Non-Fiction

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Arlea Ashcroft

Arlea Ashcroft is a French Anishinaabe/Saulteaux multi-disciplinary artist from Treaty 1 Territory, with ancestral connections to Minegoziibe Anishinabe (Pine Creek First Nation). Her creations often explore themes of mixed-blood identity, cultural heritage, mental health, and gender dynamics. Her art serves as a platform for storytelling and activism, particularly advocating for Indigenous communities and addressing social issues.
Ashcroft's style is recognized for its punk rock aesthetic and raw, confrontational elements, often challenging Western artistic norms by portraying subjects with sharp, vibrant, and sometimes dissonant visuals. She integrates personal experiences, community narratives, and historical contexts to create works that are both visually striking and emotionally evocative.
Her work has received local, national, and international attention, not only for its artistic quality but also for its role in fostering dialogue around identity and resilience. Ashcroft's impact highlights the transformative power of art as a medium for truth-telling, continuing to channel her raw, rebellious energy into her visual, multimedia, music, and literary works. She is happiest chasing sunsets and camping fireside under the stars.

Josephinen Hall

Josephine graduated from the academy of acting in the spring class of 2009. After devoting a few years to focus on her family and sewing career, Josephine had a sudden move to the town of Pinawa. Once settled in she came to learn that Pinawa is home to the Pinawa Players which is the oldest continuing amateur theatrical group in Manitoba.
Josephine accepted her first roll with the Pinawa Players in 2018 as Insector Goring in Ken Ludwig’s A Games Afoot. Post covid, Josephine was cast in Love, Loss and What I wore by Nora Ephron, Delia Ephron and Ilene Beckerman. In 2023 Josephine played Lucy in Norm Fosters On a First Name Basis. Recently Josephine was cast in the Ken Ludwig production of A Fox on the Fairway as Muriel Bingham.
When she’s not acting, Josephine is behind the camera as an amateur photographer. She can also be found in her private sewing studio designing the latest clothing attire. Wherever she is, her dream to act never fades.

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Writing and Publishing Organizations

The Herdsman House in Neubergthal

The Herdsman House in Neubergthal Artist Residence and Guest House is in a national historic Mennonite Street village in Neubergthal, Manitoba, Canada. It is privately owned and operated by Margruite and Paul Krahn and has been hosting artists of various disciplines since 2015. Margruite is a visual artist, curator, and host of the Herdman House. Paul maintains the buildings and acts as soundman and technician.
With the guidance of Restoration Workshop/Parks Canada, and funding support from the provincial heritage governing body, Paul and Margruite restored and renovated the only remaining village herdsman cottage (c. 1880s) in Canada, as well as a 1927 barn into their home, studio, and 140 seat venue.
The Herdsman House facilitates space for visual artists/photographers, writers/playwrights, performing arts, musicians, educators, curators, culture and heritage.

Manitoba - South Central

Manitoba Writers’ Guild

All of Manitoba, Manitoba - Winnipeg

Fernwood Publishing

All of Manitoba

Association Of Manitoba Book Publishers

All of Manitoba

Prairie Fire Press

All of Manitoba, Manitoba - Winnipeg

Winnipeg International Writers Festival

All of Manitoba, Manitoba - Winnipeg

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Creative Manitoba is located on Treaty 1 territory, the original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and the National homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge and pay respect to the ancestors and treaties made on these lands, by considering all our cultures, traditions, and the histories of colonialism, dispossession, and resistance as we create and learn together. We would also like to acknowledge that our water is sourced from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.

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