Stoney Nakoda First Nation’s Emerald Wesley has won three logo contests in his lifetime, most recently the Chiniki Development Corporation contest.
“I feel excited that I will see something of mine being displayed in the community,” Wesley said.
“I was born with the talent of being an artist, I come from an artistic family… and I’m happy that my art has been chosen.”
Wesley comes from a long line of artists, including his late father Dion Wesley, a famous painter whose work has been featured all over Alberta with his last paintings displayed in Stoney Nakoda Resort. Other family artists include Wesley’s uncle, Gordon Wesley, his grandfather, Roland Rollinmud, his uncle, Chief Aaron Young, and his late cousin, Calian Rollinmud.
Wesley was born in September 1984, raised in the small community of BigHorn Reserve, and has been drawing all his life.
The other logo contests Wesley won were for the Stoney Carebear Daycare and the Wesley Gold Leaf Classic Pow Wow.
“I got the information from the Chiniki Programs Facebook page and I just wanted to see if my logo would win – my family is excited,” Wesley said with a laugh.
Wesley’s logo will be displayed at the Chiniki Development Corporation in the near future. Carla Pauls of Chiniki Programs said this contest was a way to celebrate the amazing talent within Stoney Nation.
“I am thankful to the Chiniki programs and to the Chief and council that selected my photo – Ishniyis,” Wesley said.
