Joseph Sagaj

Joseph Sagaj Artist Website: https://sites.google.com/view/joseph-sagaj-indigenous-artist

From the remote community of Neskantaga to the bustling heart of Canada's largest city, Joseph Sagaj has forged a remarkable career, transforming public spaces into profound canvases for Indigenous storytelling. A distinguished artist and dedicated community pillar, this Anishinaabe Artist of the Sturgeon Clan has dedicated his life not only to sharing his heritage through internationally recognized art but also to lifting up those around him. Educated at the Ontario College of Art & Design, where he graduated in 1985, Joseph has been a powerful voice in the national artistic landscape. His talent for conveying deep cultural concepts was recognized early. In 1992, his work was chosen as the logo for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP), setting the stage for decades of influential commissions, including INAC's 2005/06 "Thirteen Moons" planner and the 2017 "Seven Teachings and Seven Stages of Life" paintings for Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General. His work grew in scale and scope, as seen in his 2018 commission: a monumental 30-foot diameter floor installation at Seneca College's Centre for Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship, which masterfully integrates Inuit, Métis, and First Nations symbolism. On September 28, 2022, Joseph’s work reached an unprecedented level of public visibility. The City of Toronto unveiled “Rekindle”, his design for the new wraparound on the iconic Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square. Created for UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages, “Rekindle” is a vibrant declaration of how languages are vital to identity, voice, and expression. With the sign attracting up to 1.8 million visitors annually, Joseph ‘s design has been viewed by an estimated 4.5 million people to date, making him one of the most famous living Canadian Indigenous Artist in history.

Yet, beyond these monumental artistic achievements lies a deep commitment to community service. Joseph is a dedicated servant to the Toronto Indigenous community. As a two-time graduate of the Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship (CCAE) Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) program, he has consistently given back, regularly serving as a mentor and inspiring guest speaker for new cohorts since 2020. His leadership extends further. In 2019, he became a founding member of the Native Canadian Toastmaster club and has remained one of its most dedicated members, helping others find their voice. He also regularly volunteers as an instructor for youth art programs and is an active leader in several other local community groups. Through a lifetime of dedicated and heartfelt work, Joseph Sagaj has honored his Anishinaabe ancestry on the grandest stages while simultaneously strengthening its roots at the community level. He is a master artist whose work educates millions and a tireless mentor whose guidance shapes the next generation of Indigenous leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs. Currently, Joseph is leading a donations drive for art supplies, art literature, and sports equipment to support the underserved youth of his home community Neskantaga. Joseph and the YMCA have just unveiled a new temporary installation 238 Queen Street West YMCA location, on display until September 2025. Of the BEST program, Joseph writes ”I have known the facilitator Zechariah since he started at the CCAE in 2017. During this time, I Completed two Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) programs And I’ve been a regular participant in Toastmasters. I have also been involved in all the Indigenous Artisan Marketplace arts and crafts shows hosted by Zechariah and I’ve found him to be of strong values, having deep respect for people and for good relations in a personal level which is integral to First Nations traditions.”