Collection: Nathalie Coutou | Canadian Indigenous Art

Nathalie Coutou

Nathalie Coutou was born on a farm in Quebec that was home to more than 800 sled dogs. Growing up surrounded by nature, she was encouraged to explore her imagination and creativity from an early age. Inspired by her French-European father's artistic talents and her mother's joyful spirit and Mi'kmaq heritage, Nathalie discovered a passion for drawing and painting as a powerful form of self-expression.

In her early twenties, Nathalie reconnected with her Indigenous roots through the teachings of respected Mi'kmaq Elder Stephen Augustine. This experience deepened her understanding of her heritage and inspired a lifelong commitment to fostering inclusiveness, reconciliation, and meaningful connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Her two children, who are Oji-Cree from Red Sucker Lake in Treaty 5 Territory, became the inspiration behind KHEWA Gallery-Boutique. Nathalie envisioned KHEWA as a place where her children—and others—could celebrate and take pride in Indigenous culture and identity. Through the gallery, she has built partnerships with Indigenous, Métis, Inuit, and Canadian artists, helping to showcase Indigenous culture through art, storytelling, workshops, and educational events that encourage cross-cultural understanding.

A graduate in graphic arts and a dedicated entrepreneur, Nathalie has been involved in numerous community initiatives. For eight years, she organized the popular Wakefield Harvest Festival, an annual event that brought thousands of people together to celebrate the harvest season in a spirit of gratitude and community.

In 2018, Nathalie launched the COUTOU COLLECTION, a line of Canadian-made wearable art featuring her original artwork. Her vibrant designs reflect her artistic vision and cultural influences, bringing Indigenous-inspired creativity into everyday life. Many of the images featured in her artwork can also be found on her clothing collection.

To learn more about Nathalie and her work, visit nathaliecoutou.com.