Canadian Content Corner - Full Edition

Editor's CornerInformationThe Magazine isPublished by:Canadian ContentCornerSpecial Edition - 4Month ofPublishing:April - 2022Editorial Team:Interviewer-Writer-Editor:Ann "Aria" BurstynCo-editor- Jay PillaiPresented &Promoted by:Lazie Indie MagazineCover Photo andArtwork Courtesyof:Betty Albert &Vince FontaineThis is the fourth edition presented by the Lazie IndieMagazine Special Tribute Series. In this specialedition, Ann "Aria" Burstyn, writer of the insightful seriesof articles for the Canadian Content Corner,interviewed a number of Indigenous Canadian artists.Through these very talented and eloquent artists, Anndoes a spectacular job of presenting the reader withintriguing stories of tradition, spirituality, art and musicwhile eliciting response on the current events that arerecently unfolding within Canada. The entire credit forcreating such a momentous feature goes to Ann and LazieIndie Magazine, who are most happy to help her presentthis content to the readership worldwide. Readers willsurely find this as a great source of enlightenmentregarding the works and lives of 'original' Canadians.Let us read…- Jay PillaiPage 2

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even more so over the last number ofyears. I have seen our Indigenousbrothers and sisters fighting forequality and more, on so many levels,here and globally. I have felt their painand frustration, perhaps also due tomy own shared Indigenous roots. Butto find out now the horrors, theinhumanity, that is also ‘our roots’, isunfathomable to me as a Canadian.How do we come to terms with thisand truly reconcile in our minds,hearts and actions, today? The Truthand Reconciliation Calls to Actionindeed is a good start. Cutting back onCanada Day celebrations seemsrespectful on the surface. But none ofthis can ever erase the atrocities andgenerations of deeply embedded pain.It will take more generations to easemuch of this angst. My question now isthis: How am I currently to be athankful, patriotic Canadian? For methe answer is:Page 5

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"We have to recognize and navigatethe darkness before we can see thelight." Shayla StonechildIcannot fully at this time. I am still impressed with andproud of my fellow Canadian friends and artistswhom I grew up with and in some cases admired andembraced as mentors. That will never change. It isbecause of my love and admiration for all thingsCanadian -especially in Music and the Arts- that inmy early pre-teen years I was and to this day continue to be inspired and driven toalso be involved in these fields. So much so, that I became a musician as well andhave also been writing the column The Canadian Content Corner (for Lazie IndieMagazine), which highlights Canadian musicians. What does it mean to be aCanadian artist and citizen, now? I believe it means we have a newfoundresponsibility to acknowledge the recent findings and reflect upon them. Thereneeds to be further awareness and responsibility taken, though. There is no suchthing as ‘ignorance is bliss’ in this situation. We should have known. It seems thereare no legitimate excuses. Should we as Canadians linger on the negatives and sitidly in this scenario? I do not feel that is a solution. I do think however that weshould all educate ourselves as to the truth of what actually occurred and ask whatwe can do to help the Indigenous communities now and in moving forward. One ofthe ways I wish to honour this 'path to healing' is to feature only IndigenousCanadian artists in this edition. But there is much more work to be done. Withrespect, and in my corner of the world, I will further do my best to do my part in anyway I am able. I have witnessed many of my fellow Canadians aiming to do the verysame. I feel we should now, more than ever, hold fast in togetherness in this walk ofunderstanding, change and hope for a more positive future for everyone in ournation.Intro“Why is Indigenous art important to Canada? Art has always been an integralpart of the preservation and expression of culture in Indigenous communities andCanada is a treasure trove of Indigenous art that has shaped the country's culturalidentity over thousands of years.”"The history of Indigenous art in Canada begins sometime during the last Ice Agebetween 80,000 and 12,000 years ago. To date, however, the oldest survivingartworks (excluding finely crafted, aesthetically significant stone tools) aredatable to no earlier than 5,000 years ago."Reference:https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/aboriginal-art-in-canadaPage 6

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The ArtistsVince Fontaine –After Vince and I had written andfinalized his “Bio” together, sadly and unexpectedly,he passed away. I have left it in the present tense ashis force of nature spirit remains very much alivewithin this article and also in the realms of Music andthe Arts. He and I had planned on composing a fullfeature magazine about him because his trailblazing accomplishments in theIndigenous and music communities around the world are so broad and havebeen so impactful, that not nearly all of them can be touched upon in thisedition. He 'is' a highly respected pillar and icon in the industry who 'is' wellknown for his love and gift for music, but also for his smile, warm characterand devotion to his loved ones and community. I will still make good on myoffer to him to write the extended feature at a later date. On behalf of myselfand the Lazie Indie Magazine, we offer our deepest and most sincerecondolences to his family, friends, ‘brothers’-in-arms, colleagues, fans and theIndigenous and music community. He is sorely missed but his incrediblelegacy shall remain. His major contributions to the city of Winnipeg, Canada,and the world, will be forever cherished and appreciated. I will miss you myfriend, but I will keep you in my mind and heart, always. Safe journey amidstthose stars Vince. Peace be with you and thank you-Miigwetch…“It was a great honour to have worked with such an amazing songwriterand musician through both bands, Indian City and Eagle & Hawk. Hetreated all band members as family. I was incredibly lucky to havecollaborated with him. He taught me and others so much and we are allforever grateful. Vince will be so missed by so many.” Karen Barg,Luminous String Quartet/Indian City/Eagle & HawkIndigenous Musician a Connecting Force in Music Scene, by AlanSmall:https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/music/indigenous-musician-a-connecting-force-in-music-scene-576059432.html?fbclid=IwAR2H-JFXBWBQVDCYe7l_8LE5oCk3MNS1p_J57A1p4yww-m2NwTHlqFFEAeUPage 8

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“Star People”“We’re on the road, we’re leavin’ now,gonna find the place they calltomorrow…tomorrow…It’s the placewe’ve dreamed about, if we go thereain’t no doubt, they’ll follow… they’llfollow… Suddenly we’ve come this far,I realize there’s so much more to thislife…this life…And I believe in you andif you, believe in me, we’re there bydaylight, oh…Take me to the stars, wecan never go too far, too far… Takeme to the stars, let’s find out who weare, who we are…I wrote a song withyou in mind, we can pass the pastwith you in mind for right now, mmmright now, I had a dream of you and I,7 sacred teachings show us why andshow us how, show us how, Hear thevoice of mother earth, she’s askingwhat she’s really worth, she’s crying,Take me to the stars, we can never gotoo far, yeah take me to the stars, ohoh ohh, let’s find out who we are, whowe are…We are sky watchers, yeah,we are star people, yeah we are skywatchers, we are star people…”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w20bSp4gbC0Bio:Vince Fontaine is a Songwriter,Producer, Composer, Live EventProducer, Festival Organizer/Curator,Film Writer/Director, EntertainmentBusiness Owner and Artistic Directorand is a member of Ojibwaycommunity - Sagkeeng First Nation.Vince began playing guitar at the ageof 15 and is influenced by guitar greats,Jimmy Page, Carlos Santana andDavid Gilmour to name a few.Page 9

