Diane Montreuil, is an Eastern Metis (Algonquin), born and raised in Montreal, QC.
Board member of the MNOC (Metis Nation of Canada).
Diane became a self-taught artist/painter influenced by the Woodland School Style after responding to the call of her Ancestors. An inner longing for the traditional ways of her Indigenous culture was the beginning of an artistic adventure that led to the real self-discovery and brought spiritual healing that continues to this day. All paintings are dedicated to our Grandmothers and Elders and for keeping the teachings alive for the next generation and for people to understand our Indigenous culture.
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In 2018 Diane was nominated by Oasis Tremplin, as Indigenous woman of March, displaying her paintings, celebrated on International women’s day.
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She was the first indigenous woman exhibitor in the Pierre Léon Gallery (the Gallery’s 2018-2019 calendar) at the French Alliance of Toronto.
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For the second consecutive year since 2017, Diane exhibited in the Artist Network’s Gallery in collaboration with the AGO and ROM. Member Artist of the Network since 2018.
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Guest Indigenous Artist invited at the Latornell Environment Symposium 2018 – 2019 Lands to Great Lakes.
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Member at CARFAC of Ontario (Association of professional Visual and Media Artists in Ontario)
Commission Paintings are done on request…
Paintings are on Canvas done with Acrylic Paint.
Each painting comes with a certificate of authenticity and the story of the painting. All prints are limited edition and include a certificate of authenticity also.
Limited Edition Prints on giclee paper of these paintings are available.
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Shipping and Handling costs are to be added for deliveries
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For Original Paintings valued over $500, Payment Plan with no interest is available
The Journey has begun…
The Circle Of The Grandmothers
Acrylic painting on round canvas, 29.5 in. (2018)
Original Available $3,250 Prints Available 30.5 x 30.5 in. $425
The Grandmothers are the Ancient Ones of Earth united in One Heart called the sacred circle. They are the medicine carriers, wisdom bearers, and spiritual Elders. They are the Caretakers of the Earth, along with its multitude of living creatures, all of whom are our kin. Together, experiencing and sharing timeless wisdom, solidarity, inspiration, and hope for the future. Grandmothers bearing witness to the wounds of People and the Earth itself, offering traditional wisdom and healing practices that are needed now more than ever – to ease environmental deprivation, war, and other social imbalances.
Singing to our Ancestors
Acrylic 16 in. painting on Hand Drum (2017)
Original Sold $425, Prints Available 17 x 17 in. $185
The sound of the Drum blows to the wind with a strong Heartbeat (the pulse of Mother Earth). The heart beat reaches to the whole center of the Universe. We who have the understanding of the mystery & power of the teachings are able to send it out to reach all Creation. The Elder stands strong and remembers the responsibilities that come with the teaching and the sharing of our traditional way. As we journey while reflecting on our stories, we are “Singing to our Ancestors” in a loving & respectful way, offering gratitude in the songs as a celebration of life.
I am an Urban Metis
Acrylic painting on a skateboard, 9 x 32 in. (2018)
Original Sold $1,200, Prints Available 10.5 x 34 in. $195
Metis people helped to shape the Canada of today, mainly in terms of the expansion economically and Nation culturally. Most of the fur traders were French and Catholic and exposed to both Catholic and First belief systems. Due to their close ties with the fur trade, most Metis were spread along the Canadian fur trade routes. Over many years in the Eastern area, they were coping with starvation and deportation. Some have moved west in the 1700 and 1800 for survival. Many French-Canadian fur traders found Native wives and had children that are recognized as Metis today. Currently, as a Metis woman living in an urban setting, it brings its own challenges with whom to connect/share and keep your tradition alive. As an Urban Metis, you must cherish your own inner self (about who you are), you must cherish your Indigenous heritage which is loved.
