James Groening, or Blue Sky, is a Burnaby-based Cree artist from Kahkewistahaw Band, Turtle Island. Adopted by his white grandparents during the Sixties Scoop, Groening was raised in a farm community in Plains Cree Territory (otherwise known as Manitoba). Although disconnected from his Kahkewistahaw roots, he retained part of his Indian name, Blue Sky, given by mushom, or grandfather, as a child. After meeting his maternal mother and learning of his heritage, he attributes discovering Coast Salish art forms, specifically, drawing a Haida-style hummingbird that inspired him to pursue a journey of reclaiming his Indigeneity.

After learning of the Woodland Art style, Groening did a brief apprenticeship with Ojibway artist Mark Anthony Jacobson to learn how to paint. He continues an ongoing mentorship by one of Norval Morrisseau’s friends and Anishinaabe artist Saul Williams, where he explores painting and drum making in his whimsical, vibrant designs. Led by artistic intuition and native legends, Groening works with the physical nuances and spirit of each canvas and elk skin to begin his creation process. His artwork documents his journey of healing and growth, as he attempts to revitalize his cultural identity through art making and teaching among others.

As an emerging artist, James Groening has graciously received a grant from The First Peoples Cultural Council BC and completed a residency at Artscape’s FACES Collective in Toronto. He has exhibited at the Arts Council of New Westminster, Skwachàys Lodge Aboriginal Hotel + Gallery, and the Massey Arts Society. In addition, he has led various Turtle Legend Workshops with the City of New Westminster and United Way BC. Currently, James is actively creating and learning on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Qayqayt, Tsleil-Waututh, Stó:lō, and šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmaɁɬ təməxʷ (Musqueam) territories.