Leona Skye Grandmond Arts & Culture Wall Of Fame

Ms. Leona Skye Grandmond is an accomplished Indigenous visual artist and tireless social activist.  Fiercely proud of her Indigenous heritage, she heralds from the Ojibwa tribe from Pic River and is a member of the Turtle Clan.  A mother to four, a grandmother to three, her traditional name is Biim Osay Onay Kwat Kwe, meaning “She Who Walks with Clouds”. Ms. Grandmond is an outspoken and passionate advocate for victims of human trafficking and child exploitation and is a sought after guest lecturer at numerous universities. 

Ms. Grandmond believes that art brings peace and joy and is an integral component in her healing journey and that of others. She shares this belief through her art therapy programs, which have been held at Rodman Hall, Brock University and the Niagara Regional Native Centre.

Ms. Grandmond is a past member of the Niagara Falls Arts & Culture Committee and her works are displayed both locally, nationally and internationally. Her six-foot painting of a hand drum, representing the Indigenous peoples on the occasion of Canada’s 150th birthday is displayed the headquarters of the Regional Municipality of Niagara. She was selected to paint a piano for PlayPlayPlay Niagara Falls, an initiative put on by the Niagara Falls Culture Department. Her Indigenous influenced piano is on display at the Niagara Falls Public Library.  Most recently she was awarded the 2020 Allister Young Arts and Culture Endowment Fund award.

Amongst those who own Leona’s artwork are Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Premier of Ontario Doug Ford and art enthusiasts Eric and Linda Shelman; her pieces are displayed worldwide in museums, as well as in private collections.