Todd Labrador
A seventh generation Mi'kmaq from the Kedgemakooge area of Nova Scotia, Todd is dedicated to nurturing his people's culture and traditions. He makes drums, baskets, rock etchings, waltes games and is a self-taught builder of birch bark canoes. Todd recently completed his first full-size birch bark canoe, for the Bear River First Nations cultural centre. This work was aided by his recent experience assisting a well-known canoe builder in Quebec. Todd and his father have worked for years to revive this almost forgotten tradition. Todd’s great-grandfather, Joe Jermey, was a birch bark canoe builder.
For the past several years Todd has been taking his knowledge into schools throughout southwestern Nova Scotia. He believes that teaching our youth will ensure that these ways will be there for our future generations.
Todd is one of seven Mi’kmaq artists selected by the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games for the Aboriginal Art Program, in which art by more than 90 Aboriginal artists from across the country will grace the 2010 Winter Games venues.
