Sydney Kirkness (1950–2010) was a dedicated painter from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba. He studied at Red Deer College and the Banff School of Fine Arts, where his work remains in the permanent collection. Known for his deep connection to his Indigenous heritage, Kirkness’s paintings reflect a profound sense of place and cultural identity. He lived and worked in Fisher River, Manitoba, where he passed away in 2010.