Sophia Cyre is a renounced artist from the Swan River First Nation Community, 34 years old and multi-talented in a variety of mixed art forms. From her hip-hop and spoken-word style in music, plus her ability to sew modern and traditional clothing. Sophia is also a very talented crafter from beading to knitting and everything in between. Sophia lived in the city of Edmonton since the year 2000, working at the ihuman youth society as a music producer. Working with hip-hop artists like Shawn Bernard co-producing his first demo album. Sophia has also had the opportunity to perform her own musical abilities at different venues such as Youth conferences, gala’s and fundraisers, including North country fair. drawing in a fan base of all ages through her conscience style of music. She performed and facilitated workshops called “Healing through the Arts”. Traveling to places like Inuvik and Tullea in the N.W.T., to spread a strong message of healing through her personal life story.

Sophia has been featured in many fashion shows as a model and designer, such as “Unlabelled and Trashed”. Showcasing her talents in dress-making and urban clothing. She then was inspired to reconnect with her roots and started creating powwow regalia for her two sons. Attending powwows throughout Alberta, watching her sons dance knowing one day she will be dancing alongside them.

Being creative in arts and music, inspired Sophia to pursue her hand at video.  Taking part in an in-depth program called “Fava”. This program taught her the skills to make and edit short film videos, leading her to submit a 10-minute video in “Global Visions Film Festival- The Heart Beat of the Planet”. The film called “My Story” was played on the big screen, which showed the untold story of her childhood and the traumatic events that took place. Over-coming life on the streets and drug addictions, ending her film with a music video called “With One Voice”.

During the last 2 years working with ihuman, Sophia decided to take a step in a different direction and created a program called “Woven Journey”. A program designed for young at-risk mothers, who find it difficult to connect with programs created for more stable backgrounds and support. “Woven Journey”, has helped so many young mothers with basic life skills, from cooking, self-care and childcare. The program was such a success and is recognized by Social Services as a stepping stone to reconnect the child and mother relationship within the child welfare system. With a large success rate, Woven Journey is still running to this day.

In the summer of 2009, Sophia then decided to move back to the Swan River First Nations community, bringing with her the knowledge and skills she had required in Edmonton. Her goal is to bring diverse, creative outlets to the youth and all age groups. Struggling to make a name within her community of Swan River, she was able to get a job at the Swan River First Nation School, teaching art to the Jr. & Sr. High students. Over the years she has been able to bring her talents within the school setting. She now teaches Elementary students art and runs the LLI program. She has also worked alongside other artists to teach parents how to make powwow regalia, ribbon shirts and skirts for Christmas and year end celebrations at the Swan River First Nations School.