Mi’kmaw artist Alan Syliboy was recently appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia, the province’s highest honour. He is one of 10 recipients to receive the accolade this year. Photo by Aidan Rawding /Truro NewsArticle contentMILLBROOK – A celebrated Mi’kmaw artist was recently recognized with the province’s highest honour.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentAlan Syliboy is one of 10 people appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia this year.Article contentArticle contentHe is a multidisciplinary Mi’kmaw artist, author, and elder from the Millbrook First Nation.Article contentSyliboy is being recognized for his contributions to Indigenous art, cultural preservation, and the promotion of Mi’kmaw language, history, and traditions, according to the Government of Nova Scotia’s website.Article contentArticle content“Being an artist for 50 years, especially from the Mi’kmaw community, I think this is certainly a very important award, because then it makes artists and Mi’kmaw artists visible,” Syliboy said in an interview at his studio in Millbrook.Article contentHe said it’s been a long journey to get to where he is in his career today.Article content“It’s a highlight of my career, certainly,” he said of the Order of Nova Scotia appointmentArticle contentSyliboy works across several different art forms. His work is inspired by Mi’kmaw petroglyphs and quill-weaving traditions.Article content Alan Syliboy signs a piece of artwork at his studio in Millbrook First Nation. His art is influenced by Mi’kmaw petroglyphs and quill-weaving traditions. Photo by Aidan Rawding /Truro NewsArticle contentIn addition to being a visual artist, he is also a member of Alan Syliboy and the Thundermakers, an award-winning Canadian Indigenous rock and spoken word group.Article contentWhether it’s his visual art, music, or books, Syliboy’s work is shared across Nova Scotia and beyond.Article contentSyliboy indicates the biggest difference he’s made in Nova Scotia comes from his identity as a Mi’kmaw artist, not from a specific project.Article contentSome artists move to pursue their craft, he said, but he wanted to establish his career in Nova Scotia.Article contentArticle content“I felt that I wanted to make my career, my life here. And so, it was difficult, because you know, there was no market for Indigenous art when I started, none at all,” he said.Article contentNow, he has public art displayed all around.Article contentThe artist said he always envied Canada’s West Coast because of its visible Indigenous art scene.Article content“I always envied the west because, you know, they’re so visible out there. You see Indigenous art everywhere, but not in Nova Scotia. But now that’s changing. And there’s lots of Indigenous artists that are making public works, and so we are visible,” he said.Article content“It’s fantastic to see, and I’m glad to be able to be here … to see all this renaissance of Indigenous culture.”Article contentThroughout Syliboy’s career, he has received distinctions like the Portia White Prize, an honorary doctorate from St. Francis Xavier University, and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for Artistic Achievement.Article contentThe Order of Nova Scotia is Syliboy’s most recent accolade. An investiture ceremony will take place in Halifax in the fall.
Mikmaw artist Alan Syliboy appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia
