Canadian Crafts Federation and Lexus Canada announce winners of National Craft Innovation Awards

Jennine Krauchi and Gordon Sparks recognized for exceptional craftsmanship, innovation and contribution to Canadian craft

TORONTO, September 17, 2026 – The Canadian Crafts Federation (CCF), together with Lexus Canada, has announced the recipients of the 2026 Lexus x Craft Innovation Grants Craftsperson of the Year Award and Emerging Craftsperson Award.

The 2026 Craftsperson of the Year Award has been awarded to Jennine Krauchi of Manitoba, an internationally recognized Métis artist and designer whose work has played a central role in revitalizing and advancing Métis beadwork in the 21st century.

The 2026 Emerging Craftsperson Award has been awarded to Gordon Sparks of New Brunswick, a Mi'kmaw artist whose hand-carved wooden masks embody the stories, teachings and spirit of Mi'kmaw culture.

The awards are part of Lexus Canada's ongoing commitment to supporting creativity, craftsmanship and innovation through its partnership with the Canadian Crafts Federation.

"Gordon Sparks carves with purpose that extends beyond the finished object, while Jennine Krauchi has devoted her life to ensuring Métis beadwork is recognized as a living tradition. Gordon works with wood; Jennine uses beads, quills and hide. Both artists demonstrate remarkable technical mastery. Their creations embody teachings, relationships, ceremonies, and the collective memory of entire communities”, said Jennifer Wicks, Executive Director of the Canadian Crafts Federation. “What inspires me most is what happens around the work itself. Gordon mentors other Mi'kmaw artists in mask carving, and Jennine generously shares her knowledge with apprentices, the community and anyone eager to learn. In both cases, they honour the legacy passed down to them, uplifting their communities by empowering others to discover and nurture their own gifts. This is craft at its most essential: skill, story and generosity interwoven. This spirit defines the future of Canadian craft. These awards were created to recognize careers of such significance, and it is a true privilege to celebrate both artists. I would also like to thank Lexus Canada for their partnership and steadfast belief in the future of Canadian craft.”

"Lexus Canada is honoured to help recognize the exceptional recipients of this year’s Lexus x Craft Innovation Grants, whose work demonstrates true mastery of their crafts," said Rebecca Wu, Director, Lexus Canada. "Craftsmanship is at the heart of the Lexus philosophy, so we’re proud that the Lexus x Craft Innovation Grants are helping celebrate and support artists like Jennine Krauchi and Gordon Sparks, whose creativity, dedication and innovation continue to enrich, elevate and shape the future of Canada's craft community."

Craftsperson of the Year Award

Jennine Krauchi (Manitoba)

An internationally recognized Métis artist and designer based in Winnipeg, Jennine Krauchi has played a central role in the revitalization and advancement of Métis beadwork. Working across beadwork, quillwork and clothing design, she creates works that connect traditional Métis artistic practices with contemporary perspectives on identity, history and resilience.

Throughout her career, Krauchi has received commissions from leading Canadian institutions, including the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Manitoba Museum, and Parks Canada. Her work has appeared in major exhibitions including Radical Stitch at the Mackenzie Art Gallery and Kwaata-nihtaawakihk at the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq. In 2022, she was commissioned by the Royal Canadian Mint to design a commemorative silver coin honouring the Métis Nation.

The award was presented September 15 at “CRAFTED on the Catwalk”, the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq's annual celebration of craft and fashion.

Emerging Craftsperson Award

Gordon Sparks (New Brunswick)

Gordon Sparks is a Mi'kmaw artist from Pabineau First Nation whose hand-carved wooden masks bring Mi'kmaw stories, traditions and teachings to life. Working in collaboration with dancers, drummers and regalia makers, his practice bridges artistic expression, ceremony, community, and cultural continuity.

In addition to his carving practice, Sparks brings more than 30 years of experience as a tattoo artist and remains deeply committed to mentorship and cultural preservation throughout Mi'kma'ki.

The award was presented at the Mactaquac Craft Festival in New Brunswick.

About the Lexus x Craft Innovation Grants

The Lexus x Craft Innovation Grants were established through the partnership between Lexus Canada and the Canadian Crafts Federation to recognize and support excellence in Canadian craft. Through the Craftsperson of the Year Award and Emerging Craftsperson Award, the program celebrates artists whose creativity, innovation and dedication are helping shape the future of craft in Canada.

About the Canadian Crafts Federation

The Canadian Crafts Federation envisions a culture that embraces and values the artistic, economic, contemporary, historical, and social significance of craft. As the national federation representing Provincial and Territorial Craft Councils and affiliate organizations, the CCF works to unite, enrich, empower, and celebrate the professional contemporary craft sector. Through collaborative action, programming, research, advocacy, and community development, the CCF connects craft organizations across the country, strengthens the sector, and advances Canadian craft on regional, national, and international stages. For more information about the CCF, please visit: https://canadiancraftsfederation.ca/

About Lexus Canada

Lexus Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 40 dealers across Canada. Guests have access to a wide range of luxury and performance vehicles, with a total of 12 Lexus nameplates available in Canada, including the country’s largest electrified luxury vehicle lineup (hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery electric). Inspired by bold design, intuitive technology and peak performance, Lexus is committed to delivering the highest quality products and services, and to creating amazing experiences for their Guests. The Lexus RX and RX Hybrid, Lexus NX and NX Hybrid are built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada’s award-winning Cambridge plant. For more information about Lexus and Lexus products, please visit: www.lexus.ca