Peacemaking & Education
Skills for Solidarity - Register in this wonderful free program! More and more Canadians are aware that Indigenous-led movements are standing up across Canada to defend Indigenous rights and create a renewed relationship to steward the land, water and air and many non-indigenous people would like to stand with them!
For many, the first step in renewing the relationship is committing to learn more about our shared history.
That’s why we (leadnow.ca) are excited to be launching Skills for Solidarity, an introductory program that will explore the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Non-Indigenous Peoples in Canada and open up a conversation about what it looks like to renew the relationship between nations.
Sign up here to learn about our nations shared history and develop skills for solidarity with Indigenous-led struggles.
Our first Skills for Solidarity panel will be on June 24th at 5:30-7PST / 8:30-10 EST.
The program run until the middle of September with a series of five modules, one every 3 weeks. Each module will include a panel of incredible and diverse speakers, and a supplementary workbook full of questions to deepen your learning following the panel. We will also have a online discussion forum where there will be a chance to deepen your learning throughout the program and connect with other participants.
In a few weeks, we will launch the program page, where you will be able to access the panels, workbooks and discussion forum. Once you register, we will provide you with a username and password that you can use to access the course.
For many, the first step in renewing the relationship is committing to learn more about our shared history.
That’s why we (leadnow.ca) are excited to be launching Skills for Solidarity, an introductory program that will explore the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Non-Indigenous Peoples in Canada and open up a conversation about what it looks like to renew the relationship between nations.
Sign up here to learn about our nations shared history and develop skills for solidarity with Indigenous-led struggles.
Our first Skills for Solidarity panel will be on June 24th at 5:30-7PST / 8:30-10 EST.
The program run until the middle of September with a series of five modules, one every 3 weeks. Each module will include a panel of incredible and diverse speakers, and a supplementary workbook full of questions to deepen your learning following the panel. We will also have a online discussion forum where there will be a chance to deepen your learning throughout the program and connect with other participants.
In a few weeks, we will launch the program page, where you will be able to access the panels, workbooks and discussion forum. Once you register, we will provide you with a username and password that you can use to access the course.
Myth Perceptions
De-constructing stereotypes, myths and untruths about Indigenous peoples.
Visit www.mythperceptions.ca
De-constructing stereotypes, myths and untruths about Indigenous peoples.
Visit www.mythperceptions.ca
Maps of our Tribal Nations ~ Our Own Names & Locations
Maps are available for purchase.
Visit www.tribalnationsmaps.com
Maps are available for purchase.
Visit www.tribalnationsmaps.com
Ally Settler Resources & Readings Links:
Educational Peacemaking Ally Resources
Settler Responsibility for Relationship
Educational Peacemaking Ally Resources
Settler Responsibility for Relationship
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
For over 100 years, Aboriginal children were removed from their families and sent to institutions called residential schools. The government-funded, church-run schools were located across Canada and established with the purpose to eliminate parental involvement in the spiritual, cultural and intellectual development of Aboriginal children. The last residential schools closed in the mid-1990s. During this chapter in Canadian history, more than 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children were forced to attend these schools some of which were hundreds of miles from their home. The cumulative impact of residential schools is a legacy of unresolved trauma passed from generation to generation and has had a profound effect on the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians.
Collective efforts from all peoples are necessary to revitalize the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and Canadian society – reconciliation is the goal. It is a goal that will take the commitment of multiple generations but when it is achieved, when we have reconciliation - it will make for a better, stronger Canada.
For over 100 years, Aboriginal children were removed from their families and sent to institutions called residential schools. The government-funded, church-run schools were located across Canada and established with the purpose to eliminate parental involvement in the spiritual, cultural and intellectual development of Aboriginal children. The last residential schools closed in the mid-1990s. During this chapter in Canadian history, more than 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children were forced to attend these schools some of which were hundreds of miles from their home. The cumulative impact of residential schools is a legacy of unresolved trauma passed from generation to generation and has had a profound effect on the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians.
Collective efforts from all peoples are necessary to revitalize the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and Canadian society – reconciliation is the goal. It is a goal that will take the commitment of multiple generations but when it is achieved, when we have reconciliation - it will make for a better, stronger Canada.
The Native Women's Association of Cananda is pleased to announce the release of our new COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE: What Can I Do to Help the Families of Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls?