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“My purpose is to lift up Indigenous people of NorthAmerica and show the beauty, existence, splendor andmystique of our culture. I want to be a musical beaconand cultural ambassador. My artistic vision is tobring cultural voice and excellence to the live stage.”For more than 25 years, he has been atthe forefront of Indigenous musicmaking in Canada. Based in Winnipeg,Manitoba, the multifaceted, award-winning and visionary Fontaineliterally has done it all. He is one ofCanada’s most highly celebratedIndigenous composers. Among hismost significant and well-knownventures, Fontaine is the founder andprimary songwriter of the legendary,award-winning roots-rock band Eagle& Hawk, one of the longest-runningsuccess stories in Canadian musichistory. The band, which has releasednine studio albums since 1997, isknown for its innovative fusion ofIndigenous themes and sound that hasbecome the foundation of Fontaine’ssignature artisticdirection. Among the band’s manynotable appearances, Vince highlightsa handful immediately including twoperformances at the famed NewOrleans Jazz Fest (2011, 2015),Indian Summer Festival inMilwaukee, 2 appearances in Ottawafor Canada Day, various folk festivalsacross North America, and manytelevised performances. Eagle & Hawkhas received 75 nominations and morethan 30 wins at awards ceremoniesacross North America and they havetoured Europe more than a dozentimes. In 2002, Fontaine’s vastknowledge of the entertainmentindustry and experience buildingstrong music teams for live events ledto his selection as Cultural/FestivalManager for the North AmericanIndigenous Games, wherehe organized the Openingand Closing Ceremonies inWinnipeg, and two weeks ofentertainment at the culturaland historic heart ofWinnipeg, The Forks. Thishistoric event was the largestcultural and Indigenousgathering that has ever beenheld in North America.Excelling in the field offestival management,Fontaine started producinglive music events ofPage 10

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“Music has always been an agent ofsocial change from healing toawareness to call to action toeducation.”Indigenous music traditions to concert stages acrossNorth America. Fontaine’s music collective, theaward-winning Indian City, which he formed in 2012,has released three albums to date. In 2013, Fontaineproduced a live 70-minute performance with IndianCity and a cast of feature performers, which becamethe blueprint for Vince Fontaine's Indian City Live. As a solo artist, Fontainereleased “Songs for Turtle Island” in 2011. The album exploredIndigenous themes and instrumentation. Among his many honours over theyears, Fontaine received an award for Aboriginal Songwriter of the Yearat the 2012 Canadian Folk Music Awards. In 2016, he received theLifetime Achievement Award at the Indian Summer Music Festival.He was inducted into the Manitoba Music Hall of Fame in 2017. In 2020,Fontaine wrote and co-directed "Eagle & Hawk Takes the Stage", adocumentary produced in association with CBC that chronicled his life withEagle & Hawk and his prolific music career. The documentary, which aired onnational television, shared Fontaine’s music and his commitment to culturalbridge building through his art, while showcasing Eagle & Hawk’s rise to fameand enthusiastic, widespread international renown. As President and founderof his entertainment company Rising Sun Productions, Inc., Fontaine isdedicated to representing and advancing the careers of future generations ofIndigenous talent. His drive to continue in the music industry is propelled byhis palpable passion and conviction to share the beauty and importance ofCanada’s Indigenous cultures. Always strong and always with intent,Fontaine’s songwriting and every aspect of his art and creativity carriesIndigenous stories, imagery and spirituality, and connects these ideals withaudiences of today’s ever-changing world. Vince also performs at many charityevents supporting Native/Indigenous issues. With great significance, hiscombined achievements have brought forth Indigenous culture into themainstream.Page 11

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Other Interesting FactsBeing a hockey lover and avidplayer, Fontaine has had morethan 12 appearances in the annualJUNO Cup where NHL greatsand Canadian musicians face offin a fun, competitive, non-contacthockey game in support of theCanadian music educationcharity, MusiCounts. He servedas a Music Director for theFoxwoods Dance Troup thatparticipated in the OpeningCeremonies at the GoodwillGames in St. Petersburg, Russia.Vince was also EntertainmentCoordinator for the 1999 Pan AmGames Aboriginal Division.He also presented at theAboriginal I Canada Live inCannes, France during Midem,which is considered to be theworld’s music market place. Theshow features some of the verybest in Aboriginal music. Heperformed at the VancouverWinter Olympics with Eagle &Hawk. Add to that, he hasperformed at the SmithsonianInstitution’s NationalMuseum of the AmericanIndian in New York City and inDC.Page 13

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"Like sands of time we fade, In a thousand years we’ll standin your place. I hear your whispering voice and I’m in theplace…I, dream of you…I know you’re here...I, dream ofyou, come back to me, wipe away my tears, show me whatis real…speak to me in dreams…I believe in the dream..."What should we know about you as an artist andyour works?“I have highlighted many Indigenous issues thru mymusic my career in the last 25 + years with Eagle &Hawk and Indian City band.Many songs from Eagle & Hawk –“ Sundancer 21”,“She’s Come of Age “,“Mother Earth”, “Sirensong”, “Dance”, “Wild West Show” have strongIndigenous elements and themes. Many lyrics and ideas flow thru anIndigenous lens. These songs can be found on YouTube etc. Indian City bandhas many pointed and recent issues pertaining to Indigenous issues. “Takeme Home (children of res schools)”, “Through the Flood (MMIWG)”, “FireWon’t Die (7th generations)”, “Colors (2 spirit)”, “Supernation”/ “SunriseSecond” is filled with Indigenous imagery etc.”Which up and coming Indigenous Artists should we be aware of atthis time?“Gabrielle Fontaine, Brothers Wilde, North Sound, Creeson, and DiggingRoots.”What does Truth and Reconciliation mean to you?"An official acknowledgement of past wrongs and an opportunity to moveforward.”What lessons can we learn as a nation from recent events?“We have to reconcile with Indigenous Peoples and give their fair share tonecessities such as water/ housing.”How as Canadians can we go forth in a positive way?"Education / Empathy / Action.”Page 14

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How can Music and the Arts helpin healing and moving forward?"Music has always been an agent ofsocial change from healing toawareness to call to action toeducation.”How can we help with themissing Indigenous peoples?“Be aware/communicate withgovernments and leadership. Theissue of inner city homelessness ishuge and needs to be addressed.Mental health and addiction needssupport as well.”“Speak to me in Dreams”"They say I’m a fool to leaveyou….Nothing is quite as it seems,There’s more than meets the eye, But Idon’t know the way….I, dream of you,I know you’re near, I, dream of you,Come back to me…Like sands of timewe fade, In a thousand years we’llstand in your place...I hear your whispering voice and I'min the place...I, dream of you...I knowyou're here...I, dream of you... Comeback to me... Wipe away my tears,Show me what is real…Speak to me indreams…I believe in the dream,Where we can truly be, we live, welove, we give, we dream, yeahhh… I,dream of you, I know you’re here, I,dream of you, Come back to me…I,dream of you…I know you’re here, I,dream of you, Speak to me indreams…”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjY6zKX4FXIPress Release for Indian City’snew Album Code Red:When the COVID-19 pandemic firstsettled over the planet, Vince startedwalking, and as he walked he thought.At first, he wasn’t thinking aboutmusic too much. But over the course ofwalking more than 2,200 kilometresthat year, Fontaine felt an urgent newenergy welling up from a world thatwas, temporarily, frozen in place. Now,that energy is awakening with CodeRed, the fourth album from folk-popcollective Indian City. Led byFontaine,the Juno Award-winning founder ofFirst Nations rock icons Eagle & Hawk,and featuring acclaimed singers andmusiciansDon Amero (Cree-Métis),Jeremy Koz (Anishinaabe) and SandraSutter(Cree-Métis), as well asCanadian music starsJim Cuddy (BlueRodeo),Chantal Kreviazuk and ChrisBurke-Gaffney, Code Red is an albumto lift the heart, feed the soul andinspire us for what comes next. Theeight songs of Code Red were writtenduring the pandemic, but it is not apandemic record. It is not a recordabout loneliness, or isolation, or thethings that we’ve lost. It is, rather, acall to celebrate old truths that stillPage 15

