M4 P5: Canada’s Indigenous artists are going global like never before
In this article, the author begins by highlighting the music of Hip Hop artists Neon Empty A.K.A. Bryce Lokken. His latest single Red Live’s Don’t is a critique of the culture not paying attention to the plight of Indigenous people. It is a response to the black lives matter movement which has received a lot of international attention, much more that Indigenous issues.
“No marches. No petitions. No justice. Nobody cares.”
The article goes on to highlight 5 Canadian Indigenous artists who have been gaining more international attention:
1: Adele Arsenau. A Nehiyaw/Métis visual artist with a disability, she was born in B.C., and moved from painting to beadwork, woodcarving and digital art to reclaim her displaced heritage and language. Her work has been shown across the Lower Mainland. She is guest curator of the latest instalment of the Pushing Boundaries exhibit held at CityScape Community ArtSpace running until Nov. 20 in North Vancouver.
2: Greyson Gritt. G.R. Gritt is half of the Juno award-winning Yellowknife blues/folk duo Quantum Triangle. The transgender Anishinaabe/Métis/francophone artist’s use of acoustic guitar and electronics adds up to a sound that is equal parts folk festival and dance club. Their latest solo album, titled Ancestors, is out on Coax Records. Previous releases have been nominated for Indigenous Music Awards.
3: Lisa Boivin. The novel from this Deninu Kue First Nation bioethicist and graphic novelist is a tale of a young woman travelling to England to bring home her brother’s ashes. It’s a moving story for older audiences, ages 12 and up. A winner of a 2021 Indigenous Voices Award, her debut work is being celebrated for its potent storytelling, accomplished design and meaningful message. Her TED Talk about Painting the Path of Indigenous Resilience is well worth a watch.
4. Mary Galloway. Cowichan Coast Salish actor Mary Galloway is a fixture in Hollywood North where she has appeared in shows such as Supernatural and feature films such as Ruthless Souls. Through her company Bright Shadow Productions, in partnership with Pass Through Productions, she has launched Querencia. The first original series on APTN Lumi, the web-based 2SLGBTQ+ story of two young Indigenous women’s budding romance launched on June 1.
5: Tia Wood. A Nehiyaw/Salish/Tiamischihk creator now based in Los Angeles, this Vancouver singer and TikTok phenom posts pieces about her Cree and Salish cultures and educational videos on her site. With more than 1.6 million fans (and counting) tuning in to check out her work since going on the popular app last year, she has been featured in key style media such as Vogue.com.
Derdeyn, Stuart. “Canada’s Indigenous Artists Are Going Global like Never Before.” Vancouver Sun, 28 July 2021.
One comment
Hi Benjamin!
Tia Wood reminds me of Shina Nova (@shinanova). She is a young Inuk woman who documents throat singing and other parts of culture. She has a huge following as well. I feel like Tik Tok is such a large platform and can spread quick messages to young. SHe is even partnering with brands like MAC makeup, etc.
Hi Benjamin!
Tia Wood reminds me of Shina Nova (@shinanova). She is a young Inuk woman who documents throat singing and other parts of culture. She has a huge following as well. I feel like Tik Tok is such a large platform and can spread quick messages to young. SHe is even partnering with brands like MAC makeup, etc.