ARTIST

Zoey Roy is an Indigenous poet, activist, storyteller, educator, creative consultant, and social entrepreneur based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She was born on August 12, 1989, to Maxine Roy and Bill Pranteau. Zoey is Nehithaw-Dene Michif and a citizen of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.

Zoey Roy is known for her captivating spoken word poetry and her ability to engage and inspire audiences. Her poetry often explores themes related to her Indigenous identity, connection to the land and water, relationships with others, and her hopes for the world. She uses her poetic talent as a means to advocate for Indigenous rights, foster dialogue between communities, and promote cultural revitalization.

In addition to her work as a poet, Zoey Roy is actively involved in various creative projects that aim to incorporate Indigenous values into Canadian society. She participates in and leads critical dialogues with politicians, business leaders, and Indigenous advocates to find ways to create better opportunities for Indigenous families and communities.

Zoey is also pursuing her academic endeavours. She is a PhD student at York University, focusing on how Indigenous youth utilize hip hop as a method for cultural revitalization. She holds a Bachelor of Education from SUNTEP at the University of Saskatchewan and a Masters in Public Policy from the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.

Throughout her career, Zoey Roy has received several awards for her innovative work in the arts and education. Some of the notable awards she has received include the Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Women of Distinction Award in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the Congress of Aboriginal People Youth Leadership Award, the Indspire Award, and the Indigenous Graduate Leadership Award at the University of Saskatchewan.

Zoey Roy's multifaceted talents, dedication to her Indigenous heritage, and commitment to social change have made her a respected figure in the artistic, academic, and advocacy communities in Canada. 

Photo Credit: Red Works Photography

Saskatoon poet and author named USask Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence: https://news.usask.ca/articles/colleges/2021/saskatoon-poet-and-author-named-usask-indigenous-storyteller-in-residence.php

Indigenous artist from Saskatchewan featured in national ad campaign: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/indigenous-artist-featured-national-campaign-1.6268376

Zoey Roy first Indigenous author to participate in NAC's #CanadaPerforms: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/unreserved/unreserved-s-self-isolation-book-club-what-indigenous-authors-are-reading-during-the-pandemic-1.5556414/zoey-roy-first-indigenous-author-to-participate-in-nac-s-canadaperforms-1.5556418

'We're sounding like one': Poet uses hip hop for cultural connection in Indigenous classroom

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/zoey-roy-hip-hop-st-frances-cree-school-1.4912182

Zoey Roy's homecoming: finding a safe place after homelessness: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/zoey-roy-s-homecoming-finding-a-safe-place-after-homelessness-1.3330436

Saskatoon Métis artist Zoey Roy wins National Indspire Award: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskatoon-artist-zoey-roy-indspire-award-1.3432195

Activist Zoey Roy calls for boycott of Spirit Halloween store over Indigenous costumes: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/spirit-halloween-zoey-roy-indigenous-costumers-1.3800081

Poet turned life around by connecting to Indigenous culture: https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/poet-turned-life-around-connecting-indigenous-culture-1.3576137

Kokums embrace hip hop by creating their own Cree rap video: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/kokum-cree-rap-1.5256315

Zoey Roy comes face to face with the colonizers: https://www.vice.com/en/article/kwk5v9/face-to-face-with-colonizers-metis-artist-zoey-roy-on-meeting-the-royals-and-trudeau