The Tree of Life
Acrylic painting on canvas, 24 x 36 in. (2018)
Original Available $3,200, Prints Available 26 x 38.5 in. $385
Turtle Island, our Mother Earth, where the Tree of life represents all that is life, encompassing all that exists upon the Earth. We recognize that our journey begins and ends under the protection of this Tree representing the cycle of Life. Whereas, one leaf or fruit falls, so begins new growth. Turtle Island, containing the ashes – full wisdom of our Ancestors. Rhythms of the world continue year after year, and with each cycle, fruit nourishes those who stand under her boughs. The roots dig deep into history. Those dedicated to this energy know the value of all beings. Tend to Mother Earth and live an honorable life in honor of the spirit of the Ancient Tree. We travel in our connections and journey in full respect with the Bear and Eagle spirit representing family and strong teachings as we seek growth, offer thanksgiving and gratitude for the Gift of Life.
Grandmother Holding the World
Acrylic painting on canvas, 30 x 22 in. (2017)
Original Available $2,700, Prints Available 32 x 24.5 in. $350
Beloved Grandmother, Elder in our community, holding the Earth for the next seven generations to come. Love without limits, surrounding, and embracing our Ancestors. Your teachings are the fruit of growth, bringing the voices of abundance & knowledge to our people and all the generations to come. Custodian of the Earth bringing together the necessary healing to restore balance. See the fruits growing in their creative power.
Dancing Deers
Acrylic painting on canvas, 24 x 18 in. (2011)
Original Available $2,400, Prints Available 26 x 20.5 in. $250
Spirit of the Deer representing the Earth and Sky dance. Reuniting to do the healing dance in balance. The Deer is very well respected and in some tribes, the Deer is also a clan. Hunters use every part of the animal showing respect for the life they had to take to survive. Deer Spirit, teacher of respect, beauty and healing, teach us how to balance ourselves and learn how to walk on Mother Earth with gentleness and swiftness in full respect, also to each other. Deer Spirit, come into our dream to guide us on our new journeys.
Sunrise Ceremony
Acrylic painting on canvas, 12 x 12 in. (2018)
Original SOLD $450, Prints available 13 x 14.5 in. $125
Grandmother gives her wisdom as the keeper of the teaching lodge and the sacred ways! The wise ones gather “Children of the Sun”. As they gather at Sunrise for a new day a new beginning standing facing the East gate offering their thanksgiving and appreciation for the Gift of Life and for all new experiences during the day, for their learning and Growth. Prayers are sent out to Creator and Grandmothers to bless all the children, women and men of the Universe, and to the Animal kingdom, Blessings to our Grandmother teachings, it is given for us to learn how to walk in Beauty and Respect on Mother Earth.
Grandmother Moon
Acrylic painting on canvas, 12 x 12 in. (2018)
Original SOLD $450, Prints Available 13 x 14.5 in. $125
Grandmother Moon watches over the waters of the Earth. Indigenous women are the Custodian of the Waters as demonstrated in childbirth, where water always comes before giving new life. Grandmother Moon has a strong connection to the cycles of life, the tides come and go according to her control. Our Grandmother Moon is literally the beating heart of our Mother Earth. She regulates the flow of the lifeblood upon our Mother Earth. Nokomis or Grandmother Moon watches over her children of the Earth, gently leading them through the nights and holds their dreams in her power.
Healing Herbs
Acrylic painting on canvas, 10 x 10 in. (2017)
Original SOLD $350, Prints Available 11 x 11 in. $95
Grandmother who gives her wisdom as the keeper of the teaching lodge and the sacred ways. She understands and teaches the healing pathway to our people and young women for them to learn the traditional herbal way of the medicine, based on the medicine wheel. For each heir of the teaching, it’s their responsibility to pass on to the next seven generations and learn how to walk in Beauty and Respect on our Mother Earth.
The Water Song
Acrylic painting on canvas, 12 x 12 in. (2018)
Original SOLD $450, Prints Available 13 x 14.5 in. $125
Algonquin water song for all women (Nibi means water in Algonquin)… Listen to the water, it hears you, the water has memory, water is the Lifeblood of Mother Earth and to our own body. Continue to pass on the knowledge that needs to be given to the next generation, we are the keeper of the water (woman). Make the changes in this Life condition. Our grandchildren will stand up to the truth of what life is about and to live it in an honorable way as the way that Ancestors came to this Earth. Each day when the Sun rises no matter how yesterday was, there is a new chance for our hopes and dreams. Sing to the water four times, to the East, South, West, and North.
