Christi Belcourt receives Governor General Award for Innovation

Métis artist Christi Belcourt is one of this year's recipients of the Governor General's Innovation Award, for her artwork which raises awareness about issues impacting Indigenous people of Canada.

She received the award today, along with six other recipients, most of whom are being recognized for innovations in medicine and technology.

In a post on her website, Belcourt writes that she is excited that the selection committee recognizes "that artists can be innovators."

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"I have seen how the arts and artists are creating positive change within their communities," writes Belcourt.

Belcourt initiated Walking With Our Sisters, a touring art installation that tells the stories of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The installation includes close to 2,000 pairs of moccasin vamps, each of which represents a missing or murdered Indigenous woman.

Last year Belcourt, currently based in Espanola, Ont., became an international name in fashion design, when her drawing Water Song was used as a print in Valentino's resort collection. That same year, she had the opportunity to design the 2015 medals awarded at the Pam Am games.

Belcourt says she remains reluctant to accept awards, since she sees her work as drawing from a much larger community.

"I do not feel my work is separated from the work of the hundreds of thousands of Indigenous peoples and nations who are doing work that brings health, healing or light to their communities and yet go unheralded," writes Belcourt.

The Governor General awards are given to innovators whose work is exceptional, and has a positive impact on the quality of life in Canada. The awards were presented to the winners by Governor General of Canada David Johnston at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa.