Three aboriginal artists on Sobey Art Award longlist

Three aboriginal artists were among 25 chosen forthe longlist for the 2014 Sobey Art Award. The Sobey award is one of the most prestigious and lucrative in Canada. The winner of the award will recieve$50,000 and four prizes of$12,000 will go to four runners-up.

The Sobey Art Award showcases the work of visual artists under the age of 40, who have recently exhibited.

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Peter Morin is one of the nominees from the West Coast/Yukon region. TheTahltan Nation artist, curator and writer is originally from B.C. but is now based in Manitoba.

His artist's bio states: "In both his artistic practice as well as his curatorial work, Morin's practice-based research investigates the impact between indigenous cultural-based practices and western settler colonialism."

Nadia Myre is Kitigan Zibi Anishnabegand visual artist based in Quebec.

In an interview with CBC Montreal, Myre said, "I would describe myself as a visual activist. A lot of the work that I'm making has a political base, and as a conceptual artist, I'm trying to say something."

Her artist bio says:"For over a decade, her multi-disciplinary practice has been inspired by participant involvement as well as recurring themes of identity, language, longing and loss."

Ursula Johnson is an interdisciplinary artist from Nova Scotia with Mikmaq ancestry.

Her bio states: "Johnson'sart incorporates the traditional Aboriginal art form of basketry expressed through a variety of mediums, including, performance, installation, and sculpture."

"Ursula is the creator of the21st Century Opltek Basket, a subtly non-functional form that utilizes traditional techniques and methods of traditional Mikmaw Ash Splint basketry."

Last year, Duane Linklaterwon the annual $50,000 prize. Duane Linklater is Omaskko Cree, from Moose Cree First Nation in Northern Ontario. Histhought-provoking work explores First Nations identity in the context of contemporary society.

The shortlist will be announced on June 4, and the winner will be announced at a gala event on November 19.

See all of the 2014 nominees: