Celebrating Indigenous communities and cultures

The Longhouse Labs — a destination for Indigenous artists at the University of Waterloo — is pleased to welcome Amber Sandy as the 2026-27 Longhouse Fellow.

Sandy has joined the Longhouse Labs for an eight-month term, which will provide her with dedicated time, space and financial support to expand her body of work. The fellowship is part of a broader two-year $530,000 contribution from TD Bank Group (TD) supporting programming at the Longhouse Labs, as well as the annual Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát Pow Wow (coming September 26) and the Indigenous Speakers Series (October 7).

A proud member of Neyaashiinigmiing, the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation, Sandy is a passionate advocate of land-based education and an inaugural winner of the 2023 David Suzuki Foundation’s Rewilding Art Prize. Her artistry, which focuses on bark, leather, beadwork, quillwork, tufting and fur, is deeply rooted in her culture.

As a hide tanner, she transforms moose, deer and fish skin into handcrafted leather. Her work reflects a profound connection between Indigenous knowledge systems and environmental science, exploring the reciprocal relationships between land, cultural identity and education. She is celebrated for her fervour in increasing access to traditional land-based knowledge, practices and art for Indigenous Peoples.

“We are thrilled to welcome Amber Sandy to the Longhouse Labs,” says Logan MacDonald, Director of the Labs and Professor of Fine Arts. “Amber’s practice brings birch bark into contemporary forms, pushing the limits of the material while honouring traditional practices. We hope her work will inspire emerging artists, including our students, to expand their own practices. I appreciate TD’s support in creating space for these meaningful experiences."

The Longhouse Labs aims to foster Indigenous leadership in fine art and introduce Indigenous knowledge and cultures to communities across Canada and beyond. Through the fellowship program, Indigenous artists and craftspeople have access to flexible facilities for studio, land-based, digital, material and community-based practices. The Fellows present exhibits and mentor Waterloo students — particularly Indigenous learners — offering culturally grounded guidance and sharing their knowledge across generations.

By reducing financial barriers for artists and bringing Indigenous practices and insights into the University community, the Longhouse Labs responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call for equitable Indigenous contributions to the cultural life of this country.

Birch bark artwork wrapped in a circle with the text: You said you love me you don't even love yourself — "You said" 2025, Birch bark, spruce roots, glass seed beads, 15 x 8 x 8 in. Photograph by Jake Kimble.

“Celebrating the cultures of Indigenous Peoples and advancing leadership from Indigenous communities are important parts of our collective journey toward Truth and Reconciliation,” says Doris Bear, Vice President, Indigenous Banking at TD. “Our support for the University of Waterloo will help create more opportunities for artists from Indigenous communities to develop their practices, mentor students and share their knowledge.”

The Longhouse Labs will host a range of events for Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members, including exhibitions, workshops, collaborative sessions and conversations. The Gallery is open Thursday through Saturday, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by appointment.

“We’re truly grateful for TD’s support for Indigenous communities in shaping Canada’s cultural and academic futures,” says Nenone Donaldson, Vice-President, Advancement and External Relations. “This investment will help the Longhouse Labs create a sustainable model for Indigenous arts programming, mentorship and creative growth, which will benefit communities across Canada. We look forward to meaningful conversations at the Longhouse Labs, as well as the Pow Wow and the Indigenous Speakers Series.”