Remembering Michael ‘Cy’ Cywink

The late Anishinaabe artist Michael ‘Cy’ Cywink created hundreds of murals across Ontario during his life, earning international acclaim for his bold use of color and symbolism, as well as his commitment to mentoring young artists.

His story is being celebrated in a new documentary film titled The Creation Story of Michael ‘Cy’ Cywink, which will premiere Sunday for National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Blyth Festival Art Gallery in Huron County, Ont., alongside an exhibition featuring 50 pieces of his artwork.

Cywink passed away last month at the age of 71, just weeks before the film’s debut.

Filmmaker Cory Bilyea, who belongs to Six Nations of the Grand River and is the founder of Eagle Eye Media Productions, began documenting Cywink’s journey with him seven years ago with hopes of making her first film.

“Mike really encouraged me to follow that dream and he provided me the opportunity,” said Bilyea, a journalist residing in Wingham, Ont.

Cory Bilyea and Michael ‘Cy’ Cywink worked together on the documentary. (Submitted by Cory Bilyea)

“I’m so honoured that he trusted me with this project, and I’m so honoured that we were able to see it through – but I’m devastated that he died just weeks before our dream because he was so excited for this show,” she said.

Cywink was also the uncle of another popular mural artist sharing his name from southwestern Ontario. His daughter, Cedar-Eve Peters, has followed in his footsteps as a professional mural artist and beadworker.

He authored a book called The Adventures of Crazy Turtle.

Throughout his career, he painted over 300 murals in Ontario, including around 50 murals in schools throughout Guelph, Sarnia and his hometown Espanola. Many were funded through projects by the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) aimed at supporting Indigenous artists in communities and schools, according to Bilyea.

Legacy of mentorship

Bilyea , a survivor of the Sixties Scoop , first met Cywink back in the 1980s when they crossed paths in Toronto where he served as a youth mentor during a time she felt lost.

“We were all just learning how to be Indigenous. His mentorship and his love got me through some of my darkest times ,” she said. “From beginning , right up to end , that’s what he did. That was his mission – reaching out to as many youth as possible.”

He taught young people how to find healing through color , transforming feelings like anger or frustration into art , she explained. The Seven Grandfather Teachings held deep meaning for him , and he continued mentoring until his final days in hospital.
LISTEN | Journalist Cory Bilyea talks about her new film on the legacy of Michael ‘Cy’ Cywink:

London Morning7:01 New documentary showcasing the life and art of Michael Cywink

Six Nations journalist Cory Bilyea set out to make a documentary seven years ago about Anishinaabe artist Michael Cywink now it’s ready for its big screen debut. Cory Bilyea shared details on London Morning about Cywink’s impact along with insights from making the film.

His teachings have been helpful for her during tough times , she added.

“Just being able to sit and hear him talk through this film , it’s like he’s still right here guiding me , connecting me helping me get through this ,” said Bilyea.Cory Bilyea is a Six Nations journalist and documentary filmmaker living in Wingham, Ont. (Submitted by Cory Bilyea)

“I saw many people pass away.. who had stories but nobody there to tell them or give them any platform ,” she remarked. “It was Mike’s wish that he simply wanted others to share their stories.”

The Creation Story of Michael ‘Cy’ Cywink will premiere on Sunday June 21st and June 28th at Blyth Festival Art Gallery along with screenings at Blyth Memorial Hall. The art exhibit will remain open until July 11.

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