2026 Ambassador
Meet this year’s ambassador: Michelle Bucholtz
Michelle Bucholtz is a Métis artist, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, and founder of Spirit Dot Designs based in Langley, British Columbia. Michelle's Métis roots trace back to the Red River Settlement, the home of her Métis ancestors. Inspired by traditional Métis beadwork and the healing power of creativity, she creates contemporary dot art that invites people to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience art as a pathway to reflection and belonging.
Michelle's artistic practice has been shaped by teachings from respected Métis and Indigenous artists, mentors, and knowledge holders through community and the WHEAT Institute's Métis Creative Arts Certificate program.
As the founder of Spirit Dot Designs and a 2026 BC Culture Days Ambassador, Michelle facilitates accessible art experiences that bring together nature, Métis teachings, and creative expression. Guided by her current mentorship from Métis artist and educator Leah Marie Dorion, she continues to expand her artistic practice while fostering spaces where community connection, culture, and creativity converge. Through her workshops, she hopes to inspire others to discover that every dot tells a story and that creativity can foster healing through authentic self expression.
Michelle’s Culture Days Event: Participants will experience the beauty of the land through a guided nature walk and Métis-inspired art at Locality Brewing Farm. After exploring the forest trails, pond, and local plant life, participants will gather on the patio to create a Turtle Water dot painting while sharing stories, laughter, and teachings that celebrate connection to Indigenous culture, each other, and the natural world. For more info or to register click here.
Pronouns: she/her
Instagram: @spiritdotdesigns
Website: https://www.openspacetherapy.ca/spiritdotdesigns
About Michelle’s Mentor: Leah Dorion
Leah Marie Dorion is a Métis writer, knowledge keeper, and artist currently living near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada. She is proud of her family roots to the historic Métis community of Cumberland House. Her artwork celebrates the strength and resilience of Indigenous women and families. Leah is also a published children’s book author and illustrator. Several of her Métis cultural books are available through Gabriel Dumont Press in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Strong Nations Publishing in Nanaimo, British Columbia.
Leah has worked with Elders and youth in many creative projects and on many oral history projects in Saskatchewan both as a writer and researcher. She has graphically illustrated (storyboarding) many Elder presentations at conferences and presentations in her unique art style. She worked as an Elder’s helper for many years which led to her completion of a Thesis Project titled “Opikinawasowin: Growing Cree and Metis Children” (2010) about Cree and Métis Childrearing Concepts based on Elders knowledge. Leah has a passion for early year’s education and is currently working with the Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) to develop Métis cultural early years resources for children and families. She has also participated as a mentor and lead artist for the Mann Art Gallery Indigenous Residency Project. Leah has spent the past several years mentoring Indigenous youth in creative self expressive projects to help them reconnect with their culture.
Create the world you want to live in.
Pronouns: she/her
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.leahdorion.ca