Perry McLeod-Shabogesic of the “Crane Clan” is an Ojibway Anishinabe from N’biising (Nipissing) First Nation (NFN). The Ojibway people are a tribe within the larger Anishinabek Nation whose territory spans largely around the central Great Lakes of North America. NFN is located on the north shores of Lake Nipissing in Northern Ontario, Canada. He has been a artist, cartoonist, writer, traditional helper, medicine harvester and cultural resource person in and around his community for many years.  Perry’s spirit name is “Aandzooked”, which means “Teller of sacred stories” in Ojibway.

Shabogesic has worked within the school system for over 25 years visiting classrooms across Ontario sharing his artistic gifts with children. Using art as a way to teach about local culture, history and self-expression, Perry has and continues to work with Aboriginal youth to celebrate art. McLeod-Shabogesic has been an OAC juror many times and has accessed funding to facilitate a number of “Artist in the Classroom” and Artist in Residence” projects over the years including recent projects as a member of Aanmitaagzi. Today, Perry continues to visit classrooms  celebrating art with students and has worked for his people in the areas of health, social services, education and culture.

About 20 years ago, Perry also developed a comic strip called “Baloney & Bannock”.  Since then, it has slowly become a cult favorite amongst many of the Anishinabek communities. Recently he has worked closely with world renown cartoonist Lynn Johnston (For Better or For Worse) helping her develop story lines for her strip as well as improving his own techniques. Perry’s other artwork includes logos and fine art using acrylic and mixed media. He has developed his artistic style from the traditional woodland images and rock paintings. He has often been asked to speak on many aboriginal issues by aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations across Ontario, Canada and the United States.

From politics to culture Perry loves to poke fun. His sense of humor has even caused him to get into a little controversy along the way.  On this matter Perry says “If you can’t laugh at yourself and the world around you, then I’m more than willing to help ya!!!”