Ocean Kiana, a Nishinaabe designer and artist originating from North Western Ontario, where I was nurtured by the matriarchs of my family. My Nishinaabe name, Waabshki Memegwans, translates to White Butterfly.
Ocean Kiana is proficient in a variety of artistic techniques, including beading, designing, sewing, pattern drafting, drawing, and painting.
The Beauty of the Land
In February 2022, I created a piece deeply inspired by the landscapes of my homelands in Biigtigong Nishnaabeg and Netmizaagamig Nishnaabeg. Growing up, I experienced numerous canoe trips that fostered enduring memories with my cousins and relatives. These journeys were part of broader initiatives to reclaim our traditional routes and rename our lands in our native language.
You can view this piece at Park’s Canada Rouge Park in Toronto, ON.
Men’s Wear
The Red men’s dress shirt at IEW at First Nation’s House Fashion show, November 2023.
The RED midnight
The RED midnight dress, worn by the beautiful Natasha Fisher. The remix of the original Midnight Dress
Ojibway Scrub
The show stopper at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. A reflection of my identity as an Ojibway Kwe.
Anangokaa in the 6ix
A piece that represented my people, specifically the Ojibway, Nishinaabe. Our tribes and cultures are so distinct and unique between each nations. Nishinaabe tell our stories from the sky.
Trillium Midnight Medicine bag
This Trillium Midnight medicine bag was inspired by the long winter nights and the crisp white snow that covers Mother Earth. Anishinaabeg make bags out of wool and leather, with florals designs to hold their sacred items and medicines.
Dagwaagin Bag
This bag is a reflection of my time spent in the bush this past fall. The sound of the leaves falling while I sat with birds and the trees. Dark nights and surrounded by red and auburn colours.
WINTER SOLSTICE
These three skirts inspired by the relationships I have with my ancestors and the matriarchs who have come before me. Pieces named from left to right, Nokomis Camp skirt, Ancestor skirt, and the Winter Applique skirt.
Nishinaabe Kwe
Using language to represent our women on this traditional ribbon skirt, with the use of red to represent the MMIW.
Anishinaabe kwe
When we transition into different phases of our lives it's important to honour ourselves. I created this set to honour and gift myself for obtaining my Bachelor of Arts in Anishinaabe studies at Algoma University.
Raptors but make it woodland
I was inspired by the colours of the Raptors team uniforms. When I looked at one of my drawings of a woodland dancer, I thought I took a glimpse of a Raptors player in woodland gear. Then I looked again and realized that I needed to make it happen.
GROWING
I was processing a lot of what I have been through in this lifetime, all the pain, all the beauty, and the thorns we experience in this lifetime. How much we’ve grown and how we shape into beautiful beings and spirits.
Contact Me
Community Care
Community care is about offering support and nurture to one another when it's most needed, much like how mother bears look after their cubs until they're ready to explore the world on their own. This piece was commissioned by the Marathon Family Health Team.