Seven Sacred Teachings Art Contest Winner

Nicole Antoine has been selected as the winner of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service’s Seven Sacred Teachings art contest.

Today, the Manitoba First Nations Police Service presented Nicole Antoine with an iPad Pro in recognition of her winning submissions to the Seven Sacred Teachings art contest. The Manitoba First Nations Police Service had invited Indigenous artists in Manitoba to submit their digital artwork for the contest which began in February 2024. The theme of the contest was the Seven Sacred Teachings, also known as the Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers, which are a set of teachings on human conduct towards others.

The Seven Sacred Teachings are the core values of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service:

“In the spirit of accountability and transparency, we embrace the Seven Sacred Teachings as a way of being, reaffirming them as our core values, and apply the teachings in the work we do.”

Chief Palson:

“We are proud to have Nicole’s beautiful artwork become an important part of our organisation’s internal culture. The Seven Teachings inspire and guide us in all we do as a First Nations police service.”

The MFNPS will use and display Nicole’s artwork in publications as well as web and social media platforms.

Statement from the winner:

 "Han, Nicole Antoine emakiyapi ye! (My name is Nicole Antoine). I am a visual artist and a Brandon University art student from Wipazoka Wakpa (Sioux Valley Dakota Nation), Manitoba. 

I am excited to be given this opportunity by MFNPS to present my Seven Sacred Teachings artwork, representing the core values that are highly regarded in Indigenous lives. These teachings begin within ourselves and are important for our ceremonies, beliefs, and for our youth to learn and embrace. 

In creating each piece, I sought to embody the starquilt design, a time-honored symbol of protection on ones journey through life and a powerful reminder of the value in giving to others. I am content with the outcome of each one I had envisioned.

Wopida Manitoba First Nations Police Services, for the selection, the support and recognition of my work."