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Maxine Noel

Maxine Noel - Ioyan Mani, Sioux Artist

Ioyan Mani - to walk beyond - is Maxine's Sioux name that reveals her gift. Maxine is Oglala Sioux, born on the Birdtail Reserve in Manitoba. The eldest of eleven children, she learned to draw among a loving family on a quiet reserve. In residential school she experienced the struggles of submersion of the native spirituality and culture, which brought her strength and enrichment. Maxine was appointed in 2019 as a member of the Order of Canada for her work as a visual artist and for encouraging and promoting creative expression in Indigenous communities.

A self-taught artist, Maxine is skilled in many media. She seeks through the use of fluid images, flowing lines and subtle colours, to present essential characteristics of the Native people: their sensibilities, generosity and loving nature. Maxine has received honours and accolades for her work with Native cultures, and she speaks around the country on art and on social issues, assisting in bridging the gap between Native and non-Native, young and old.

Maxine Noel is a celebrated Indigenous artist and advocate whose career spans law, community service, and the arts. After 15 years as a legal secretary in Toronto, Edmonton, and Northern Ontario, she dedicated herself to supporting Indigenous communities through leadership roles, including serving as interim director of the Ininew Friendship Centre and conducting research for the Ontario Native Council on Justice. 

Her artwork, first showcased at the Thompson Gallery in Toronto in 1980, has since been exhibited in prestigious galleries across Canada and internationally. A founding board member of the Canadian Native Arts Foundation (now the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation), Maxine has designed costumes and sets for nationally televised award shows and contributed to acclaimed productions like The REZ Sisters and In The Land of Spirits. Her art has been featured in major publications and used to raise awareness and funds for causes such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.  Maxine’s contributions have earned her numerous honours, including the Order of Canada, Queen’s Jubilee Medal, Women 2016 in Arts, Culture and Heritage Award, and the City of Stratford Star Award. Through her art and advocacy, she continues to celebrate Indigenous culture, uplift communities, and promote respect for Mother Earth.

"Art is the purest and truest expression of an individual… in it are all manners of things one is not always able to express verbally."

Collections by Maxine Noel



  • Maxine Noel Eagle's Gift Wallet

    2052
    $55.00 CAD

    Designed by Sioux Native Artist Maxine Noel. When one does the work of the great spirit, one receives an eagle's feather as an honour. Wallets are ...

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    $55.00 CAD
  • Maxine Noel Friends Art Bag - Oscardo

    Maxine Noel Friends Art Bag

    2127
    $70.00 CAD

    Designed by Sioux Native Artist Maxine Noel. True friendship is as deep as the ocean and as constant as the tides. Crossbody purses are made from s...

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    $70.00 CAD

  • Maxine Noel Friends Coin Purse

    2059
    $29.00 CAD

    Designed by Sioux Native Artist Maxine Noel. True friendship is as deep as the ocean and as constant as the tides. Coin Purses are made from synthe...

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    $29.00 CAD

  • Maxine Noel Friends Glass Ornament

    9408 FRI
    $29.00 CAD

    Designed by Sioux Artist Maxine Noel. True friendship is as deep as the ocean and as constant as the tides. Glass ornaments are 75mm in diameter an...

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    $29.00 CAD
  • Maxine Noel Friends Travel Mug - Oscardo

    Maxine Noel Friends Travel Mug

    4658
    $29.00 CAD

    Designed by Sioux Native Artist Maxine Noel. "True friendship is as deep as the ocean and as constant as the tides." - Maxine Noel Travel Mugs are ...

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    $29.00 CAD

  • Maxine Noel Friends Wallet

    2053
    $55.00 CAD

    Designed by Sioux Native Artist Maxine Noel. True friendship is as deep as the ocean and as constant as the tides.Wallets are made from synthetic l...

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    $55.00 CAD
  • Maxine Noel Leaf Dancer Apron - Oscardo

    Maxine Noel Leaf Dancer Apron

    1465
    $24.00 CAD

    Design by Sioux Native Artist Maxine Noel. "Mother Earth turns, and with a gentle wave of her hand another season passes." - Maxine Noel Aprons are...

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    $24.00 CAD
  • Maxine Noel Leaf Dancer Oven Mitt - Oscardo

    Maxine Noel Leaf Dancer Oven Mitt

    1452
    $17.50 CAD

    'Leaf Dancer' was designed by Sioux artist Maxine Noel. "Mother Earth turns, and with a gentle wave of her hand another season passes" - Maxine Noe...

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    $17.50 CAD
  • Maxine Noel Mother Earth Art Bag - Oscardo

    Maxine Noel Mother Earth Art Bag

    2144
    $70.00 CAD

    Mother Earth' was designed by Sioux artist Maxine Noel. “With the cleansing Waters and the warming rays of the Sun, Mother Earth flourishes.” – Max...

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    $70.00 CAD