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shine like new, and the timeless values that carried us through thechallenge: Wisdom. Love. Respect. Bravery. Honesty. Humility. Truth.To many Indigenous communities, these are the Seven Sacred Teachings,a framework for how to live in the world in a good way. To Fontaine, whois Anishinaabe from Sagkeeng First Nation, the pandemic offered achance to strip away the complexities of daily life, and refocus on thosecore values that bind us to each other, and to Mother Earth.The eight songs of Code Red were written during thepandemic, but it is not a pandemic record. It is not a recordabout loneliness, or isolation, or the things that we’ve lost. Itis, rather, a call to celebrate old truths that still shine like new,and the timeless values that carried us through the challenge:Wisdom. Love. Respect. Bravery. Honesty. Humility. Truth."It turns out the things that are important are still the same," Fontaine says."Life will carry on. But we had a moment where we thought about what isimportant and found that it’s love, and caring. I anticipated that one day wewould be past the pandemic and what would we want to hear? It’s uplifting.It’s pop. We may not be out just yet, but there’s a light ahead." Each of CodeRed’s songs plays a different note in this forward-thinking vibe. The album’stitle track, co-written by Amero, grooves with gritty guitar riffs and a pressingchorus call. “Smile,” sung by Koz, was born when Fontaine noticed how hecould see the warmth of people’s smiles in their eyes, even when they werewearing masks; the result is a spirited pop romp. The ballad “Storyteller”sparkles as Sutter’s heartfelt voice glides over graceful piano chords. "Inspiredby the values of Indigenous people: courage, truth, honesty, wisdom, respect,love and humility, this song "Wannabe" was created for the Indian Cityproject," says Kreviazuk. "It is meaningful to me especially because my rootstrace back to the peguis first nation... and I believe that these values are theway for us to heal the planet and bring hope to future generations." All ofCode Red’s tunes delve into the connections shared between people, but alsobetween Nations. On “The Path,” ebullient lyrics and an irresistible chorusreveal how reconciliation can be a joyful journey, led by radiating hearts. Thishealing power of compassion is explored even further on “ForGiving,” whichlooks to a future in which we will, as Fontaine’s words urge, start rewriting ourcollective story by defending love. In that vein, one of the album’s standouttracks was born on Canada Day 2021, when a text from Fontaine’s longtimefriend, Blue Rodeo front man Jim Cuddy, sparked a conversation about themeaning of reconciliation. That discussion blossomed into a collaboration on“Star People”, a lyrical exploration of Indigenous concepts of existence andbelonging. Vince and Chris wrote the song shortly after and sent it to Jim. "Itwas an honour", Cuddy says. "The content of the song was an origin story ofsorts, and of course it spurred a lot of thinking. The personification of peopleas constellations was a heavy idea. I held that in my thoughts for a longtime," said Cuddy.Code Red is available on all digital and streaming platforms.Page 16

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Other Links:https://www.facebook.com/indiancity/videos/489746116201573https://music.apple.com/ca/album/code-red/1592598408https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_k4_mzKSACZOprYOq9QRxdeBUZGhGgM-bg https://www.instagram.com/indiancitymusic/https://www.youtube.com/user/indiancitylivehttps://www.facebook.com/EagleandHawkROCKShttps://www.facebook.com/indiancityhttp://www.risingsunproductions.ca/artists-vince-fontaine.phphttp://www.indiancity.ca/media.phphttp://www.eagleandhawk.com/media.php https://youtu.be/2lrSp8EED-k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy7qOV35Vichttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Kpy9BYAJ-UPage 17

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Michael “Cy” CywinkBio:Michael “Cy” Cywink is aninternationally acclaimed artist/author/curator/muralist who has beencreating powerful and colorful art formore than 40 years. His tribalaffiliation is Anishinabek - Three FiresConfederacy/ Odawa/OjibwePotawatomi/ Wiikwemkoong UncededTerritory, Manitoulin Island. He is analumnus of the Museum StudiesProgram at the Institute ofAmerican Indian Arts in Santa Fe,New Mexico. Michael is anindependent curator. Previously hewas the arts coordinator for theWiikwemikoongArt Gallery, and curator for theOjibwe Cultural Foundation inM’Chigeeng, Manitoulin Island,as well as a First Nation’s culturalconsultant with Walt DisneyImagineering/Disney’s AmericaTheme Park project in Glendale,California. He has interned at theCanadian Museum of Civilizationof Man, Hull, Quebec, and theNational Museum of AmericanIndian, Smithsonian, Washington,DC. Throughout the 80′s he was acounselor/contract street worker (atrisk youth) in Toronto. He has beenexhibiting his work since 1979-2021.“My learning’s of the 'IndigenousCreative Process' began in my earlyteens. This interest drew me tovarious locations around NorthAmerica to study symbolicinterpretation. Perhaps it's easier tosay, I like to paint and experimentwith creative processes."Page 19

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"As it stands today I carry a versatility of art techniques and designdevelopment. These learning's have also allowed me to utilize art ina therapeutic manner with children and adults within the mosaiccultures.”Select Accomplishments-Michael has since 1969 completed countlessincredible accomplishments and shows no signs ofslowing down. Here is a select list of just some ofthe wonderful work he has done and in someinstances continues to do:As an Art Coordinator he showcased artists from the community/soughtpromotional contacts through social media to promote the arts in theWiikwemkoong Art Gallery as well as offered workshops, sought fundingfor creative art projects in all manifestations of the arts, encouraged youth topursue their artistic endeavors, supported and found venues for the artists,established and emerging. As a Curator at the Ojibwe CulturalFoundation Museum, M’Chigeeng First Nation Responsibilities hemanaged all aspects of the museum which entailed exhibit design anddevelopment, proposal writing, digitizing collections, conservation, publicrelations, community outreach, developing creative workshops, recruiting newand emerging artists and repatriation issues. As a Cultural Consultant/FirstNations Imagery for Theme Parks Walt Disney Imagineering, inGlendale, California he made appropriate cultural changes to script and visualimagery. He worked withNorval Morrisseau in 1979 as a colorist while hewas living in Toronto. He has also created Interior Wall Murals, as well asworkshops for Mural and Mask Making, Painting and Drawing and CulturalArt at many schools and other venues where he included presentations(1763-64 Encountering the Crown and Art and Artifacts of theOdawa Anishinabe) on various occasions. Michael has appeared on manymagazine covers and has been featured in a vast array of articles (InteriorIllustrations and News Articles); Manitoulin Expositor, EspanolaMonitor, SAY Magazine, High Grader Magazine, Mid NorthMonitor, Arts & Entertainment, National Museum of the AmericanIndian, Tribal Museum, The Currently, WD Eye, CommunicationArts Yearly Edition, IAIA Summer Arts Wind, The Sound of theDrum: The Sacred Art of the Anishinabec, Special Editions,Dimensions Magazine, and OMNSIA. Furthermore, he has producedCover Design, Illustrations, and Book Jackets/Designs; The Adventures ofCrazy Turtle (Author/Illustrator), Without the Language (Author/Illustrator), Living through the Seasons (Author: Eddie Benton-Bensai-All Interior Illustrations), We Are Métis (Author Duke Redbird), andIndians Don’t Cry (Author: George Kenny).Page 20