The CRG includes a poster, three fact sheets, 10 toolkits and other resources for educators as well as a CD for easy access to electronic files for printing and distribution. Some of the topics addressed in the CRG are: “Sisters In Spirit Vigils,” “Men as Effective Allies,” “Unlocking the Mystery of Media Relations,” “Navigating Victim Services,” and “Safety Measures for Aboriginal Women”.
NWAC encourages the use of the CRG for violence prevention activities, community support, capacity building and to promote healthy relationships.
The CRG includes a poster, three fact sheets, 10 toolkits and other resources for educators as well as a CD for easy access to electronic files for printing and distribution. Some of the topics addressed in the CRG are: “Sisters In Spirit Vigils,” “Men as Effective Allies,” “Unlocking the Mystery of Media Relations,” “Navigating Victim Services,” and “Safety Measures for Aboriginal Women”.
NWAC encourages the use of the CRG for violence prevention activities, community support, capacity building and to promote healthy relationships.
Ontario Native Women's Association ~ www.onwa.ca
The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) is affiliated with the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC). Like NWAC, ONWA is committed to being the voice of Aboriginal women in Ontario and to building relationships with all levels of government and other organizations to ensure all Aboriginal women and their families will live free from social and economic distress; to promote their sacred roles as valued and respected members in the community; and to preserve their culture, language and heritage.
ONWA delivers culturally enriched programs and services to Aboriginal women and their families regardless of their status or locality. ONWA's head office is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Programs and services are available throughout the province via satellite offices located in Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Geraldton/Greenstone, Ottawa, Napanee and Hamilton.
ONWA as an organization is a provincial network of Aboriginal women governed by a Board of Directors - all working together to achieve equality and justice for Aboriginal women, their families and communities.
Our VISION is to be a unified voice for equity, equality and justice for Aboriginal women through cultural restoration within and across Nations
The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) is affiliated with the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC). Like NWAC, ONWA is committed to being the voice of Aboriginal women in Ontario and to building relationships with all levels of government and other organizations to ensure all Aboriginal women and their families will live free from social and economic distress; to promote their sacred roles as valued and respected members in the community; and to preserve their culture, language and heritage.
ONWA delivers culturally enriched programs and services to Aboriginal women and their families regardless of their status or locality. ONWA's head office is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Programs and services are available throughout the province via satellite offices located in Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Geraldton/Greenstone, Ottawa, Napanee and Hamilton.
ONWA as an organization is a provincial network of Aboriginal women governed by a Board of Directors - all working together to achieve equality and justice for Aboriginal women, their families and communities.
Our VISION is to be a unified voice for equity, equality and justice for Aboriginal women through cultural restoration within and across Nations
Assembly of First Nations ~ www.afn.ca
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada, which includes more than 900,000 people living in 634 First Nation communities and in cities and towns across the country.
First Nation leaders (Chiefs) from coast to coast to coast direct the work of AFN through resolutions passed at Chiefs Assemblies held at least twice a year.
The AFN National Executive is made up of the National Chief, 10 Regional Chiefs and the chairs of the Elders, Women’s and Youth councils. Regional Chiefs are elected every three years by Chiefs in their regions. Chiefs, who are elected by the citizens and members of their respective communities, elect the National Chief every three years.
The role of the National Chief and the AFN is to advocate on behalf of First Nations as directed by Chiefs-in-Assembly. This includes facilitation and coordination of national and regional discussions and dialogue, advocacy efforts and campaigns, legal and policy analysis, communicating with governments, including facilitating relationship building between First Nations and the Crown as well as public and private sectors and general public.
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada, which includes more than 900,000 people living in 634 First Nation communities and in cities and towns across the country.
First Nation leaders (Chiefs) from coast to coast to coast direct the work of AFN through resolutions passed at Chiefs Assemblies held at least twice a year.
The AFN National Executive is made up of the National Chief, 10 Regional Chiefs and the chairs of the Elders, Women’s and Youth councils. Regional Chiefs are elected every three years by Chiefs in their regions. Chiefs, who are elected by the citizens and members of their respective communities, elect the National Chief every three years.
The role of the National Chief and the AFN is to advocate on behalf of First Nations as directed by Chiefs-in-Assembly. This includes facilitation and coordination of national and regional discussions and dialogue, advocacy efforts and campaigns, legal and policy analysis, communicating with governments, including facilitating relationship building between First Nations and the Crown as well as public and private sectors and general public.
