Tag Archives: Indigenous Artisits

M 4- POST 5

I was looking at the website of ImagiNATIVE, the world’s largest presenter of Indigenous screen content, just to find out that they had a film and media art festival in October. “The Festival celebrates Indigenous storytelling in film + video, audio, and digital + interactive art through screenings, exhibitions, special events, and more.”

In their screening schedule, I saw they showed the “Bones of Crows” movie, which is a drama about a residential school survivor. The following movie is a brief interview with the director of the movie.

Digital Equity Challenge #NEXT150, M2- POST 3

In this link, you can find a video from Denise Willimas, the Executive Director of the First Nations Technology Council.

She is inviting everyone to participate in a challenge by comparing their internet speed to the national average and sharing one fact about Digital Equity and Digital Divide in Canada using #NEXT150

One example of the shared facts is that “76% of Indigenous communities in BC do not have the broadband connectivity needed to access government services.”

I’ve searched the given hashtag on my own social media account and found some interesting posts and comments.

The following pictures made by Indigenous artists (twitter names: @auraLast and @chiefladybird), for example, were posted as part of a commitment to include #IndigenousArtInPublic spaces we share.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FeYpWgPWAAIb-j_?format=jpg&name=medium

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FeYpWgRWYAA_ytT?format=jpg&name=medium

 

Indigenous Folks To Learn From – M1 P2

One of the topics I always bring up with my students when we have discussions around residential schools, colonization and their legacies is that though it is extremely important to learn and reflect on these topics, it is just as important to learn and celebrate Indigenous joy. Coming to this course, I had been previously learning from a number of really awesome Indigenous individuals. One of the ways we can support Indigenous communities is by sharing their work, buying their work and amplifying their platforms. Here is just a few of the awesome Indigenous individuals I have appreciated learning from over the last few years:

  • Megan Tipler (@tiplerteaches on Instagram and Twitter) She is a former teacher and current Master’s student at the University of Alberta who authentically shares her experiences as an educator and creates fantastic classroom resources.
  • Blake Desjarlais (@blakedesjarlais on Instagram and Twitter) He is a current MP for Edmonton Griesbach and shares many of the happening within the federal government and Indigenous relations.
  • The folks behind the Yellowhead Institute (@yellowheadinstitute on Instagram, @Yellowhead_ on Twitter) They provide critical perspectives on Indigenous policy and always have vital information to share about the 94 Calls to Action.
  • Michael Linklater (@michael_linklater on Instagram) As a basketball coach I love celebrating the accomplishments of this guy. He has played on the 3X3 Team Canada and has a community project called Boys with Braids that encourages and supports Indigenous men and boys who wear traditional braids.
  • James Jones (@notoriouscree on Instagram and TikTok) Shares cultural dances, dress, songs and traditions. I especially enjoying showing his videos to my students.
  • Dr James Makokis (@creeture82 on Instagram and @DrMakokis on Twitter) A medical doctor who also won the Amazing Race Canada with partner Anthony Johnson. Dr Makokis shares insights into what healthcare looks like for Indigenous folk both on and off reserves.

There are so many others, including fantastic artists that are so open and willing to share about their culture with their platform and following. I always share with my students that we consume so much media. It is important to make sure some of that media supports and represents Indigenous creators.