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“It is not 'how'; music, art, painting, film, recounting historicalrecovery from our Indigenous perspective are all healingprocesses for both Indigenous and non- Indigenous viewers.”Awards:Institute of American Indian ArtsMuseum Studies Award, New Mexico, 2year Internship with Walt DisneyImagineering, California, Judge’s ChoiceAward, Manitoulin Art Tour Symposium,Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, EspanolaPulp & Paper Art Festival-Viewers ChoiceAward, Ontario, Massey Street PaintingFestival, 2nd Place Professional ArtistCategory, Ontario Arts Council/Aboriginal Artist In the Schools ProgramOAC–Exhibition Assistance Grant,Valedictorian Award, Aboriginal TeachersCertification Program, OAC–National andInternational Residency Grant-A Journeyof Rejuvenation, AY Jackson-Bridge ofNations Award, and The Group of 7Symposium of the arts 50th Anniversary.Mural-Press ReleaseMcKenzie-Smith Bennett Public Schoolcreates large Indigenous mural to promotelearning. McKenzie-Smith Bennett PublicSchool staff and students spent the firstcouple of weeks of the new school yearworking with artist Michael Cywink to createa large-scale mural to teach students aboutIndigenous culture. "The purpose was toeducate and connect our students andcommunity with Indigenous art and culturewhile raising awareness about land,contemporary colonialism, Indigenouspeoples and issues to inspire change inpeople and their actions," says Lisa Touchie,teacher at McKenzie-Smith Bennett PS. “Thisproject aligns with the Truth andReconciliation Calls To Action, specifically,building student learning forintercultural understanding, empathy andmutual respect.”Page 21

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“I look at art as a gift from the creator, soif I try to hoard it, that gift will be takenfrom me very fast. But if I share it, it canonly enhance.”The mural makes many key curriculumconnections, Touchie says, thatinclude, and extend, beyond art whilereinforcing important Truth andReconciliation CommissionsCalls to Action. “Beyond the obviousart connections through the elementsof design such as space, colour, andtexture, our focus was on bringing inIndigenous knowledge throughIndigenous voice. We focused onlearning about the land and the sevenGrandfather Teachings of Love,Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom,Humility and Truth, and connectingthese teachings to student behaviourand interaction. Our goal is that theselearnings will transfer to ourcommunity outside of the schoolwalls.”The mural will help spur dialogue andteachings in the Social Studiescurriculum, for example, to includeknowledge about treaties, Indigenousrights, cultures and perspectives in theclassroom, Touchie says. PrincipalKimberley Phillips says, "The muralwill create a legacy for future studentsto better understand the history ofIndigenous peoples."Reference-https://www.hdsb.ca/our-board/Pages/News/News-Description.aspx?NewsID=571Page 22

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What should we know about you as an artist and your works?“I have always been actively involved in the community development of FirstNations cultural arts. Art, in all its hidden conceptions seems to me as avehicle used to transport ideas beyond mere sight.Art in itself contains all viable possibilities inexpressions. These learnings have allowed me toutilize art in a therapeutic manner with children andadults within the mosaic society. Art for me istherapy for my living spirit.Throughout the many tangents of artistic development, I feel that I amregistering images, thoughts and visions for the future generations of theFirst Nations People. What matters to me is the comfort level theseprojections give to the receiver. Art is a gift of historical recovery.”Which up and coming Indigenous Artists should we be aware of atthis time?“There are many young upcoming artists in all genres of the arts. Somereflect the old woodland style, others are more contemporary and innovativein their creative process. I can’t just name them because there is a whole newgeneration of Indigenous artists emerging and establishing themselves.”What does Truth and Reconciliation mean to you?“I try to bring truth and reconciliation out of the youth when working in theschools and communities through First Nation’s art. Politically, this oldergeneration representing corporate Canada via the British Crown seems tohave no interest in the “Truth of Reconciliation” when it comes to upholdingtheir end of the Treaties, Land Claims, Clean Water for many reserves herein Canada. From my personal point of view, The British Crown and thecorporate government of Canada would go bankrupt due to back payment ofthe Lands and Resources since its conception.”What lessons can we learn as a nation from recent events?“Should you be referring to Canada as a nation; learning Respect forprotocol and Treaty rights, not just learning but implementing a process ofReconciliation for those Treaties. They were entered in with respect andtruth that Canada and the British Crown would also honour them. Not sweptthem under the rug.”Page 24

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How as Canadians can we go forth in apositive way?“That is hard for me to answer: perhapslearn more from Indigenous cultures thatare here and were here before contact.Traditional speaking Elders and Knowledgekeepers may hold those answers. One isnever too old to learn.”How can Music and the Arts help inhealing and moving forward?“It is not 'how'; music, art, painting, film,recounting historical recovery from ourIndigenous perspective are all healingprocesses for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous viewers.”How can we help with the missingIndigenous peoples?“I have no answer for this outside ofcontinual prayers and ceremonies for thosemissing and ‘lost’.”*To purchase any of Michael’sworks, please direct inquiries to:cycywink@gmail.comOther Links:https://www.facebook.com/TheBackstreetGallery/https://www.facebook.com/michael.cywinkwww.slideshare.net/michaelcywinkReference:https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/indigenous-artists-share-the-seven-teachings-with-students-through-mural-project-4496211Page 25

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Betty AlbertBio: Betty Albert Lincez a.k.aWabimeguil (White Feather) is atremendously gifted Cree artistresiding in Manitoba. Her art is ajourney of mesmerizing resplendence,which beguiles and captivates all thesenses through her deeply spiritualand enchanting imagery. She wasraised by her adoptive French-Canadian parents in Northern Ontarioin Kapuskasing and Smoky Falls. Shealso lived on Vancouver Island whereshe unearthed her pull towards Artand Spirituality. Over a twenty yearperiod she developed her artistictechniques using ink and pen. She wasaware from a very young age that shewas adopted and was curious abouther birth parents, but did not pursue asearch for them in fear of “forcingherself” upon them. However, she didmeet her biological mother and fatheras well as sister and grandmother, inher early 30’s. “The way it happenedwas beautiful. I’m happy,” she said.When Betty applied to a university andwas asked for her baptismal certificate,she discovered her birth mother,grandfather, sister and nieces. She wasgifted on her birthday with a telephonecall ‘first meeting’ with her mother andthen only days later she met hermother and sister in person. “It wasjust wonderful. It was a real big eventfor all our families. I met mygrandmother-she was the sweetest-itwas a beautiful reunion.” Betty hadbeen fascinated by Indigenous culturenot having known of her own Creeethnicity.Page 26

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“My father told me, ‘You don’t have to try and find ajob. You can make your art work for you.’ So he tookit and started marketing my art. That’s when Ibecame more serious about my art in that I started tomake a living at it.”She only found out after having met her biologicalmother, who told her then of her father’s Creebackground. It was relayed to her that her birth fatherwas the legendary bush pilotLindbergh ‘Lindy’ Louttit.Upon meeting him, he emphatically encouraged her tonurture her creative talent as an artist.“He was really relentless in wanting me to pursue this career, so he helpedme out with it.” She has said that it is the best thing that has ever happened toher. “My father told me, ‘You don’t have to try and find a job. You can makeyour art work for you.’ So he took it and started marketing my art. That’swhen I became more serious about my art in that I started to make a livingat it.” As a result, the Wabimeguil Fine Art Studio was born. Wabimeguilmeans “white feather”. It is the beautiful name Betty’s father chose for her.She has in turn incorporated white feathers in her art wherever fitting. Duringthis period, from 1989 through 1991, she started painting and in 1991 her firstlithograph print was published. “I just have fun, watch colours go and thenmy imagination and my curiosity go wild. I see something in the colours andthe way they land and I produce something from there.” Her main themes inher works have been the Moon- in relation to Women/The Feminine/Spirituality- and more recently Wildlife. Her intention and mission is aboutsharing beauty and joy with the world. “I have gratitude that I’m able to dowhat I do. I’ve been given that opportunity to create and I feel it’s my job tobring as much beauty in other people’s lives as I possibly can. I intend to livethe rest of my life using that formula.” Betty tends to paint on a daily basisout of her home studio based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She at times goesthrough phases that she calls a “fever” of painting. Her last “fever” spannedover a month and a half during which time she produced nearly 18 paintings.Her art is deeply steeped in spirituality and tradition with the use of vibrantacrylic colors that pull the viewer in to see creation in a new way. Her art canbe found in many galleries and museums around the globe. She has publishedthe book Moon Journal and Dream Log and also produced a series ofother books - in partnership withEmily Faries - which are aimed at nativeorganizations, schools and education authorities. “My background; I alwaysloved to sketch. When I was in my 20's I met my father who insisted I becomean artist. It was a lot of work in the beginning but has given me a beautifullife and I have never looked back. My medium; I have used many materialsover the years, such as ink, pastels and pencil drawings. Right now my bestwork is coming from acrylic on canvas using as much creativity in itsapplication as I can. My Inspiration; Ceremony, dreams and big skyPage 28

