Gayle Sinclair

Gayle Sinclair is a Cree painter from the Kinosao Sipi First Nation (Norway House) in Northern Manitoba. Raised in Norway House, she began painting at a young age, completing her first oil painting at fourteen. Following her high school graduation in 1986, she studied fine arts at the University of Manitoba, where she formalized her exploration of composition, color theory, and light.

Working primarily in acrylics and oils, Sinclair's aesthetic aligns with the Woodlands style while incorporating a distinct approach to figurative form and symbolism. Her subject matter frequently focuses on women, children, and family dynamics, reflecting the essential roles of women in Indigenous culture. Her compositions often incorporate natural and spiritual motifs, including birds, water, and foliage.

Over her career, Sinclair has produced major public commissions, including works for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Her art is represented in institutional and administrative collections across Manitoba, including the Manitoba Assembly of Chiefs and community facilities in Norway House and Cross Lake. She lives and works in Winnipeg.