Officer of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 2023-05-11
Invested on: 2025-09-18
Kent Monkman, O.C.
Toronto, Ontario
Acclaimed artist Kent Monkman reimagines the history of Canadian art through an Indigenous lens. Drawing inspiration from classical works, his bold and provocative paintings, films and performances address the devastating multigenerational impact of colonialism and create awareness on the enduring struggles faced by Indigenous people. An influential force in contemporary art, he volunteers with museums to shift the predominant narratives surrounding Indigenous culture while honouring the resistance and resilience of Indigenous people.