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country. I am blessed with a beautiful,growing family and absolutelymagical friends. What moreinspiration does anyone need? Duringthe holidays I hear so many storiesfull of the generosity and kindness ofothers but we all are given the abilityto share gratitude with otherswhether we know they are strugglingor not. A simple smile with a littleextra patience, a “pay it forward”moment, an anonymous gift, a coffeeand a listening ear are all things thatcan be shared to give the medicine ofgratitude to someone who may need itmost.” “Trying to find somethingspiritual and meaningful in my life.That progressed as I took the artseriously. I wanted to remain truthfulin all ways because I needed toexpress something that came from me.A point of reference from deep withinme. I didn’t want to do a photographand paint it, that’s a point of referenceoutside of myself. That wasn’t what Iwanted. I wanted a deep meaningfultruth to emerge. It’s continuing anddeveloping and I’m doing so at thesame time. My art is the vehicle. Myart is a progression of my spiritualgrowth. It’s a picture of how I feelspiritually within and I have to tellyou that the art is alive. The canvasbecomes alive. It’s alive and it needs tobreath. So it’s alive, what I do, it’sliving. It’s also my personalbiography of my growth. I waslooking for something meaningful to awoman spiritually and I’m hoping ina sense that I can connect with otherwomen at that level. Men too, on theirfeminine side. Along the way younever do anything alone. People comeand tell you things when it isnecessary for you to learn them.Knowledge and helpers come in manydifferent forms."Page 29

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It can be people just dropping in and telling you whatyou need to hear or it can come even through a moviewhere you learn something moral or significant,books, something you read at the right time to helpyou grow. The Great Spirit has many ways of helpingyou evolve.I’ve met spiritual medicine people.They’ve come to our home and talked. It’sbeen really motivating for me.Somewhere along the line you learn wehave such tremendous power within us.If you search you’ll find the guidance isthere within you. I’m beginning to trustin my own inner voice to connect withthe Great Spirit. I don’t feel that it’snecessary at this time for guidance inthat direction but it will eventually cometo that. Right now I find a lot of strengthin myself, my own concepts.”“Everything in my life had happened atthe right time in order for me to becomean artist and do what I’m doing. Peoplecome to you when it’s time.” “You neverknow where things are going to lead,where they’re going to take you. I simplygo with what wants to happen and thisbasically is what wanted to happen.I feel very strongly about art finding itsown way—where it belongs—and youhave to follow through with it.”Currently: “I have 60 images I’mpreparing for a virtual art gallery. Thisproject is pitching me into the world ofcryptocurrency and the multiverse. I aminto my 65th year and I feel it’s time Ishare a story about a series ofserendipitous moments that changed thecourse of my life. My intention is tosimply remind people of the exquisitepresence of spirit when one absolutelylets go and lets the creator be the guidingforce in life.” The gallery of herextraordinarily stunning works will beready for viewing early next year wherethere will be approximately 30 of Betty’snew pieces on display. It is a new creativeplatform that has movement, just as theart itself. Art is alive, always.Other Links:https://www.capandwinndevon.com/artist/albert-betty/https://www.facebook.com/betty.albert.798https://www.facebook.com/Wabimeguilfineart/https://wabimeguil.com/?fbclid=IwAR31lEW_2jqlEJiZerGGpIiuTsB6CdjZvpz-PGFZwprzKK7G5rLjGDovBfUReferences –http://www.nationnewsarchives.ca/article/wabimeguil-serious-at-last-2/https://wabimeguil.com/https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/05/29/cree-artist-wants-to-bring-joy-and-beauty-through-her-art.htmlhttps://www.fulcrumgallery.com/a118737/Betty-Albert.htmPage 30

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Kalum Teke DanBio: Kalum is anexceptionally naturallytalented Canadian artistresiding in Calgary, Alberta.“My ancestry is of the Blood Tribe insouthern Alberta, where myconnections to my traditionalspiritual and cultural background hasinspired my body of work. I grew upin Calgary with my mom Joanne Dan,who has been supportive throughoutmy career that began in my teens. Iam primarily self-taught, developingmy skills through observations,practice, and dedication to my craft. Iwork in oil, acrylic, and water color,choosing themes that reflect myunique perceptions of my spiritualityand being Indigenous in the modernday society. My designs represent myconceptualizations of the subjects I ampainting, whether it’s an individual,group, animals, or compilation. I haveparticipated in large scale eventsthroughout the years includingshowcasing at the VancouverCommunity College during the2010 Winter Olympics, as well as,the Calgary Stampede at theWestern Oasis Showcase in 2016 and2017. My work has been displayed inart galleries in Canada and the U.S."I believe that art is just a part of me, a piece ofwho I am."throughout my career. I have enjoyedsharing my work at Indigenousconferences, pow wows, and events. In2016, I created a body work for acoloring book, withDiana Frost, authorof a series, “Colouring it Forward”, inthe edition, “Discover BlackfootNation Art and Wisdom”. In the past5 years, I have started creating largepublic art murals. I recently completed acompilation on an exterior wall at theJohn Howard Society, in SoutheastCalgary, Alberta. In 2015, I wascommissioned to painta mural for the Calgary StampedeIndian Village. In the summer of2018 in downtown Calgary, I painteda mural on an exterior wall at 17thAvenue Framing.” “As a youngster,I dreamed a lot about art, and afterpainting a few pieces in my mid-teens,I finally came to realize that I reallydid have some talent. I believe that artis just a part of me, a piece of who Iam. After selling some of my workbefore the age of 20, I realized thatpainting and creating art was all Iwanted to do-and I’ve been doing itPage 32

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ever since. I actually did go to schoolfor a short time, having enrolled in theAlberta College of the Arts in myearly 20s. A few months into theprogram, though, I decided to set outon my own-to seek my own path inlife. I’ve since put a lot of effort intorefining the finer techniques ofcreating art on canvas viawatercolours, oils and acrylics. AndI’ve been fortunate to be able to travelextensively and work with manydifferent galleries over the years, bothof which gave me opportunities toshowcase my work in front of avariety of audiences. Many of mypaintings are based on real people-individuals who portray innerstrength or demonstrate an overallsense of pride in themselves, theirculture and those they hold dear. Ioften draw inspiration from thesubjects I paint, which in turn spursme on to new ideas and projects. Theanimal world, especially entitiesclosely related to Indigenousteachings and beliefs, is also aprimary, or perhaps I should sayprimal source of inspiration for me.Here, my aim is to not only capturethe beauty and physicality of theanimal on canvas, but also to depictits spirit. In addition to my ownefforts to evolve as an artist, I try mybest to support and mentor emergingartists-just as I was supported in somany different ways when I wasstarting out. I believe that anyonewho shares the dream of becoming anartist will need-and deserves-all thesupport he or she can get along theway. Giving something back is thebest way to keep moving forward.”Reference-https://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/canada/kalum-teke-dan-art/Page 33