Chiefs of Ontario ~ www.chiefs-of-ontario.org
The Chiefs of Ontario is a political forum and secretariat for collective decision-making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First Nations communities located within the boundaries of the province of Ontario. Guided by the Chiefs in Assembly, we uphold self-determination efforts of the Anishinaabek, Mushkegowuk, Onkwehonwe, and Lenape Peoples in protecting and exercising their inherent and Treaty rights. Keeping in mind the wisdom of our Elders, and the future for our youth, we continue to create the path forward in building our Nations as strong, healthy Peoples respectful of ourselves, each other, and all creation.
The Chiefs of Ontario is a political forum and secretariat for collective decision-making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First Nations communities located within the boundaries of the province of Ontario. Guided by the Chiefs in Assembly, we uphold self-determination efforts of the Anishinaabek, Mushkegowuk, Onkwehonwe, and Lenape Peoples in protecting and exercising their inherent and Treaty rights. Keeping in mind the wisdom of our Elders, and the future for our youth, we continue to create the path forward in building our Nations as strong, healthy Peoples respectful of ourselves, each other, and all creation.
Idle No More idlenomore.ca
IDLE NO MORE CALLS ON ALL PEOPLE TO JOIN IN A PEACEFUL REVOLUTION
To honour Indigenous sovereignty and to protect the land & water
Keep up with events across the country, educational articles, blogs, live stream & webinars.
On Facebook... https://www.facebook.com/groups/IdleNoMoreOntario/
IDLE NO MORE CALLS ON ALL PEOPLE TO JOIN IN A PEACEFUL REVOLUTION
To honour Indigenous sovereignty and to protect the land & water
Keep up with events across the country, educational articles, blogs, live stream & webinars.
On Facebook... https://www.facebook.com/groups/IdleNoMoreOntario/
Educational Film
CBC's 8TH FIRE: INDIGENOUS IN THE CITY
In the opening episode of the four-part series 8TH Fire, host Wab Kinew, from the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation in Northern Ontario, and now a Winnipeg-based TV journalist, invites us to come "meet the neighbours". It's about time, since many Canadians say they have never met an Aboriginal person.
http://www.cbc.ca/8thfire/2011/11/indigenious-in-the-city.html
In the opening episode of the four-part series 8TH Fire, host Wab Kinew, from the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation in Northern Ontario, and now a Winnipeg-based TV journalist, invites us to come "meet the neighbours". It's about time, since many Canadians say they have never met an Aboriginal person.
http://www.cbc.ca/8thfire/2011/11/indigenious-in-the-city.html
We Were Children ~ 2012 Canadian Documentary Film
For over 130 years till 1996, more than 100,000 of Canada's First Nations children were legally required to attend government-funded schools run by various Christian faiths. There were 80 of these 'residential schools' across the country. Most children were sent to faraway schools that separated them from their families and traditional land. These children endured brutality, physical hardship, mental degradation, and the complete erasure of their culture. The schools were part of a wider program of assimilation designed to integrate the native population into 'Canadian society.' These schools were established with the express purpose 'To kill the Indian in the child.' Told through their own voices, 'We Were Children' is the shocking true story of two such children: Glen Anaquod and Lyna Hart. Written by EV Staff
For over 130 years till 1996, more than 100,000 of Canada's First Nations children were legally required to attend government-funded schools run by various Christian faiths. There were 80 of these 'residential schools' across the country. Most children were sent to faraway schools that separated them from their families and traditional land. These children endured brutality, physical hardship, mental degradation, and the complete erasure of their culture. The schools were part of a wider program of assimilation designed to integrate the native population into 'Canadian society.' These schools were established with the express purpose 'To kill the Indian in the child.' Told through their own voices, 'We Were Children' is the shocking true story of two such children: Glen Anaquod and Lyna Hart. Written by EV Staff
At the Winter Sea Camp Part One
The lives of Canada's Arctic Aboriginal peoples are depicted in the National Film Board of Canada's production of At the Winter Sea Ice Camp, Part One. Directed by Quentin Brown, the film runs for 35 minutes, 42 seconds. https://www.nfb.ca/film/at_winter_sea_ice_camp_pt_1
The lives of Canada's Arctic Aboriginal peoples are depicted in the National Film Board of Canada's production of At the Winter Sea Ice Camp, Part One. Directed by Quentin Brown, the film runs for 35 minutes, 42 seconds. https://www.nfb.ca/film/at_winter_sea_ice_camp_pt_1
Books
Anishinaabeg Stories: Featuring Petroglyphs, Petrographs, and Wampum Belts by Dr. Lynn Gehl
This book is a joyful celebration of indigenous knowledge
From the Foreword "This is a great Anishinaabe cultural book. What I particularly like is that it is firmly rooted in an Anishinaabe worldview, rather than a pan-Indian approach, and it is written by an Algonquin woman." Harold (Skip) Ross, Algonquin Anishinaabe-inini
Radio Show with Dr. Lynn Gehl... "Ally Responsibility, Community Citizenship, Treaties, and Indigenous Knowledge" Indigenous Waves Radio Show with Susan Blight. CIUT 89.5 fm. University of Toronto Canada. July 15 2013.
