From Gold Rush to Brushstroke: How Red Lake Became the Heart of Woodland Art

Red Lake: From Gold Rush to Creative Renaissance

Northern Ontario is renowned for its vast boreal forests and lakes brimming with fish. Red Lake, long known for its tourist camps and as the site of Canada’s last great gold rush, holds another remarkable distinction—it’s the birthplace and epicentre of Woodland Art, one of the most recognizable and influential Indigenous art styles in Canada.

The Origins of Woodland Art in Northern Ontario

Woodland Art originates from the stories and spirituality of the Anishinaabe people. The style features divided circles symbolizing duality within the world, x-ray elements representing spiritual life, and bold black lines known as “lines of communication” that connect all beings within the natural world.

More than an art form, Woodland Art is a visual language—one that communicates identity, balance, and the connection between people, spirit, and nature.

Meet the Masters Who Shaped Woodland Art

In the mid-20th century, Red Lake became a gathering place for some of the most celebrated Indigenous artists in Canada, including Norval Morrisseau, Carl Ray, Joshim Kakegamic, and Goyce Kakegamic. Together, they helped shape the future of Indigenous contemporary art.

Red Lake’s Triple K Co-operative: Pioneering Indigenous-Owned Art

In 1972, the Kakegamic family established Triple K Co-operative, one of the first entirely Indigenous-owned print shops and artist collectives in the country. From 1973 to 1980, the Co-op produced over 180 print editions, distributing Woodland Art across Canada and Europe, and ensuring that artists maintained both creative and financial control over their work.

A New Generation of Woodland Artists Revives the Red Lake Tradition

After a quiet period in the 1990s, Woodland Art experienced a revival in the early 2000s. The style began appearing in local classrooms, sparking the imaginations of young artists and reestablishing Red Lake as a hub for creativity.

Patrick Hunter emerged as a leading figure of this new generation. His bright, contemporary take on Woodland Art gained national attention through collaborations with CIBC, Purolator, and the Chicago Blackhawks.

Following in his footsteps, Storm Angeconeb joined Red Lake’s vibrant art scene. Her work appeared on murals, festival posters, and products from Native Northwest, an Indigenous design company that brought her art to wallets, mugs, and more.

At the same time, artists from Pikangikum, such as Mario and Darwin Peters, developed their own distinctive interpretations, carrying forward a family and community tradition of artistic excellence.

Woodland Art in Today’s Northern Ontario Landscape

Today, Woodland Art is celebrated across the nation. Travellers can find it displayed in galleries, airports, and rest stops across Central Canada. Its growing visibility reflects not only the enduring appeal of its bold forms and spiritual messages but also the pride of communities like Red Lake in keeping this cultural legacy alive.

The Woodland Art Mural Project: Red Lake's Collaboration Across Generations

In 2023, the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre began revitalizing its exhibits after a major restoration. As part of this effort, curator Stephanie Dermann and her team envisioned a project that would merge history, community, and creativity—the Woodland Art Mural Project.

Funded by Heritage Canada and the Ontario Arts Council, the project brought together five Woodland artists: Patrick Hunter, Storm Angeconeb, Darwin Peters, Jacinda Brisson, and Monias Rae. Their goal was to collaboratively paint a mural inspired by Red Lake, its wildlife, and the seasonal teachings of the Anishinaabe people.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Northern Ontario Artists

The painting sessions, held in February 2025, were more than an artistic collaboration—they were a community event. Students from four elementary schools and one high school visited the Heritage Centre to watch the artists at work, ask questions, and learn about their creative journeys.

The entire process was filmed and documented, preserving this cultural milestone for future generations.

A Lasting Legacy: Red Lake’s Woodland Art Murals

Once completed, the murals were digitized, printed on vinyl, and mounted inside the Anishnaabe: The People of the Land exhibit. The originals debuted during Red Lake’s Winter Carnival, drawing hundreds of visitors before being transferred to the Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre for continued display.

The Woodland Art Mural Project stands as a testament to what a community can achieve when passion, culture, and collaboration come together. Red Lake’s artistic spirit—once born from the legends of its land—continues to thrive, connecting past, present, and future through every brushstroke.

Plan Your Trip to Experience Woodland Art in Red Lake

Visitors can explore the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre, view the Woodland Art murals, and experience the area’s breathtaking natural beauty. With nearby lakes, outdoor adventures, and vibrant cultural festivals, Red Lake is the perfect destination for those looking to experience the creative soul of Northern Ontario.

Immerse Yourself in the Exhibits at the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre

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