Grandmothers Blessing the Waters
Acrylic painting on canvas, 10 x 10 in. (2018)
Original SOLD $350, Prints Available 11 x 11 in. $95
Grandmothers who give their wisdom as the keeper of the teaching lodge & the sacred circles. Protecting & nurturing the spirit of water, walking the healing pathway as the keeper of the water governance. They are Protectors of the sacred waters and vessels of Mother Earth which represent Life. Grandmother from the East & the West coming together doing tobacco offering to the sacred water. For each heir of the teaching, it’s their responsibility to pass on to the next seven generations and to teach how to walk in Beauty & Respect on our Mother Earth
Green Corn Celebration
Acrylic painting on canvas, 12 x 12 in. (2018)
Original SOLD $450, Prints Available 13 x 14.5 in. $125
Green corn celebration & dance is an expression of Gratitude for a successful corn crop. Ceremony held after the harvest is a time to rekindle a sense of sacredness & a renewing of Life.
A time where old fires were put out, the village were cleaned, and worn or broken items were cleared out in a common heap and burned. The husk would be held when the firs corn crop became edible, giving a sense of renewal and forgiveness. This dance celebrated both the crop and the sense of community that shaped our lives including singing, dancing, and storytelling. During the dance the Old ones would say listen to the voices of Selu (corn mother) and feel her dancing around with us in celebration of Gratitude.
Sunset Ceremony
Acrylic painting on canvas, 10 x 10 in. (2018)
Original SOLD $350, Prints Available 11 x 11 in. $95
Grandmother gives her wisdom as the keeper of the teaching lodge & the sacred way. The wise ones gather “Children of the Sun”. As they gather at Sunset they stand facing the West gate offering “Sunset Prayers” of thanksgiving for all experienced during the day, for the gift of Life & Growth. Prayers are sent out to all the children of the universe, and to the Animal kingdom, for our Ancestors to cover them in a blanket of Stars for their new day to come. Blessings to our Grandmother teachings, it is given for us to learn how to walk in Beauty & Respect on Mother Earth.
Sundance Ceremony
Acrylic painting on canvas, 12 x 15.5 in. (2011)
Original SOLD $375, Prints Available 14 x 17 in. $125
Most highly and respected ceremony amongst our Indigenous communities of different tribes still ongoing today. Sundance in pure respect and in prayers seeking answers for all. The healing prayers go out for our families, relatives & for the people.
Time of prayers must come for the gift of Life, renewal & thanksgiving. It is believed that unless the Sundance is performed each year, the Earth will lose touch with its creative power of the Universe, and lose its ability to regenerate.
The Gathering
Acrylic painting on canvas 24 x 18 in. (2018)
Original SOLD $2,600, Prints Available 25 x 19 in. $445
Gatherings give us the ability to live in harmony with the natural elements, having an appreciation for the weather patterns, animal behaviors, and cycles of plant life, water supply, and the seasons. This shows our connection with the elements and Mother Earth.
The Gathering place is a family event & a cultural celebration welcoming everyone to nurture individual and community wholeness. It is a time where people gather to enjoy sharing conversation & stories. A place where women, men, grandmothers, Elders, children, etc, come together to share their knowledge and spirituality.
In our Indigenous community, we sustain cultural preservation by acknowledging history & responsibility. A place where we promote respect, pride, inclusion, and recognition of diversity. Our elders are honored and revered for their wisdom. The Gathering starts with them offering prayers of thanksgiving inviting people to do tobacco offering in the sacred fire.
Walking with the sisters
Acrylic painting on canvas 12 x 12 in. (2018)
Original SOLD $450, Prints Available 16 x 16.5 in. $185
Unfinished moccasins representing unfinished lives of murdered and missing Indigenous women whose lives were cut short. Children’s moccasins are dedicated to those who never returned home from residential schools.
Pathways representing their path or journey that was ended prematurely. We are paying respect to their lives and existence on this Earth so they aren’t forgotten. They are sisters, mothers, aunties, daughters, cousins, grandmothers, wives, and partners.
They have been cared for, they have been loved, they are missing and they are not forgotten. Sacred Grandmother watches over and blesses their spirits. May their spirits rest in peace in the arm of our Grandmothers & Ancestors.
