Percy Sacobie

Percy Sacobie: Celebrating Wolastoqey Culture Through Art

Percy Sacobie is a multi-disciplinary artist who skillfully weaves his Wolastoqey heritage, traditions, and stories into his creative expressions.

Born in Middletown Connecticut and raised in New Brunswick, Canada, Percy draws inspiration from his rich Wolastoqey culture, leveraging it as a profound reference in his artwork.

Born to a bi-racial background, Percy’s mother is of English and German ancestry, while his father belongs to the Wolastoqey people. This diverse heritage has greatly influenced his perspective and artistic exploration, allowing him to create compelling narratives through his work.

Percy’s artistic journey began with a strong foundation in Indigenous art, earning him a certificate in Indigenous Art from the esteemed New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. Additionally, his passion for graphic design led him to pursue a diploma in the field. Seeking to further expand his educational horizons, Percy continued his education at St. Thomas University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts. He later pursued his interest in education, obtaining a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education from the University of New Brunswick.

Throughout his career, Percy Sacobie has participated in several group exhibitions, showcasing his artistic talent and connecting with other artists. However, it was a recent milestone when he held his first solo exhibition at the prestigious Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton. This significant achievement marked a turning point in his artistic journey, allowing him to share his unique perspective and Wolastoqey-inspired artworks with a broader audience.

While his artistic creations have garnered attention and appreciation, many of Percy’s pieces have found their place in the private collections of art enthusiasts and collectors. This speaks to the allure and emotional resonance of his works, which capture the essence of the Wolastoqey culture and heritage in captivating and evocative ways.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, he and his wife have been blessed with four children and are now proud grandparents to ten grandchildren. This deep connection to family and community fuels his artistic drive, as he aims to preserve and celebrate his Wolastoqey heritage for future generations.

Percy Sacobie’s artistic journey is one of exploration, cultural pride, and a profound commitment to preserving and sharing the beauty of the Wolastoqey culture. Through his multi-disciplinary approach, he brings to life the stories and traditions of his ancestors, leaving an indelible mark on the art world while captivating the hearts and minds of all who encounter his remarkable creations.

The artwork that donors receive at the Innovator Level was created by Percy, and depicts how the waterways were once used as roads and highways, of how the water connected us to all things in Wolastokuk. The deeper meaning is that the river is our cultural connection to the past, and our lack of use and respect for the river leaves us with a lack of understanding of who we once were, who we are in the present, and who we will be in the future. Salmon are an essential part of Wolastoqey culture, and their demise in the Wolastoq has severed a portion of Wolastoqiyik being.