Indigenous Artist

MIKE ORMSBY is an Anishinaabe artist, craftsman, musician, writer, storyteller, outdoor educator, and canoe builder.

For many years, he concentrated on building birch bark and wood canvas canoes. But recently Mike has returned to music (even starting up a recording studio appropriately called STUDIO JIIMAAN) while still continuing with visual art.

He signs his art work as "W’ dae b’ wae", the Anishinaabe name given to me by the late Elder Art Solomon. The meaning of 'w' dae b' wae' is “he or she is telling the truth, is right, is correct, is accurate.” Mike hopes his artwork speaks to that same truth. Through his art, he tries to share Anishinaabe culture, teachings and traditions. Mike’s family is from Curve Lake First Nation.