The Teaching Lodge
Trio canvas Acrylic painting on canvas. (2019) Sold Separately, Prints available, sold separately.
TL 01 – Land Preparation
(First Painting) Acrylic painting on canvas 24 x 18 in. (2019)
Original available $2,600, Prints Available 25x 19 in. $245
Gathering together, Children of the Earth preparing the sacredness and the many blessings of our Ancestors to unfold in our prayers.
Feeling the wind embracing their hair, the elements nurturing their spirit, as they welcome Grandfather Sun, Grandmother Moon, and the Star People.
Expression of gratefulness for the prayers, for the ceremony to be heard.
(Middle painting) Acrylic painting on round canvas 36 in. (2019) with deer leather & glass beads.
Original available $3,350, Prints Available 38 x 38 in. $480
Sacred Ancestral teachings were passed on to the people living on Turtle Island for them to live in respect & harmony with the whole Universe.
Portrayed, Prayers to the Eagle messenger flying the highest to deliver those prayers to Creator. Prayers to the Bear flow, asking for blessings, strength & courage. We ask to become stronger.
Blessings to our Ancestors for watching over the lodge and for holding the teachings. Blessings to our Grandmothers for walking with us women into the healings lodge so that we can stand stronger, walk humbly, and yet in an honorable way.
Buffalo, totally give away of the medicine ways and teachings, standing in the North gate where our Ancestors originate.
Sweetgrass circles the lodge’s womb, bringing the sweet smell of Mother Earth’s hair in all sacredness and respect.
Give thanks to Grandfather Sun, Grandmother Moon and the star people, to Nibi (the water), life’s blood of Mother Earth, and lifeblood of our own body. Give Great Thanksgiving for the Gift of Life, for the learning & the growth.
TL 03 – Holding Hands at Sunrise
(3rd Painting) Acrylic painting on canvas 24 x 18 in. (2019)
Original available $2,600, SOLD. Prints Available 25 x 19 in. $245
The blessings of a new beginning. We are born again in this new day welcoming and facing Grandfather Sun. Standing strong all together walking on Mother Earth as one. Renewed, welcoming new learning & growth
The Trio
Grandfather Pine Celebration
Acrylic Painting on Canvas 12 x 12 in. (2019)
Original $450, Prints Available 13 x 14.5 in. $125
Grandfather pine is a winter celebration that happens in December. It is a time where people get together to express gratitude to the Peace tree. A time where we gift the tree with bright and shiny ornaments and the wee people (little spirit people of the forest) enjoy coming to get them.
It is also a time of planting a prayer stick on a mound on the skin of Mother Earth. Whatever negative emotion you would like to release is planted in the earth on that stick. On the upper part of the same stick are the new positive things you would like to receive in the coming year.
According to an ancient legend attributed to the Cherokee peoples, it was a simple act of kindness towards an injured little bird that earned pine trees this very honor of being evergreen
The 13 Moons
Oval Acrylic painting on canvas 26 x 18 in. (2020)
Original $2500, Prints Available 27 x 19 in. $255
Grandmother Moon watches over the waters of the Earth. Indigenous women are the custodian of the waters as demonstrated in childbirth, where water always comes before giving new life.
Grandmother Moon has a strong connection to the cycles of life, the tides come and go according to her control.
Our Grandmother Moon is literally the beating heart of our Mother Earth. She regulates the flow of the lifeblood upon our Mother Earth.
Nokomis or Grandmother Moon watches over her children of the Earth, gently leading them through the nights and holds their dreams in her power
Beautiful Grandmothers
Acrylic painting on canvas 24 x 12 in. (2020)
Original $2,400, Prints Available 25 x 13 in. $225
The Indigenous Grandmothers are medicine carriers, wisdom bearers, and spiritual elders from indigenous communities
These Grandmothers are also Elders who stand strong and remember the responsibilities that come with the teaching and the sharing of our traditional way; sacred Ancestral teachings (teaching lodge & the sacred circles) which were passed on to the people living on Turtle Island for them to live in respect & harmony within the whole Universe.
