Christi Belcourt

Christi Belcourt (b. 1966) is a Métis visual artist and environmentalist who uses her talent to celebrate nature, honour her ancestors, advocate for the protection of land and water, and support Indigenous knowledge, culture and language.

A descendant of the Métis community of Manitow Sâkahikan (Lac Ste. Anne) in Alberta, she is well known for her intricate paintings that emulate Métis floral beadwork. Her work can be found in many private and public collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Gabriel Dumont Institute.

The power of Belcourt’s art lies in both its beauty and its message. One of her most poignant works is Walking With Our Sisters, a multi-artist installation of more than 2,000 pairs of beaded moccasin tops honouring the lives of missing or murdered Indigenous women, Two-Spirit people and children.

As co-founders of the community-based Onaman Collective, she and Isaac Murdoch volunteer their time to create resources and space for land-based Indigenous practices, including language revitalization.

Belcourt’s many honours include a Governor General’s Innovation Award, for advocating for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and recognition of their lands.

Proud advocates for the rights and well-being of their people, the three modern-day Indigenous leaders in this inaugural series are honoured for dedicating their lives to preserving Métis, First Nations and Inuit culture and improving the quality of life of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

The second set of stamps in the Indigenous Leaders series honours three Métis, First Nations and Inuit leaders whose tireless efforts to protect the rights, culture and welfare of their people had a profound influence on Canada’s history.

The thid set of stamps issued in 2024 pays tribute to three remarkable women.

The fourth set features three stamps honouring the remarkable knowledge/language keepers of the Indigenous Leaders series.