Daphne Odjig is one of Canada’s most celebrated and distinctive painters. Born in 1919 on Manitoulin Island in Ontario, she has received numerous accolades for her art including an appointment to the Order of Canada in 1986, an election to the Royal Canadian Academy of Art, and in 1998, a National Aboriginal Achievement Award. In 2002 Canada Post chose to feature “Genesis”, one of Daphne’s 1976 works in its holiday stamp collection.

Daphne is the recipient of honorary degrees conferred by the Laurentian University, University of Toronto, Nipissing University of North Bay and the Okanagan University College, and many other appointments and medals including the 2002 Commemorative Golden Jubilee Medal. In 2003 Daphne received an award from the Department of Canadian Heritage. In 2004 her life and work was commemorated in a Native Earth Performing Arts production, The Art Show, in Toronto. Her most coveted recognition came in the form of an eagle feather given to her by the chief of the Wikwemikong Reserve where she had grown up.

Odjig’s work can be found in the collections of numerous public galleries including the Museum of Civilization, McMichael, Kamloops Art Gallery, National Gallery of Canada, Glenbow Foundation and Art Gallery of Ontario to name a few.

Daphne currently reside in Penticton and continues to serve as an inspiration and role model for young Native people.