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Public Art Experience Murals:A list of organizations Kalum hascreated murals for- Calgary Stampede,Legal Guidance, Belt-line Urban MuralProject, Calgary Public Library,Calgary Alberta Friendship Centre(Murdered and Missing IndigenousWomen), John Howard Society,University of Calgary (2 Murals), Cityof Calgary Hall- (3 installations), BloodTribe (Murdered and MissingIndigenous Women), Blood Tribe(Murdered and Missing IndigenousWomen- Bulletin Board), Calgary CityPolice Headquarters, and theNewcomers Immigration Centre.Art Shows Featured Exhibitions:2010-Featured in the OlympicsIndigenous Art Show (Vancouver, BC)2015-Peace Hills Trust Native ArtContest (Edmonton, AB,)2016 & 2017- Featured Native Artist atthe Calgary Stampede (Calgary AB).Recent Highlight: New Blackfoot Art by Kalum, unveiled at Calgary’s CityHall-Representing the Past, Present and Future-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81G_WnGyOWgOther Links:https://www.facebook.com/kalum.t.danhttps://emi090.wixsite.com/kalumhttps://www.instagram.com/kalumdan/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CbNpeUSOs7X/?https://www.instagram.com/p/CbOJhsNBC1A/https://www.instagram.com/p/CXtyvUGvN4U/https://www.instagram.com/p/CXO2dlVAjmA/https://www.instagram.com/p/CUIJaUDq21W/Clayton GauthierBio: Clayton Gauthier is a wellrevered multimedia artist who hasapprenticed under Peter George, aWet'suwet'en master carver. Claytonis a graduate from the En’owkinCentre’s National AboriginalProfessional Artist TrainingProgram (NAPAT). He hascompleted murals and carvings forthe community of Prince George,British Columbia. He also workswith youth in the school district andin his home community to share artand storytelling. His other skillsinclude drawing, painting, drumand rattle making, logos, mirroretching, tattoos, as well as graphicart.Page 35

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“Walking this journey as an artist, Ihave learned a lot about myself andthe arts. My bloodline is Cree andDakelh. The art produced is revolvedaround our traditional teachings thatwe have learned from our Elders, theSpirit within and Mother Earth.Throughout this art journey I havecompleted many logos, murals,drums, rattles, carvings, tattoos,digital art and also, I’m a publishedauthor of the children’s books TheSalmon Run and The BearsMedicine. I have made 'Art' an activepart of my life. Artwork in my lifegives me a feeling of serenity thatnothing can replace. Art is a reflectionof the soul.”What should we know about you asan artist and your works?“Art always will be a passion ofmine... the power to create stories... lifelessons through art does beautiful thingsin this world. Brings out emotions wethought we never had. Art opens manydoors... animal teachings and the spiritwithin.”Which up and coming IndigenousArtists should we be aware of at thistime?“There are many artists out there. I feelthe schools should have a lot more artclasses for our children to grow. Sad tosay... there's not many art classes here inPrince George B.C. Having more artvenues to choose from will encourageyoung artists to take on the arts full timeand share their gifts with the world.”Page 37

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What does Truth andReconciliation mean to you?“Truth and Reconciliation is within...When the individual owns up to theirdarkness and faults... faces andaccepts what our ancestors have leftfor us. Knowing your personal truthand walking it fully... even if you haveto walk alone... you will reconcile withwhat's within. For me... I wasn'ttaught that we are sacred beings andhold special gifts in this world. I hadto search within and find out why I'mhere on mother earth at this momentin my journey. Knowing oneself andyour power brings peace and love inyour life.”What lessons can we learn as anation from recent events?“We are human beings... we are allone. The grass... trees... wind...water... we are all one. How we treatother spirits that surround us is areflection of what's within. We areeventually going back to the land...the more we learn, the less we know.”How as Canadians can we goforth in a positive way?“Same answer as Question #4.”How can Music and the Arts helpin healing and moving forward?“Art and music opens doors for othersto see differently, think openly in thisbeautiful world. Art will always bewith us... looking at human history...there was a time where we weresurrounded by art... pyramids...carvings all over the world... we willbe back in that mindset, way of lifesomeday soon. Keep doing your art...share your world from within.”Page 38

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“Blessed to learn from the animals we share this journeywith.We all choose how we see this world. You see the flawsor beauty. The power is yours. Keep doing what you love.”How can we help with the missing Indigenouspeoples?"Prayers and love... the truth will eventually show itself.Keep our prayers alive... the spirits that surround us arelistening to us at every moment. The prayers will beanswered.”Written and Illustrated by Clayton:The Salmon Run-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbujjb28pg8https://www.amazon.ca/Salmon-Run/dp/1926886445The Bear's Medicine-https://www.amazon.ca/Bears-Medicine-Sus-You/dp/1926886577Indigenous artist Clayton Gauthier to carve cedar planks forUNBC’s Gathering Place-https://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/local-news/indigenous-artist-clayton-gauthier-to-carve-cedar-planks-for-unbcs-gathering-place-1683301Awardhttps://www.myprincegeorgenow.com/129114/prince-george-artist-nationally-recognized-for-indigenous-storybook/Other Links:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006316695522https://twitter.com/cgauthierartistPage 39

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Jordan M BurnsBio:Jordan M. Burns (they/he) is a Disabled,Indigenous, Two-Spirit, Neurodivergent,highly talented, multidisciplinary artist fromTurtle Island on Treaty 3 territory. Jordanserves as a co-founding artistic director withThird Wheel Theatre Co.; this positionhas allowed them to explore a multiplicity ofroles as director, producer, puppeteer, actor,and playwright. Jordan is also a proudhonours graduate of Humber’s TheatrePerformance program. Some of theirfavourite credits include MnoBimaadiziwin (dir. H. Barnes), The Catin the Hat (dir. S. Prelletz), The EchoesII: Pigeon Pie (dir. M. Wodzinska),Vermilion (dir. G. Kosmidis), and APineberry’s Past (writ. J. Burns).Committed to a comprehensive artisticpractice, Jordan is currently in the process ofcompleting their Honours B.F.A. inTheatre at York University whilst workingon their play A Pineberry’s Past.What should we know about you asan artist and your works?"When asked, I often label myself as aDisabled, Two-Spirit, Indigenous,Neurodivergent, multidisciplinary artist,though the labels will shift in place,relevance, and definition. I’m a co-founding artistic director of ThirdWheel Theatre Co. and most of thework that I do occurs either within oradjacent to the theatre industry. All ofmy work centres around the idea of notbeing more than or being less than, itfocuses on being. I am of the firm beliefthat we are not human beings (labelledobjects), we are humans, being. My workis not always going to fit perfectly into anicely-labelled box, the same way that Ican’t describe myself with only onelabel.”Page 41

