My name is riesbri, and I am a Guaraní artist living in Canada. I recently went through a painful experience that I want to share with you.

After being chosen for a $12,000 grant and a residency, I was later denied the opportunity by the Conseil des arts de Montréal (CAM) because my Indigeneity was not considered “legitimate” enough. Even though I am Guaraní, from Paraguay, and have gone through the process of getting a Canadian passport and citizenship, my identity is not recognized here because Canada’s institutions only acknowledge local Indigenous nations.

What makes this especially difficult is that other Indigenous identities, such as Samoan, can be validated and even take part in the Indigenous peoples’ comité at CAM. Yet somehow, my Guaraní identity was judged as not good enough. This contradiction leaves me feeling erased, invisible, and accused of being a “poser.” It is as if my history, my people, and my culture don’t count.

I believe true equity must recognize all Indigenous identities, regardless of borders. Indigeneity is not defined by state recognition, but by history, culture, sovereignty, and the ongoing struggles of our peoples.

My art practice is about testimony and resistance. I want to continue producing work that connects the struggles of Indigenous peoples across borders, building solidarity rather than division.

But losing this grant has put me in a very difficult financial position. I am now turning to my community and beyond to ask for help so I can keep working, exhibiting, and creating.

Your support will go directly toward:

• Covering the costs of materials and production for the 6 months residency at LaCoulée

• Sustaining my practice after being denied institutional funding

• Making sure that my voice, and the voices of Indigenous peoples beyond borders, are not erased

Even a small contribution makes a huge difference. If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign also helps a lot.

Thank you for standing with me, for believing in art as resistance, and for recognizing that Indigeneity cannot be erased by colonial borders.

With gratitude,

Riesbri