This book is a joyful celebration of indigenous knowledge
From the Foreword "This is a great Anishinaabe cultural book. What I particularly like is that it is firmly rooted in an Anishinaabe worldview, rather than a pan-Indian approach, and it is written by an Algonquin woman." Harold (Skip) Ross, Algonquin Anishinaabe-inini
Radio Show with Dr. Lynn Gehl... "Ally Responsibility, Community Citizenship, Treaties, and Indigenous Knowledge" Indigenous Waves Radio Show with Susan Blight. CIUT 89.5 fm. University of Toronto Canada. July 15 2013.
Dancing On Our Turtle's Back by Leanne Simpson
Many promote Reconciliation as a “new” way for Canada to relate to Indigenous Peoples. In Dancing on Our Turtle’s Back: Stories of Nishnaabeg Re-Creation, Resurgence, and a New Emergence activist, editor, and educator Leanne Simpson asserts reconciliation must be grounded in political resurgence and must support the regeneration of Indigenous languages, oral cultures, and traditions of governance.
Many promote Reconciliation as a “new” way for Canada to relate to Indigenous Peoples. In Dancing on Our Turtle’s Back: Stories of Nishnaabeg Re-Creation, Resurgence, and a New Emergence activist, editor, and educator Leanne Simpson asserts reconciliation must be grounded in political resurgence and must support the regeneration of Indigenous languages, oral cultures, and traditions of governance.
Wasáse: Indigenous Pathways of Action and Freedom
The word Wasáse is the Kanienkeha (Mohawk) word for the ancient war dance ceremony of unity, strength, and commitment to action. The author notes, "This book traces the journey of those Indigenous people who have found a way to transcend the colonial identities which are the legacy of our history and live as Onkwehonwe, original people. It is dialogue and reflection on the process of transcending colonialism in a personal and collective sense: making meaningful change in our lives and transforming society by recreating our personalities, regenerating our cultures, and surging against forces that keep us bound to our colonial past."
The word Wasáse is the Kanienkeha (Mohawk) word for the ancient war dance ceremony of unity, strength, and commitment to action. The author notes, "This book traces the journey of those Indigenous people who have found a way to transcend the colonial identities which are the legacy of our history and live as Onkwehonwe, original people. It is dialogue and reflection on the process of transcending colonialism in a personal and collective sense: making meaningful change in our lives and transforming society by recreating our personalities, regenerating our cultures, and surging against forces that keep us bound to our colonial past."
One Native Life by Richard Wagamese
In One Native Life, Wagamese looks back down the road he has travelled in reclaiming his identity and talks about the things he has learned as a human being, a man and an Ojibway in his fifty-two years. Whether he’s writing about playing baseball, running away with the circus, attending a sacred bundle ceremony or meeting Pierre Trudeau, he tells these stories in a healing spirit. Through them, Wagamese celebrates the learning journey his life has been.
In One Native Life, Wagamese looks back down the road he has travelled in reclaiming his identity and talks about the things he has learned as a human being, a man and an Ojibway in his fifty-two years. Whether he’s writing about playing baseball, running away with the circus, attending a sacred bundle ceremony or meeting Pierre Trudeau, he tells these stories in a healing spirit. Through them, Wagamese celebrates the learning journey his life has been.
CBC Canada Reads Crowns Joseph Boyden's The Orenda 2014 Winner
Set in the 17th century, Boyden's 2013 historical best-seller explores the tumultuous relationships between indigenous groups and settlers in the days before the formation of Canada. It was a contender for the Governor General's Award and long listed for the Giller Prize.