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Which up-and-coming Indigenous Artists should we beaware of at this time?"There are so many! But, I would highly recommendmultidisciplinary mentalist, John Mira Roldan, multidisciplinarytheatre artist, Jesse Wabegijig, playwright extraordinaire, ZiigwenMixemong, designer, Samantha McCue, and multidisciplinarytheatre artist, Pesch Nepoose."What does Truth and Reconciliation mean to you?“Reconciliation is not possible without Truth. Truth isacknowledging that we are all treaty people; regardless ofour status on Turtle Island, thanks to the Two-RowWampum. This treaty binds those who share the land totravel together in friendship and peace, forever.""Truth is also fully acknowledging where and when this treaty has been broken. Reconciliation islistening, it’s patience, it’s reflection, it’s supportive, it’s working together to once again traveltogether in friendship and peace, it’s respect for Indigenous rights, it’s transparency, it’s dedicatingadequate resources to Indigenous groups, it’s upholding promises and agreements made overhundreds of years, it’s clean drinking water, it’s reconciling the sovereignty of the Crown with thepre-existence of Indigenous nations, it’s all of that and more. And none of it can occur until Truth isfully realized.”What lessons can we learn as a nation from recent events?“That the history that many of us have been taught is wrong, meant to show Canada in a positivelight (colonial), and encourage patriotism. Many people are just discovering the horrors ofresidential schools and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Current Canadian history lessonscompletely ignore relations between the nation of Canada and First Nations. History lessons andteachings need to be decolonized as part of Truth and Reconciliation.”How as Canadians can we go forth in a positive way?“By acknowledging and upholding the legitimate treaties of our ancestors as binding contracts.”How can Music and the Arts help in healing and moving forward?“Aristotle once claimed that tragedies were the greatest type of theatre because they allowed apurgation of the audience’s negative emotions. While Aristotle and I don’t quite see eye-to-eye ontheatre and theatricalism, I do agree that all forms of the arts allow creators and consumers theability to express and purge their emotions in a creative way. Healing occurs through open lines ofcommunication; allowing the arts to be part of that conversation makes it more accessible.”How can we help with the missing Indigenous peoples?“Individually? Dedicating time to learning their names and their stories, challenging yourself toavoid the acceptance of Indigenous stereotypes, Indigenizing your life, educating yourself,demanding justice for those lost already, and fighting tooth and nail to ensure that this stopshappening. Collectively? Truth.”Other Links:https://www.facebook.com/BurnsBright97https://www.instagram.com/thirdwheeltheatreco/https://www.instagram.com/burnsbright97/Page 42

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Pesch Veronica NepooseBio:Pesch is a remarkably gifted Plains Creemultidisciplinary Indigenous artist fromEdmonton, Alberta, currently residing inToronto, Ontario. She graduated herfourth and final year at the Centre forIndigenous Theatre in May 2019.Pesch has many skills and experience asan actor, writer, dancer, singer, stagemanager and tour guide. As a full timeactor, she has been a part of manyprojects, most recently MnoBimaadziwin by Theatre By the Bay;including the films Dish Dances and ByThese Presents with Ange Loft, alsoacting in the short film Hunger whichpremiered at the Imaginative FilmFestival, 2019. Pesch enjoys workingwith Clay and Paper Theatre,Jumblies Theatre, the Encounterscollective, Out of Sync collective andmany others.“Clay and Paper Theatre producesplays, pageants, parades and spectacleswith and within the community,grounded in the idea that performance inpublic space is an act of culturaltransformation.”“We are a Toronto theatre company thatworks exclusively in public space. We'rea small band of insurgent puppeteersand artists asking big questions withhumour and irreverence. Did we alsomention that we want to change theworld? Completely. Irrevocably. Oh,and, Clay and Paper Theatre is notfunny and is never serious.”“Jumblies makes art in everyday andunexpected places with, for and aboutthe people and stories found there, thuscreating transient utopias and far-reaching ripples. Everyone is welcome.”What should we know abouther as an artist and her works?As a writer, Pesch has been inthe Paprika festival,workshopping her one womanshow currently titled TheBridge. It focuses on identity,grief, addiction and many otherissues young Indigenouswomen go through. It’s a pieceshe has been writing that hashelped her in a lot of ways, andthat she intends to bringawareness to others whostruggle as well. She also was apart of Nightwood Theater'sGroundswell Festival andWorkman Arts Rendezvouswith the Madness Festival.Page 44

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Which up and coming IndigenousArtists should we be aware of at thistime?“I know we have a lot of up and comingartists that go to the Centre forIndigenous Theatre. It’s where I wentto school for 4 years, and I have met andworked with a lot of talented students.There’s Theresa Cutknife, an actor whoWhat does Truth andReconciliation mean to you?“What Truth and Reconciliation meansto me… is that Indigenous people’shistory and what they endured will beknown and taught. It’s something Iremember briefly learning about when Iwas growing up in public school offreserve. It made me sad and confused asto why we only were taught about a littlebit of the history. And why it seemed asthough the Indigenous people followedtreaties and let themselves be put onsmall reserves while Canada took moreof the land. Now as I got older and reallystarted to find out what really happened,the truth came out finally. It’s hard todeal with and to feel all these emotions,especially with recent events."How as Canadians can we go forthin a positive way?“Canada needs to step up further. Theone day we were given to honour thoselost lives, is not enough. It does not feellike it will ever be enough for now.Everything that we are looked downupon as Indigenous peoples, by others, iscurrently works in a theatre companycalled Tarragon based in Toronto.Jesse Wabagijig, also a fellow actor,writer and community based artist. I’dmention Chris Mejaki, who has an agentand is getting work. Kitsune Soleil, agood friend of mine, acts and creates herown writing. Linda Margret who lives inVancouver, is into acting, film, and FXmakeup. Some students from CIT Iwould mention, with acting, writing anddancing skills: Sonny Russell, PrincessLightning, Pearl Pheasant-Dumont,Kehew Buffalo, Francis Gladue, RiverWaterhen and Brandon Bear.”not our fault. I think Canadians need to learnabout what was committed against Indigenouspeople, and to learn what caused it. I don’t knowwhat else they can do. But something has to bedone. Show up and support the land defenders inB.C. and come bring your warmth and strengthwhile we sing and dance to honour the lives lostor have not yet been found. Talk to the higher upsin your city, community, and help us with yourvoice to bring justice and awareness.”Other Links:https://www.facebook.com/pesch.caskenettehttps://www.facebook.com/clayandpaperhttps://www.facebook.com/jumbliestheatrePage 46

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Tale of a TreeWoody-Mhitik, a tree carving that once stood inWinnipeg’s Bois-des-Esprits Forest, officially hasa new home at Le Musée de Saint-BonifaceMuseum. The carved spirit tree toppled over thispast August, mostly due to natural decay. OnSaturday, just months later, the museum and theSave Our Seine organization held a publiclaunch of the three-foot carving at its new home.Walter Mirosh, one of the carvers of Woody-Mhitik, said he’s very proud. "We know he’sprovided a lot of enjoyment to all the people whocome into the forest, breathe all the good air," hesaid. Mirosh added that he hopes everyone whocomes to see the sculpture at the museum enjoysit as much as he enjoyed carving Woody-Mhitik. "Woody-Mhitik was an elm tree and ithad Dutch elm disease and it was scheduled to becut down and the elm beetle had to be destroyed,"Mirosh said. He said they managed to get hold ofthe forestry department, which told them theycould salvage the tree as long as they got off all thebark, so that’s what they did. Mirosh noted theycarved the sculpture over a two-year period morethan 15 years ago, with something interestingoccurring when they carved the eyes."We marked out where the eyes were, but we didn’tcarve them. We just kept on carving for this two-weekperiod," he said. Mirosh added that when it was time tostart carving the eyes, he told the other carver, RobertLeclair, it was time to let Woody see what was in theforest." "This is when he took the mallet and the otherchisel and he started to carve the eye, but prior to thatthere was all kinds of noise in the forest," Mirosh said."The ducks were quacking, the geese were honking,the frogs were croaking. You name it, it was all in thisforest. As soon as he started, the first bang with hismallet on the chisel, carving out the eye – all the noisein the forest stopped. This made my hair on the backof my head raise up." He said once Leclair was donecarving out the eye "all the noise in the forest startedup again. That was really releasing a wood spirit intothis forest," Mirosh said. He added they decided tocarve out the second eye a week later. "Sure enough,the first smack on the other eye, it stopped all the noisein the forest," Mirosh said, adding that the noisestarted up again about halfway into the carving of thesecond eye. "I said Robert, this wood spirit saweverything he wanted with his first eye and now hehas both eyes. He can see everything.”Reference-https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/winnipeg-tree-carving-finds-new-home-at-local-museum-after-toppling-1.5694025, Zachary Kitchen/CTV NewsPage 47

