Dayna Rainville

My name is Dayna Rainville and I am a member of Missanabie Cree First Nation. I graduated from Algoma University with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts. My work encompasses my passion for my peoples/family history and our generational trauma via residential schools. I work mainly with black and white family photos which allows me to interpret the colours with oil paints on canvas.
I am reclaiming this historical trauma and with each painting I hope to remember and honour my ancestors and positively impact the narrative.
I also have experience running art galleries and participated in the art collective the Circle of Creative Arts in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. As well as the Miinigan Project Art Gallery while working for the Sault Ste. Marie Arts Council. In these jobs I was responsible for interviewing and reviewing work of artists and gallery use, planned and exhibition related programming along with community outreach, installed and deinstalled artworks, collaborated with artists to develop installations and exhibitions, etc.
I have art work that was purchased by the Government of Ontario’s Archives, Algoma University, many private commissions, and did book cover art for Dr. Theresa Turmel.
4 years ago I moved to Missanabie to live on our traditional territory. In that time my partner and I bought a converted school bus and started a family with the hopes of building a home. This big move to the land has helped me connect to my paintings and family on a whole other level. The photographs I use are all of family that lived in Missanabie.