Ceilidh Isadore is a Two-Spirit artist, cultural consultant, and community organizer from Wagmatcook First Nation, whose journey has been shaped by community, for community. Guided by the stories, ceremonies, and gatherings that have been a part of their life since childhood, Ceilidh’s work is a living expression of gratitude for the knowledge, kindness, and resilience shared by their mentors, Elders, and fellow community members. Everything they create—whether an art piece, a community event, or a moment of connection—is grounded in a responsibility to honour and carry forward these teachings.

Ceilidh’s work in community-building and cultural advocacy spans both local and international stages. As the coordinator for the Northern People of the Year delegation at Norway’s Riddu Riddu Festival, Ceilidh collaborated with the festival team over six months, curating programming, crafting guest lists, planning delegation activities, and ensuring every detail aligned with the festival’s spirit of inclusivity. Travelling to Norway to oversee the event, Ceilidh supported a seamless, welcoming experience for all attendees—demonstrating a deep commitment to bringing people together across diverse backgrounds and fostering connections that celebrate culture and shared humanity.

At home, Ceilidh channels this passion into roles that empower local communities through collaboration and leadership. As a Cultural Coordinator, they work closely with youth councils, help bring gatherings to life, and lead projects that amplify Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ voices. Through their work with the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance, Ceilidh creates safe, inclusive spaces for healing and self-expression while also spearheading critical initiatives. These include developing the first Two-Spirit app, re-launching the W2SA website, creating learning modules for service workers and frontline staff, and managing W2SA’s social media presence. Ceilidh also contributes to grant writing and youth programs, ensuring these resources continue to support and uplift the community.

Each of Ceilidh’s initiatives—whether building connections at an international festival or hosting local events in community spaces—is crafted with care, respect, and a strong sense of purpose. Every project invites people to gather, learn, share, and celebrate, honouring both traditional teachings and the needs of future generations. Through their work, Ceilidh builds pathways for connection, ensuring that everyone feels valued and welcome in spaces that uplift and inspire.

In their art practice, Ceilidh uses fine-line work, digital illustration, painting, and poetry as vessels for storytelling and cultural reclamation. Each piece honours the land, spirits, ancestors, and symbols that connect us to a shared history, reminding us that art is about healing, transformation, and remembering. Ceilidh invites each viewer to become part of this experience, to find their meaning within the layers of symbols, hieroglyphics, and ancestral teachings woven into each piece. In doing so, Ceilidh’s art opens a dialogue, bridging the past and the future, encouraging us all to listen and carry these stories forward.

Throughout their journey, Ceilidh has taken on roles as a Fire Keeper, Ishkodehwin Mentor, podcast host, and advocate in spaces like the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance and the Elections Canada Indigenous Advisory Circle. These roles allow Ceilidh to mentor younger generations, nurture emerging artists, and create accessible pathways for cultural knowledge to flourish. By sharing their tools, insights, and experiences, Ceilidh encourages others to lead with intention, knowing that our gifts grow when we share them.

Ceilidh invites you to join them on this journey—whether through art, community gatherings, or collaborative projects designed to honour culture, inspire creativity, and celebrate connection. Together, we can foster spaces that uplift each other, honour our shared histories, and create paths for future generations to thrive. Wela’lioq—thank you for your support, and presence, and for walking alongside us on this shared path.