Mariel (c̓ʕ̓n̓ c̓ʕ̓an̓) Belanger is a Syilx interdisciplinary performance artist, entrepreneur, and doctoral student in Cultural Studies at Queen’s University. Her practice centers on land-based arts, storytelling, and the transmission of Syilx knowledge systems through contemporary and traditional forms.
She is the founder of Studio sisp’lk’ Gallery, an Indigenous-led social enterprise delivering land-based cultural arts projects, food forest initiatives, and workshops focused on reconciliation, education, and community engagement. By offering in-person and virtual programming, the gallery advances cultural tourism and provides meaningful, hands-on experiences grounded in Syilx traditions.
For over two decades, Mariel has contributed to the Okanagan arts community, supporting emerging and established artists and mentoring Indigenous youth. Through her work with organizations such as the Sookinchoot Youth Centre, she has provided media arts programming, after-school initiatives, and skills development, encouraging youth to build relationships with each other and the land through harvesting, making, and participatory learning. Mariel also contributes to arts governance through jury and board service and is a founding member of Sqilxw Apna and Kama? Creative Aboriginal Arts Collective.
