Local Change Maker

Ely’s artistic nature has roots in early immigrant communities working in the mines. The arts were a way for the community to gather together and weather difficult times. Says Ian: “We did not have a lot. The moments that we were together were filled with song and dance.” 

The mission of Good Graces Paper Co. is just as multilayered as its name. First, the designs are crafted to speak to other Black women, giving them a place to express their anger and exhaustion while finding a way to maintain hope and healing. For those outside of the immediate audience, the designs seek to challenge– to spark curiosity and conversations that will lead people to learn more about the issues and histories of which they are uninformed. But even that isn’t the entire story:  “I have some designs that are just pretty!” laughs Melanie. 

Nashke Native Games has developed reimagined traditional games and new games based on Ojibwe cultural traditions. Nashke invented Mii Gwech, a fast-paced card game that introduces players to the fur trade era.