All places have stories
Dbaajmowin is an Indigenous-led artist collective born from a shared vision: to bring our stories back into the spaces where we live, work, and gather. Our name, meaning "story" or "narrative" in the Ojibwe Eastern and Odawa dialects, reflects our mission to weave Indigenous design and history into the fabric of our everyday environments.
Our collective brings together the diverse talents of artists. SpruceLab members include Amber Smith Quail (Anishinaabeg), Karl Chevrier (Algonquin), and Gwen Lane (Sagkeeng First Nation), with support by the broader team. We specialize in site furnishings and public art that communicates culture and history in meaningful ways. We are also deeply committed to economic reconciliation, actively seeking training and business opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and businesses throughout our entire supply chain.
Our Co-Founders
Amber Smith Quail
Co-FounderWith focuses on beadwork, mixed-media pieces, and paintings that reflect upon the truth in connections and addressing the forced disconnection of First People from the land.
Karl Chevrier
Co-FounderThe greatest power of art is its capacity to express what words just can’t. Art gives those who suffer the tools to address things and matters that haunt them. By performing this subtle role, art contributes to shape tomorrow’s society.
Sheila Boudreau
Co-FounderSheila Boudreau is the Principal Landscape Architect + Planner at SpruceLab Inc., with over 30 years of experience. She has had the honour of working with artists and industrial designers throughout her career on public art projects and public realm furnishings (e.g bike racks, tree protection fences).
Jacques Baril
Co-FounderJacques Baril was an honoured member of our Dbaajmowin collective and a member of Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. A self-taught sculptor, he has participated in numerous exhibitions and symposiums, both in Canada and abroad (Japan, Switzerland, Italy, etc.).