Language is more than what we use to communicate. Through language, we begin to understand each other, and the land that we live on.
Through the Original Voices website, CBC is highlighting a few of the many diverse Indigenous languages that exist across the country.
Cindy Blackstock, executive director of First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, launched a learning series on Twitter for Canadians on “#isitgenocide?” in honour of the Final report of the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
The final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls has two-volumes, calls for transformative legal and social changes, and delivers 231 individual Calls for Justice.
Read the entire report, or the Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries and all Canadians.
The International Indigenous Speakers’ Bureau has an incredible range of speakers that can address topics from health/wellness, arts, history to business and sports: “IISB is about creating opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to connect, and build bridges, by providing access to a wealth of Indigenous Speakers around the world.”
Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre is an ambitious theatre company based in Saskatoon that presents unique Indigenous theatre and youth programs. Attend their plays or donate. If Indigenous theatre is not in your community, read plays by longtime GTNT contributor, playwright/actor Curtis Peeteetuce or Canadian icon Thomson Highway.
CBC’s The Current covers a public forum held to discuss the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and how the traumas of Indigenous youth are connected to the violence against Indigenous women.
Despite being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, impoverishment, food insecurity, unsafe drinking water and inadequate housing are merely few examples of the many epidemics happening to the Indigenous peoples of Canada. Learn from and become part of Amnesty International’s work for Indigenous rights.
Indig Inc is created by Indigenous artisans for Indigenous artisans. Their inspiration was to create an online meeting place for artisans and buyers looking for that authentic experience and storyline connection. Indig Inc is a space where the stories of the artisans is weaved into the very fabric of platform, offering an authentic experience in a new way, and connecting people across the globe.
Allen Sapp was a Cree painter from Red Pheasant Cree Nation who resided in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. His art and his story have become well known throughout Canada.
Daphne Odjig was a Canadian First Nations artist of Odawa-Potawatomi-English heritage. Her painting is often characterized as Woodlands Style. She was the driving force behind the Professional Native Indian Artists Association, colloquially known as the Indian Group of Seven.
Alex Simeon Janvier is a pioneer of contemporary Canadian Aboriginal art in Canada and a member of the Indigenous Group of Seven. He was born in Cold Lake First Nation and is of Dene and Saultaux descent.
Jerry Whitehead is a Cree artist from Peter Chapman First Nation. Powwow and powwow dancers have remained an important theme and inspiration for his work.
Christi Belcourt is a Métis visual artist and author best known for her acrylic paintings which depict floral patterns inspired by Métis and First Nations historical beadwork art. Belcourt’s work often focuses on questions around identity, culture, place and divisions within communities.
Find art galleries in your community that showcase the work of Indigenous artists. Visual and performance artists that focus on Indigenous historical, traditional and contemporary art can inspire and educate. Here are some around Saskatchewan: Wanuskewin, First Nations University Art Gallery, Sâkêwêwak Artists’ Collective Regina
Or visit The Allen Sapp Gallery: The Gonor Collection virtually or in person in North Battleford!
The Indigenous Group of Seven in Muskrat Magazine
Jackson Beardy (Cree), Eddy Cobiness (Ojibway), Alex Janvier (Dene, Saulteaux), Norval Morrisseau (Ojibway), Daphne Odjig (Potawatomi, Odawa), Carl Ray (Cree) and Joseph Sanchez (Pueblo, Spanish, German) are the Indigenous visual artists that are now recognized as The Indigenous Group of Seven. Read about their contributions!
Muskrat Magazine on Indigenous Poetry
CBC’s List of 5 Indigenous Poetry Collections
Saskatoon Indigenous Poets Society
Use these sources to connect with the outstanding voices in Canada’s poetry scene. Interested in spoken word poetry? Some prominent and inspiring voices include Tenille Campbell, Kevin Wesaquate, Zoey Pricelys Roy, and ecoaborijanelle.
Connect with us to recommend an Indigenous poet!