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Special MentionsHonourable Mention ArtistsBuffy St. Marie:https://buffysainte-marie.com/Donny Parenteau:https://www.facebook.com/donny.parenteau.3www.donnyparenteaumusic.comNorval Morrisseau:https://www.aci-iac.ca/art-books/norval-morrisseau/biography/Susan Aglukark:https://www.susanaglukark.com/The Indigenous Peoples Atlas ofCanadahttps://indigenouspeoplesatlasofcanada.ca/Inuit Artistshttps://www.google.com/search?q=canadian+inuit+artists&rlz=1C1SQJL_enCA902CA902&oq=canadian+inuit+artists+&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30l9.5631j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8https://www.inuitartfoundation.org/https://nanooq.ca/< Donny Parenteauwww.donnyparenteaumusic.comPage 48

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Other Relevant LinksPopular Canadian Indigenous Artists-https://www.google.com/search?q=popular+canadian+indigenous+artists&rlz=1C1SQJL_enCA902CA902&oq=popular+canadian+indigenous+artists&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30l2.21437j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8Nine Indigenous Musicians Reflect onwhat Truth and Reconciliation means tothem-https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-musicians-truth-and-reconciliation-1.6191130CBC Indigenous Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/CBC.caIndigenousTruth and Reconciliation Resources FacebookPage:https://www.facebook.com/groups/TruthandReconciliationResourcesCanadian Indigenous Art Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/CanadianIndigenousArt Truth and Reconciliation Commission ofCanada:https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1450124405592/1529106060525Indian Residential School Survivors Society HelpHotline:https://www.irsss.ca/faqs/how-do-i-reach-the-24-hour-crisis-line(1-800-721-0066)First Nations Health Authority:https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/indian-residential-school-support-programPage 49

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In ClosingIam dedicating this Special Edition feature magazine toVince Fontaine and Jacquie Black. Within just hours,they both recently made their journey to the hereafter.They were two leading lights in the Indigenous musicfamily; both having worked to support and connect otherartists.Their legacy shall live on through the countless Indigenous artists theymentored, for many generations to come. Their work of education andinclusivity will continue to inspire non-Indigenous peoples to actively strivefor true reconciliation. The post and video below surely demonstrates thepride and love that is abound in the Indigenous realm. It is of Vince and hiscolleague Jeremy Koz performing together to bring comfort to Jacquie duringher ‘transition’. Vince was doing what he loved, right up until his finalmoments, in serving and gifting his community and the world, through hismusic.“Vince Fontaine and I just made this video yesterday afternoon to send toJacquie Black. I thought she had passed but she is still fighting for her lastbreathe. Her niece said she could pass along messages to her. I got off a filmset early and called Vince and said ‘Hey Vince, what are you up to rightnow?’ He was free so I told him to come over and said we should record avideo for Jacquie. Even though she won’t be able to respond she might still beable to hear it. After we sent this to her I was told from her niece that she wasgrunting and it was absolutely beautiful. The song is called “Star People”. Iwanted to do this one specifically because Jacquie was making her way tothe stars. This song has to do with that journey. I’ve sung this many timeswith Vince. Little did I know today Vince would be making his journey. I’mabsolutely devastated. We talked about life and so many things after werecorded the song. I talked to him today as well. I’ve never had a friend likethat. I’m gonna make a post about it when I can put some pictures togetherbut for now I wanted to share this. I love you Vince. I want to continue tochannel your strength and compassion and share our gift of music. Rest inPeace Vince. You are my hero.” JeremyKoz, IndianCityhttps://www.facebook.com/jeremykoz/videos/2182991178517725Page 51

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< Vince Fontaine with Jacquie BlackVince would have been excited to know that Eagleand Hawk was recently nominated for six NativeAmerican Music Awards. Also, it was one ofVince’s greatest (and final) wishes that the newsingle “ForGiving”, off the album Code Red,rise to the number one spot on the IndigenousMusic Countdown. It debuted at #36 onDecember 7th and steadily climbed the charts dueto the outpouring of people voting for it. Itreached number one on Feb. 19th, deservedly so.There is no doubt that Vince is smiling down withpride, as brightly as the stars above, in having hiswish granted.https://www.facebook.com/IMCountdown/"♫♪Just because we’re giving in, Doesn’t meanwe’re giving up, It only means we are - forgiving.It’s the life we’re living in, Doesn’t mean that weshould stop, It only means we are - forgiving♪♫"https://www.facebook.com/indiancity/videos/225128366416331Page 52

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PromiseIn 2004, my band Dream Aria wrote and recorded asong about hope for the Indigenous peoples' plight,called “Promise”. Its meaning still rings true fortoday so we are dedicating it in respect to the “path tohealing” for not only the Indigenous people but also forthe Ukraine and the world at large. It is a time for hopefor all of us, peace on earth, with kindness, honouring atime for love, for each other. I am YOU and YOU areME...We are all ONE.“Promise”A new day, a new beginning, spirits running wild.Take me there, take me there, and let me stay awhile.In the sun dancing free, love is all around. Take methere, take me there, to a higher ground. Promise,hope is in my heart, promise, no longer in the dark,promise, hope is in my heart, promise, no longer inthe dark, (Ooh) Yeahhh, It’s a brand new day, woahoh- oh ohh, (ooh)…whoa- ooh, whoa oooh, It’s a brandnew day…whoa-oh- oh- ohhh, (ooh)…Out on theseplains, freedom anew, stallions running wild. Wind intheir hair, keeping in stride, they fill my heart withpride. In the sun dancing free, love is all around. Takeme there, take me there, to a higher ground. Promise,no longer in the dark, promise, hope is in my heart,promise, no longer in the dark, promise, hope is in myheart. (Ooh) Yeahhh, It’s a brand new day, woah oh-oh ohh, (oooh)…whoa- ooh, whoa oooh, It’s a brandnew day…whoa-oh-oh- ohhh, (oooooh)…Rivers flow,waters lap, against the weathered stones. Living life,living wild, anywhere is home. In the sun dancingfree, love is all around. Take me there, take me there,to a higher ground. Promise, hope is in my heart,promise, no longer in the dark, promise, hope is in myheart, promise, no longer in the dahhh-ah-ahhh-ahhhhh-ah-ahhark...ooooh’shttps://www.reverbnation.com/dreamaria/song/19709394-promiseSpecial ThanksI extend my gratitude and heartfelt thankyou to all of the artists who took the timeto express their candid thoughts onthemselves and their contributions to theMusic & Arts fields as well as theirfeelings about some of the current eventsunfolding within our nation; Canada. AsCanadians we can certainly learn andeducate ourselves from what each of theseartists said, but also the world at large hassomething to gain in seeing theirbeautiful works and in reflecting on theircommunications within this article. I dohope our readers will enjoy their effortsand perhaps spend a bit more timeseeking out other Indigenous Artists andtheir works as well as more about theones featured here. But I also hope theywill think on the topics spoken about andhow we can all do better individually andalso as a whole collective, around our fineplanet. Thank you and Bless…- Ann “Aria” BurstynPhoto Credits: Shaun Benson, ClaytonGauthier, Alberta Native News, CalgaryPublic Library, Headshots by Andrew,Shayna Burns, Lyon Smith, Studio HousePhotography, Leslie Michele Derrough,Maria Camilo Urso, Jacquie Black, VinceFontaine, Betty Albert, Kalum Teke Dan,Michael “Cy” Cywink, John Cywink, andDonny Parenteau, Eagle and Hawk,Rising Sun ProductionsDisclaimer: The thoughts expressed inthis feature are solely that of my own andof the artists presented.Page 53

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