Tonya “SamQwan” Paris (she/her), is an established Cree, Mi’kmaq & Black Scotian artist-activist based in Halifax, Nova Scotia; which rests upon the unceded traditional Mi’kmaq territory. Her artwork has been featured in the award nominated 2020 Aboriginal Public Television Network production, Racism Lives Here Too, with Trina Roache and the production of Season 3 of DIGGSTOWN. SamQwan is the Indigenous artist consultant and primary contributor for the hit television series set to be featured on the Fox & B.E.T networks in 2021-2022. As well as Sullivans Pond in 2023. Over the past 5 years SamQwan has had several art exhibits and installations within the N.S community. Most notably her contributions to the Dalhousie University Architectural Engineering Building, iNova Credit Union, The Nova Scotia QEII Mental Health Unit, and as a 2021 NSCAD Fall Artist in Residency. In 2022 she was shortlisted for the NEBA Viola Desmond Art Installation, and went on to be recognized by Arts Nova Scotia as the 2022 Black Artist of the year for her exhibition of Ava in Wonderland. 

Coming in fresh off of Love Peace & Hair Grease, Hood Habits, and Match Stick Theatre’s production of Punch-Up, was the third play last year where she has been featured in Set Design for a stage 

As the founder of Maqtawe’k Productions which show cases Black and Indigenous artists from around the world. While honouring history and traditions. She has also been chosen as one of Top 100 Black Women In Canada To Watch 2024. 

SamQwan is currently working with HRM and St Mary’s Basilica on a mural for Truth and Reconciliation located at Spring Garden and Barrington St. 

Her advocates voice has been featured multiple times with local community partners Proclaiming Our Roots, Dreadlocks & Kindness, Black Women in Excellence, the Mi’kmaq Friendship Centre, The Nova Scotia Career Development Associations and so many others!