To honour this year’s National Indigenous History Month, we decided to use our platform to amplify Indigenous voices and talent. The following is just a small sampling of the resources, people, and content our team pooled together that we think are pretty great. There is so, so much more.
And here’s a special message from Taryn, a STRIDE physio, that wanted to share a bit of her story:
“Weyt kp (hello), my name is Taryn Mark, and I am of the St’uxwtews (Bonaparte) people. My family and band have lived in the St’uxwtews territory for my entire life. A large portion of my great aunt and uncles and their families have remained on reserve, and while my grandma was alive, we often would visit every other weekend at minimum. I have spent many a summer day in our traditional lands and territories; yet, I too, am re-learning our customs and practices to gain a better understanding of our relationships with both people and Mother Earth around us. As such, I would love to invite you to join me on this learning journey; please feel free to ask me any questions you may have so that we can learn and move forward together.”
We acknowledge our position of privilege and vow to keep listening, learning, and sharing with an open and empathetic heart all year round; because as Chief Dr. Robert Joseph perfectly puts it: “Our future and the well-being of all our children rests with the kind of relationships we build today.”
LEARNING:
Did you know Swift Current is on Treaty 4 land? Read more about that here.
Native Land Digital is a Canadian, Indigenous-led, not-for-profit organization that strives to create a space for Indigenous communities to represent themselves and their histories on their own terms. Check out their digital map here that breaks down Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages around the world.
The On Canada Project is an organization of volunteers who want to empower and engage millennials and Gen Z to stay informed, take up action, and champion change on issues directly impacting them. Check out their free and handy pdf guide here that discusses the history of Residential Schools in Canada, Reconciliation, and the tangible and necessary next steps for all of us using easy to understand language.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation provides a space for learning and dialogue where the truths of residential schools will be honoured and kept safe for future generations. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports can be found here. The 94 Calls to Action can be found here.
ART:
Mitchell Martin is a graphic designer and artist from Saskatchewan who is now based out of Calgary. Check out some of his incredible work showcased on his website here.
Leah Dorion is a Métis interdisciplinary artist and an award winning author and illustrator from Prince Albert. Visit her website here.
Red Sky Performance is an award winning company of contemporary Indigenous performance (dance, theatre, music and media) in Canada and worldwide. Check them out here.
Check out the incredible beadwork from the talented artists featured by the Indigenous Arts Collective of Canda here.
Tea & Bannock is an Indigenous women photographer collective discussing life, culture and inspiration. Website here. Instagram @tea&bannock.
MUSIC:
Cris Derkesen is a Juno nominated cellist and composer from Northern Alberta that combines her classical background and Indigenous ancestry with new school electronics to create genre-defying music. Check them out here.
Cheyanna Kootenhayoo (DJ Kookum) is an open format DJ that hails from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation and Cold Lake First Nations. Listen to them here.
The sisters Tiffany Kuliktana Ayalik and Kayley Inuksuk Mackay come together to create the Inuit style throat singing duo, PIQSIQ. Check them out here.
The North Sound‘s Forrest Eaglespeaker is Blackfoot Cree and lives in Saskatoon. Check out a sampling of their music here.
BOOKS:
Five Little Indians – by Michelle Good
I Am Not A Number – by Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer; illustrated by Gillian Newland
Our Story – by Various Authors
In Search of April Raintree – by Beatrice Mosionier
Indian Horse – by Richard Wagamese
The Reason We Walk – by Wab Kinew
From The Ashes – by Jesse Thistle
When We Were Alone – by David A. Robertson; illustrated by Julie Flett
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act – by Bob Joseph
SOCIALS:
September 30th is Orange Shirt Day and it commemorates annually the residential school experience, the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and the ongoing process of reconciliation. The movement is powered by Phyllis Webstad, a survivor herself, and you can follow the Facebook page here.
James Jones is a Cree performer from Edmonton known for his educational and engaging cultural dancing presence online. Hoop dancing, fancy dancing and grass dancing with a side of learning for everyone! Check him out on Instagram here.
Ryan McMahon is an Anishinaabe creative with a comedic storytelling ability that challenges his audience to think about life’s big questions through a uniquely Indigenous lens. Follow him on Twitter here.
Zoey Roy is a Dene, Cree and Métis poet and emcee from Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Saskatchewan. Follow her on Instagram here.
SHOP:
Awasis Boutique – an Indigenous baby, kids, and family fashion line in Saskatoon. Check out their website here and on Instagram @awasisboutique.
B.Yellowtail Collective – an Indigenous-owned fashion brand and retailer committed to supporting Indigenous creators. Website here.
Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics Inc. – an Indigenous-owned company for high quality, cruelty-free beauty products from Ontario. Website here. Instagram @cheekbonebeauty.
Indigenous Box – is a subscription, gift and custom box service to help you fall in love with Indigenous businesses. Website here.
Indigo Arrows – an Indigenous company founded by Destiny Seymour, an Anishinaabe interior designer based in Winnipeg. Works include pottery, bone tools, linens and more. Website here.
SheNative – an Indigenous brand of leather goods and apparel empowering women and girls. Instagram @shenativegoods.
D. Daye Hunter Designs – a Black/Indigenous owned company known for their street fashion and writing services. Instagram @ddayehunterdesigns.
PODCASTS:
MOVIES:
Other Incredible People You Should Check Out:
Sheila Watt-Clouthier – a Canadian Inuit award winning author, environmental and human rights activist, and politician. Read more here.
Dr. Lisa Richardson – Internal Medicine at Canada’s largest research hospital in Toronto, Associate Dean, Strategy Lead Indigenous Health, Mixed Anishinaabe. Follow her on Twitter @RicharLisa.
Jaris Swidrovich – is 1st self-identified First Nations Doctor of Pharmacy in Canada. He’s from the Yellow Quill First Nation and works at the University of Saskatchewan. Read more about his story here. Follow him on Instagram @jarisoftheprairies.
Carey Price – an Olympic gold medalist, goaltender for the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens, and member of the Ulkatcho First Nation. Read more here.
Fred Saskakamoose – a former student of St. Michael’s Indian Residential School in Duck Lake, SK, played in the NHL with the Chicago Black Hawks, and was an Elder of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation. Read more here.
Waneek Horn-Miller – a Mohawk from the Kahnawake reserve, a water polo Olympian, a survivor, and an activist. Read more here.
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