Blackfoot artist Zoe Buckskin's art practice encompasses both traditional and contemporary forms of art, blending her creativity with Blackfoot artistic traditions.
The fourth-year Indigenous Art Studio student is the 2025 recipient of the University of Lethbridge Spirit Prize, a unique award created to support the artistic development of emerging Indigenous visual artists.
For Zoe, receiving the Spirit Prize was an incredible opportunity for her and her artwork. As the recipient of this year's Spirit Prize, Zoe focused on her Story Robe series.
"The Personal Story Robe series explores themes and concepts surrounding the revitalization of Indigenous culture. Generational knowledge is a central element, woven into the artistic process itself, reflecting acts of cultural survivance and the continuity of Indigenous identity."
"The Spirit Prize not only supported the cost of materials, but also provided the time and resources necessary to create the third robe in a series of four," she says.
Personal Story Robe by Zoe Buckskin.
Zoe's artistic practice involves integrating organic and modern materials together to create works that (re)interpret traditional Blackfoot art forms through a contemporary lens.
"My body of work includes a variety of tactile practices such as beading, sewing and embroidery, as well as welding, brazing and woodworking," she says.
"I continue to expand my skills and artistic practice exploring larger scales, diverse materials and greater complexity as I blend Blackfoot artistic traditions with personal expression."
Previous winners of the Spirit Prize include Martin Roundstone, Hali Heavy Shield and Serene Weasel Traveller.
About the Spirit Prize
Generously supported by Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA '94), the ULethbridge Spirit Prize provides $2,500 to an Indigenous student in any program to help advance their creative practice.
Recognizing artistic excellence and encouraging students working in traditional or contemporary visual arts to take the next step in their professional growth, the Spirit Prize supports a range of artistic opportunities — from residencies to workshops, mentorship programs, travel for study, project materials or the development of public exhibitions.
By providing meaningful financial support, the Spirit Prize plays an important role in helping emerging Indigenous artists strengthen their work, explore new techniques and perspectives and further develop their voice within the Canadian arts landscape.
ULethbridge is once again inviting applications for the 2026 Spirit Prize competition. Full-time or part-time self-declared Indigenous students (undergraduate or graduate), enrolled in any program of study at ULethbridge, can apply by February 2, 2026.
