Cheryl Lynn Maloney

Cheryl Lynn Maloney is a prominent Mi’kmaw artist, legal scholar, and cultural knowledge holder from Sipekne’katik, Nova Scotia. Deeply rooted in Mi’kmaw traditions and governance, Cheryl blends her passion for justice with her creative work. Through her gallery, Mi’kmaq Star Creations, she offers cultural storytelling, art, and hands-on experiences that illuminate Mi’kmaw identity and history.

At her gallery space along the Shubenacadie River, Cheryl creates and shares visual stories through watercolour, acrylics, and clay. Visitors are welcomed into an immersive learning space, where artwork becomes a gateway into Mi’kmaw history and law. From custom Mi’kmaw artwork and gallery tours to experiential workshops and language teachings, Cheryl’s offerings are grounded in her community’s knowledge and her personal journey. Each piece she creates carries the legacy of her ancestors, and each story she shares is an invitation to understand Mi’kmaw worldview and responsibility to land, water, and governance.

Cheryl’s practice is guided by a belief in the power of art to heal and to teach. Whether mentoring youth, offering cultural consulting, or interpreting Mi’kmaw teachings for non-Indigenous audiences, she approaches every interaction as an opportunity for reconciliation and relationship-building. Her connection to the land is central to her work, and through Mi’kmaq Star Gallery & Gifts, she invites visitors to experience Mi’kmaw culture with respect, curiosity, and care.