Vol. 47 No. 1 (2026): “Healing is an Act of Communion”: Critical Perspectives on Women’s Health, Wellness, and Disease

The cover art for this issue is Self-Evolution by Jessica Jerome.

Artist statement: My paintings have always come to me in the form of dreams, images that appear to me in times of transition in my life. I painted some of my best work during times of change. As a two-spirited woman, a wife and mother, throughout this journey of coming into my own skin, art has always been healing. Releasing emotions into a painting, so that I am not carrying those anymore, is a part of the healing process. This portrait of a two-spirited woman highlights resilience, evolution, and spiritual connection between self and culture. Who I have become today is written all over her skin, carrying her culture and teachings forward, through movement and colour. Symbolic Mi’kmaw petroglyphs are displayed on the woman’s skin, a message of the woman she has become. The Mi’kmaw symbols on her shoulders are a traditional L’nu hieroglyph representing “Spirit” in its plural form, which is why the two symbols are together. Sweetgrass presented in this portrait is giving strength and healing through challenges; it was one of the first medicines given to the Mi’kmaq people. Covering one eye gives strength to the other. I also wanted to showcase this painting because it is important to have more diverse representation of Mi’kmaq people, including those who are fair-skinned and have lighter eyes and hair: we are all different. I want this piece to speak to all those who don’t feel that they are seen because of the color of their skin and eyes. Two-spirited people are knowledge keepers, artists who play a significant role in each community. Blessed by the creator, these beautiful people are cherished by the community. The teachings passed down to me, with knowledge and experience, I now pass along to my sons and to all those who want to learn more about our culture.