The Mi’kma’ki Artists’ Spotlight, a section found within the exhibition Ta’n a’sikatikl sipu’l | Confluence, celebrates artwork created by Indigenous artists across Mi’kma’ki (the territory of the Mi’kmaq Nation).
Mi’kmaq Territory stretches across Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, parts of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec, and Northeastern Maine. The Mi’kma’ki Artists’ Spotlight is designed to be refreshed and rejuvenated regularly with newly featured artists.
In 2025 – 2026, we are delighted to host hand-carved wooden masks by Mi’kmaw artist Gordon Sparks.
“I strongly believe in the traditional hand-carved wooden mask, traditional ceremony, and storytelling. Each mask speaks to me, guides me, the tree that is chosen speaks to me to carve the spirit of our ancestors and the stories of our life givers and life protectors that live here in Mi’kma’ki, to be shown to all people of the land.”
– Gordon Sparks
Throughout his entire process, Sparks pays close attention to sourcing every material in his work such as bear fur, rabbit fur, eagle feather, horse tail and moose hide to name only a few. He works exclusively with non-powered tools, performing ceremony through carving, and inspiring new mask carvers, empowering his community through mentorship, and renewing commitments to ancestral knowledge and wisdom.
About the Artist
Gordon Sparks is a Mi’kmaw artist from Pabineau First Nation, now living in Rough Waters, New Brunswick. Gordon harvests wood and animal materials through ceremony, carving masks that embody the spirit of Mi’kmaw stories, traditions, and teachings. Each mask reflects a deeply personal journey—guided by the tree itself—and speaks to the lives of his people, past and present. His work honours traditional knowledge, ceremony, and storytelling, breathing life into Mi’kmaw characters through collaborations with dancers, drummers, and regalia makers. Also a skin artist with over 30 years of experience, Gordon fuses tattoo design and carving to preserve and share cultural teachings. His work has been exhibited across Atlantic Canada and internationally, including at London’s prestigious Collect Art Fair. Committed to mentorship and cultural preservation, Gordon continues to guide and inspire Indigenous artists and communities across Mi’kma’ki.
Photo by Toonasa Jordana Luggi.
