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After 21 years with the London Arts Council, Rebekah Morrison-Wize, LAC’s Officer, Arts Investments, has decided that it is time to retire and begin the next chapter of her life.   Since nearly the very beginnings of the London Arts Council, Rebekah has lovingly supported and witnessed the growth of both the organization and London’s arts community. She roots for the artists and arts organizations as if they were her own children—advocating for them, cheering them on, and feeling immense pride in their accomplishments. Her words of encouragement, her thoughtful listening, and her unwavering care for every one of her LAC colleagues have made her not just a coworker, but a guiding presence and a source of comfort and strength for all who have had the pleasure of working alongside her.   Over her more than two decades managing the Community Arts Investment Program (CAIP) and leading LAC’s fund development portfolio, Rebekah has worked tirelessly with assessors and partners to distribute critical funding for arts organizations and artist-led projects across the city. Her work has not only provided essential resources to artists and arts organizations—it has also nurtured a culture of respect, collaboration, and community that will remain her legacy.   Rebekah’s departure is bittersweet. While we are overjoyed for her as she steps into a well-earned retirement, we feel the deep sense of loss that comes when a family member moves on. Rebekah has been at the heart of the LAC family, inspiring and uplifting all of us with her warmth, and kindness. Her presence will be deeply missed every day.   We wish Rebekah all the best in this exciting new chapter and look forward to staying connected with her as both colleague and friend. Her impact on LAC and the arts community in London is immeasurable, and her spirit will always be a part of who we are. If you’d like to come visit Rebekah at the LAC office before her last day, she will be in office Tues – Thurs, 9:30a.m. – 4:30p.m., until Wednesday, October 8t h.  Message from Rebekah "I am so very thankful for the opportunities given and relationships developed and enjoyed as a member of the LAC team. It has been my honour and my privilege to serve the arts sector and community of London. It has been so personally fulfilling to have been able to devote my professional career to the artists, arts organizations, and the arts sector in London, in Ontario and across the country. As a member of the LAC team, I was proud to watch and participate in the growth of the organization, in the continuous development, piloting, and delivery of the many Programs and Services the LAC offers that benefit our community. I forged so many meaningful relationships within the community and sector which I hope will continue into my retirement. To all the beloved team members I have worked with over the years in the service of this community, thank you for what you taught me, from all your perspectives (in order of appearance LOL! Andrea, Robin, Elizabeth, Lori, Sarah, Catherine, Kristin, Eunju, Deanna, Jenn, Rachel, Jeremy, Richard, Andy, Summer, Michelle, Michael, Asante, Phil, Janet, Emily, Katie, and Alexia). And all members of the Teams of the community partners LAC works with. Thank you! To my esteemed colleagues, LAC Board of Directors, volunteer Community Arts Investment Program Assessors that I have worked with over many years, thank you for your time, thoughtful commitment, and dedication to our sector. To the hundreds of artists, artist collectives, and arts organisation members who I adopted and who adopted me, you are the reason for everything! I cherish my time with LAC and the arts community. I would not have spent 21 years doing or being anywhere else. Please know that I will always be here to support all the endeavours of LAC and the sector. I wish you all the best in the years to come!" Much Love, Rebekah     Message from the Executive Director “Rebekah has been the LAC's longest-serving member, a mama bear to the team, and a big sister to me. Her friendship and presence have been a huge source of comfort for me. We all need someone like her in our lives. I know how much Rebekah has meant to me, the team, and the arts community, and how much we will miss her presence. Thank you, Rebekah, for being who you are. Your caring and nurturing interactions with everyone provided support and reassurance to the team and the community. Although I will miss you greatly, I wish you the best in your well-deserved retirement and new chapter in life.” - Eunju Yi, Executive Director, London Arts Council

In Conversation Janet Antone interviews Emily Schuyler about her experience as an Indigenous artist navigating questions such as "What constitutes fine art?" while Emily shares stories from her past that illuminate some of the hurdles and injustices (including microagressions and racism) Indigenous artists face while reflecting on advice she would give to her younger self. The interview took place during Emily Schuyler's training period with Janet Antone who was the previous administrator for Indigenous London Arts through the London Arts Council. or download the transcription below: Emily Schuyler  is a multi-media artist from Oneida Nation of the Thames. She holds a certificate and advanced diploma in Fine Arts from Fanshawe college, and a Bachelor of Studio Arts degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts. Emily creates mixed-media work that explores themes of identity and memory, by combining her cultural teachings, knowledge, and her experience as an Indigenous person living in the twenty-first century using both traditional and contemporary methods of art making.  Works Referenced Oneida 240 Satka’tho  Referenced in the interview are two works by Emily, the first, Oneida 240 (2019) , a photo transferred map of Oneida onto leather with 240 hand-sewn shell beads, approx. 4 x 3 ft. The second is Satka'tho (2023) made with leather, plastic, false lashes, brass. Janet Antone (She/Her) is a proud member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. She has always strived to be an impactful community member, doing her best to create positive change within her community. Janet is a graduate of Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts program. She has worked for three years as an Arts Administrator at Native Earth Performing Arts, has stage managed the Summerworks programmed of Medicine Boy by Waawaate Fobister, and has worked at the Oneida Language and Cultural centre as the audio technician and administrative assistant, helping to preserve the Oneida Language through audio and visual mediums. Janet also started her beadwork journey 10 years ago and unofficially launched her beadwork business, Ms. Antone’s Beadwork, in 2018. Her beadwork has been all over the world (Africa, US, New Zealand, Scotland & Norway), as well as appearing in television series such as Letterkenny, Shoresy, and Rutherford Falls, for which she received a merit mention on Vogue.com . Janet was the Administrator, Indigenous London Arts at the London Arts Council from 2023 to July, 2025.

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a day for us to honour Residential School Survivors, the children whose lives were lost through Canada’s residential school syst em, and their families and communities.   The day is also a time for learning—a vital component of the reconciliation process—to deepen our understanding of the roots of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the ongoing impacts of residential schools, and our responsibilities to support Indigenous communities. If you’re looking for a way to commemorate the day, consider the following: City of London Events N’Amerind Friendship Centre Sunrise Ceremony Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Western University Events Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Don Wright Faculty of Music, Western University London Public Library Resources (not open on September 30) Please note that our office will be closed on September 30 to allow staff to commemorate the day and participate i n Indigenous-led local events.