Jane Ash Poitras

B.Sc., B.F.A., M.F.A., B.A. (Hon.), LLD (Hon.), DLitt (Hon.)

Jane Ash Poitras, an internationally acclaimed First Nations visual artist, is renowned for her impactful contributions to Canada’s artistic landscape. A recipient of the Order of Canada in 2017, she has been celebrated with numerous accolades, including honorary degrees from the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Arts and Culture.

Born in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, and raised in Edmonton, Poitras overcame early hardships to achieve academic and artistic excellence. Initially pursuing a career in medicine, she earned a B.Sc. in microbiology before shifting her focus to art, eventually earning a B.F.A. from the University of Alberta and an M.F.A. from Columbia University.

Her work blends Indigenous traditions with diverse influences like ethnobotany, linguistics, and contemporary issues, resulting in thought-provoking pieces that challenge and enlighten. Her major exhibitions, including “Who Discovered the Americas?” and “Consecrated Medicine,” have toured nationally, earning her a permanent place in collections such as the Royal Ontario Museum and the National Gallery of Canada.

A sought-after lecturer and mentor, Poitras continues to inspire emerging Indigenous artists and support social causes, using her art to advocate for justice and cultural preservation. Her works are displayed globally, including in Canadian embassies and prestigious public and private collections.

in Ft Chipewayan, AB