Our Grandmothers come together to strengthen and empower people, to bring back the balance that has been lost, while offering wisdom on such timely issues as nurturing our families; cultivating physical and mental health; and confronting violence, war, and poverty.
The Wisdom Canoe
Acrylic Painting on round canvas – 16 inches (2020)
Original SOLD $485, Prints Available 17 x 17 in. $185
Beloved Grandmothers – carriers of the strong wisdom, keeping the vision alive to paddle all together in one direction. In unity they follow the pathway, their vision together is to strengthen and empower people they encounter.
It is given for us to learn how-to walk-in Beauty and Respect on Turtle Island for our journey. The rapid water brings us to acknowledge that life will be chaotic at certain times of our lives, but things will get back to its normal course eventually.
The Algonquin’s take on the Aurora was that it was created by light from a fire built by Nanahbozho (Creator). They understood the fire to be Nanahbozho’s ways of telling them that he remembered them and was watching over them
Ancestors Voices
Acrylic Painting on round canvas – 16 inches (2020)
Original $485 SOLD, Prints Available 17 x 17 in. $185
The Ancestor’s voices teach the traditional ways of transforming obstacles to happiness and good relationships, fulfilling one’s life purpose, manifesting peace and abundance, and renewing Mother Earth.
The Ancestor’s voices are charged with the duty to rekindle the fire of clear mind and right relationships in these changing times, teaching on how to practice generosity and harmony.
Awakening the Healing “Ancestors Voices Speak Love out of Silence Into our Being – You were born to Light up the World!”
Call of the Ancestors
Acrylic painting on canvas 12 x 12 inches. (2020)
Original $450, Prints Available 13 x 14.5 in. $125
Our Ancestors understood their interconnectedness with one another, with all nature, and with the sacred cosmic forces. The invisible & the visible pulse with the same life & the sacredness Is not separated from the whole, they are interconnected and interactive. In this world the unseen spiritual forces are stronger and hold a place within all nature.
Ancestors call out to our young people to go back to the traditional ways, for them to remember the ways in which all things should live interconnectedly to maintain order and sustainability.
Ancestors laid down not only the foundation of all life but also what people had to do to maintain their part of connectedness and responsibilities toward each other, including their relationship with the Ancestors spirits themselves.
“To remember the wisdom of our Ancestors is to become wiser.”
Grandmother Blessing the Land
Acrylic painting on canvas 4 x 12 inches. (2020)
Original $125 SOLD, No Prints Available
Indigenous Grandmothers are medicine keepers & carriers, wisdom bearers, and spiritual elders in different indigenous communities.
Grandmothers duty is to serve as the caretakers of the Earth called Turtle Island including all living creatures that are considered as their kin.
Grandmothers witnesses the wounds of People & the Earth and offers traditional medicine & wisdom in their healing practices.
Vision Quest
Acrylic painting on canvas 24 x 24 inches. (2020)
Original $2,700, Prints Available 24.5 x 24.75 in. $275
A time of spiritual journeying, where people come once a year to pray to Creator to help them to have a vision, one that will help them find their purpose in life, their role in a community, and how they may best serve the People. During their journey in their life people have disconnected with their real purposes & accomplishments.
In preparation for the quest to rediscover their Life purpose, the questers who ask for their vision will have to fast for days. Spirit & community comes together, assisting & supporting the questers in their few days of solitude on the Land for them to have a clearer answer.
Prayers are given and tobacco is offered to Great Spirit from the questers who are sitting in their sacred spaces. They ask the Bear spirit for courage and strength for vision, Grandmothers are drumming asking Great Sprit to hear the prayers of the questers, The Eagle Spirit (Messenger) – the one that flies the highest between the Earth & sky bringing the prayers to be heard by the Creator.
Manitou Kwe Singers Hand Drum
Acrylic painting on Hand Drum 16 inches (2016)
Original SOLD $525, No prints Available, No Story available
Women Vision Quest
Acrylic painting on canvas 12 x 10 in. (2011)
Original SOLD $375, No prints Available, No Story available
Grandmother Teaching the Children
Acrylic painting on canvas 12 x 10 in. (2011)
Original SOLD $375, No prints Available, No Story available
Diane's Art Connection 