Art is forcing people to rethink their notions of the original people of this land and their important place in society. But it’s not a resurgence. It’s been happening for generations.'
- Waubgeshig Rice Good Reads Orenda Reviews
Set in the 17th century, Boyden's 2013 historical best-seller explores the tumultuous relationships between indigenous groups and settlers in the days before the formation of Canada. It was a contender for the Governor General's Award and long listed for the Giller Prize.
Art is forcing people to rethink their notions of the original people of this land and their important place in society. But it’s not a resurgence. It’s been happening for generations.'
- Waubgeshig Rice Good Reads Orenda Reviews
The Truth That Wampum Tells by Dr. Lynn Gehl
The Truth that Wampum Tells: My Debwewin on the Algonquin Land Claims Process
Based on my life as an Algonquin Anishinaabe-kwe, and my doctoral work, this book offers something for everyone: an analysis of Algonquin contact history, a first ever insider analysis of the land claims process, an examination of Algonquin agency, and an analysis of the continuing colonial project. It does this through valuing traditional ways of knowing and being such as wampum diplomacy, as well as valuing the role of both the heart and mind as repositories, and creators, of knowledge.
The Truth that Wampum Tells: My Debwewin on the Algonquin Land Claims Process
Based on my life as an Algonquin Anishinaabe-kwe, and my doctoral work, this book offers something for everyone: an analysis of Algonquin contact history, a first ever insider analysis of the land claims process, an examination of Algonquin agency, and an analysis of the continuing colonial project. It does this through valuing traditional ways of knowing and being such as wampum diplomacy, as well as valuing the role of both the heart and mind as repositories, and creators, of knowledge.
Mkadengwe: Sharing Canada's Colonial Process through Black Face Methodology
by Dr. Lynn Gehl
This book begins with a discussion of the methodology relied upon:Mkadengwe, which translates to Black Face. Afterward, a collection of twenty-six short chapters on the land claims and self-government process, and the sex discrimination in the Indian Act regarding Indian status registration is offered. The intersection of ongoing colonial policy, Indian status registration, First Nation band membership, First Nation citizenship, and the land claims and self-government process becomes apparent.
Radio Show with Lynn Gehl... "Sex Discrimination in the Indian Act, Band Membership, Treaty Rights, and Citizenship." Smoke Signals with Dan and Mary Lou Smoke. CHRW, U of Western Ontario Canada. 16 June 2013. Click Here
by Dr. Lynn Gehl
This book begins with a discussion of the methodology relied upon:Mkadengwe, which translates to Black Face. Afterward, a collection of twenty-six short chapters on the land claims and self-government process, and the sex discrimination in the Indian Act regarding Indian status registration is offered. The intersection of ongoing colonial policy, Indian status registration, First Nation band membership, First Nation citizenship, and the land claims and self-government process becomes apparent.
Radio Show with Lynn Gehl... "Sex Discrimination in the Indian Act, Band Membership, Treaty Rights, and Citizenship." Smoke Signals with Dan and Mary Lou Smoke. CHRW, U of Western Ontario Canada. 16 June 2013. Click Here
Wisdom of the Elders by Peter Knudtson & David Suzuki
For Peter Knudtson & David Zuzuki the future of the our planet depends on a joining of two worldviews - the aboriginal and the scientific. The gap between these two is large, but there is common ground. It lies, the authors say, in the collective wisdom of our elders.
For Peter Knudtson & David Zuzuki the future of the our planet depends on a joining of two worldviews - the aboriginal and the scientific. The gap between these two is large, but there is common ground. It lies, the authors say, in the collective wisdom of our elders.
Current News
Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN)
Get informed about the latest news from an Indigenous perspective.
Get informed about the latest news from an Indigenous perspective.
The First Perspective ~ www.firstperspective.ca/
Canada's Source for News about Indigenous People
First Nations, Aboriginal News, Opinion, Events, Job Listings, Humour, Cartoons
Canada's Source for News about Indigenous People
First Nations, Aboriginal News, Opinion, Events, Job Listings, Humour, Cartoons
Two Row Times ~ www.tworowtimes.com
The Two Row Times is a free weekly news publication aimed at reaching the Ontario-wide Native market as well as Haudenosaunee communities in the United States and is now distributed on every reserve in Ontario and in neighbouring non-Native communities. “the goal of the Two Row Times is to provide timely and relevant news and information to Native communities as well as to serve as a bridge between all nations by promoting and demonstrating the values of the Two Row Wampum.”
The Two Row Times is a free weekly news publication aimed at reaching the Ontario-wide Native market as well as Haudenosaunee communities in the United States and is now distributed on every reserve in Ontario and in neighbouring non-Native communities. “the goal of the Two Row Times is to provide timely and relevant news and information to Native communities as well as to serve as a bridge between all nations by promoting and demonstrating the values of the Two Row Wampum.”
CBC NEWS Aboriginal ~ www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal
CBC Aboriginal is committed to bringing you the latest in Aboriginal news and we couldn’t do it without our team of talented contributors. Our producers and reporters work in regions across the country telling stories that are relevant to all Canadians.
CBC Aboriginal is committed to bringing you the latest in Aboriginal news and we couldn’t do it without our team of talented contributors. Our producers and reporters work in regions across the country telling stories that are relevant to all Canadians.
Indigenous Poets, Musicians & Artists
Aaron Paquette ~ aaronpaquette.net
Aaron Paquette is one of Canada's premiere First Nations artists known for his bright colours, strong lines and for sharing new ways of looking at age-old experiences and beliefs. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Aaron has been creating art for the past 20 years. He apprenticed and has become both a Cathedral Stained Glass artist and a Goldsmith, influences of which can be seen in the line and structure of his paintings – displayed in various galleries throughout the country.
https://www.facebook.com/AaronPaquetteArt
Aaron Paquette is one of Canada's premiere First Nations artists known for his bright colours, strong lines and for sharing new ways of looking at age-old experiences and beliefs. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Aaron has been creating art for the past 20 years. He apprenticed and has become both a Cathedral Stained Glass artist and a Goldsmith, influences of which can be seen in the line and structure of his paintings – displayed in various galleries throughout the country.
https://www.facebook.com/AaronPaquetteArt
Dana Tiger ~ http://www.tigerartgallery.com/
A Tribe Called Red won for Breakthrough Group of the Year at Canada's 2014 Juno Awards.
A Tribe Called Red is Bear Witness, DJ Shub and Dee Jay NDN. www.atribecalledred.com
Get their free album at www.electricpowwow.com
Give them a like! https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Tribe-Called-Red/181642381882640
A Tribe Called Red is Bear Witness, DJ Shub and Dee Jay NDN. www.atribecalledred.com
Get their free album at www.electricpowwow.com
Give them a like! https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Tribe-Called-Red/181642381882640
Artist Mike Dangeli is of the Nisga’a, Tlingit, Tsetsaut, and Tsimshian Nations. He belongs to the Beaver Clan and carries the names Goothl Ts’imilx (Heart of the Beaver House) and Teettlien (Big Wave). Since childhood, Mike has been training under the leaders of his family to be the Simoget (hereditary chief) of his clan among the Nisga’a. His people’s traditional territory is the Nass River Valley area of British Columbia, which is approximately 500 miles north from Vancouver.
Mike currently lives in Vancouver, BC where he founded the House of Culture: Art and Carving Studio. The programs that he organized in the House of Culture sought a holistic approach to teaching Northwest Coast art to urban First Nations children, youth, and adults through classes, workshops and seminars. Working as primarily a commissioned based artist, the House of Culture also functions as Mike’s studio where he creates his art for his commissions, galleries, and ceremonial pieces for his community.
Mike’s works include masks, drums, regalia, paintings, and limited edition silk-screened prints. In 2007, Mike completed twelve totem poles and a thirty-foot ocean going canoe. Mike is currently carving six totem poles for Luma Native Housing Children’s
Village in Vancouver, B.C.
Mike currently lives in Vancouver, BC where he founded the House of Culture: Art and Carving Studio. The programs that he organized in the House of Culture sought a holistic approach to teaching Northwest Coast art to urban First Nations children, youth, and adults through classes, workshops and seminars. Working as primarily a commissioned based artist, the House of Culture also functions as Mike’s studio where he creates his art for his commissions, galleries, and ceremonial pieces for his community.
Mike’s works include masks, drums, regalia, paintings, and limited edition silk-screened prints. In 2007, Mike completed twelve totem poles and a thirty-foot ocean going canoe. Mike is currently carving six totem poles for Luma Native Housing Children’s
Village in Vancouver, B.C.
Top Banner Photo by Zack Embree of Idle No More
Many more artists to be added shortly!
To add a link or an idea contact me: web master email [email protected]