthday Boys, Balloons and a OneFeather Summer Reunion  

Login to your OneFeather Account Here to 

Learn more about voting digitally with OneFeather

https://www.onefeather.ca/for-our-peoples/digital-voting

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