We're Back!

Welcome back, everyone, to our resource on positive Indigenous culture and current events bi-weekly newsletter! I've missed writing these weekly, and I'm excited to be back to sharing them with you. We've got some great content this week, so let's get to it.

Indigenous and Allies are all welcome!

??Hero of the Week: Chief Dan George

Chief Dan George was a chief of the s?lilw?ta? (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) . He was also an actor, musician, poet, and author. During his acting career, he advocated for a better understanding of First Nations people. His soliloquy, Lament for Confederation, was performed at the City of Vancouver celebration of the Canadian centennial in 1967, which was credited with escalating native political activism in Canada.

Here are three highlights to check out from his acting career: The Ecstasy of Rita Joe, Little Big Man, and the previously mentioned Lament for Confederation.

"If the legends fall silent, who will teach the children of our ways?" - Chief Dan George

??Music of the Week: Mali Obomsawin

Mali Obomsawin is an award-winning bassist, vocalist, songwriter, and composer, being from Abenaki First Nation. Her current touring projects include the Indigenous gothic duo Deerlady, now supporting their latest release “Greatest Hits” (2024); the free-jazz band she leads under her own name, and the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band. Mali’s film score on the highly anticipated documentary Sugarcane (Nat Geo) directed by Julian Brave Noisecat and Emily Kassie is also featuring at film festivals across the world throughout 2024.

I was lucky enough to see Mali and her band live at the Halifax Jazz Festival , and I highly recommend you try to see them live to witness their passion for yourself. Here are some pics from the event on my Instagram. Until you get the chance to see her live, of course, you can check out their music on the IndigiBeats 365 Spotify playlist, where we are adding a song daily for the whole year.

??3 Posts from this Week:

• One of the biggest news stories this month has been a landmark deal recognizing the @Haida Nation's title over Haida Gwaii! BC has really been making waves on this front, with the Tsilhqot'in National Government about to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their title win this year.

"In our long and ancient history here on Haida Gwaii, this chapter with British Columbia?has been a dark chapter in many ways," Gaagwiis?said in an interview with CBC News on Sunday. However, he said, "it's a very short part of our ancient history here, and today we are creating a new story in our history here."

• We highlighted the Oji-Cree musician Aysanabee in a prior Musician of the Week. Since then, he has won The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/The JUNO Awards for Songwriter of the Year! We've had amazing artists in prior years who won Indigenous awards, and it's incredible to see them moving into winning categories that aren't delegated to only Indigenous. Congratulations to all the amazing artists!

• More exciting news in BC, with the provincial government implementing new anti-racism legislation:

“For too long, too many people have faced racial barriers when trying to access government services, just because of their identity,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “This historic legislation is about changing the system and making sure everyone in B.C. can equitably access the programs and services they need with the safety, dignity and respect they deserve.”

??Recommendation of the Week: Bill Reid Gallery

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is a fantastic representation of Indigenous art right in downtown Vancouver. Its exhibitions and collections frequently change, so each visit can be a fresh experience.

"The Bill Reid Gallery is the only public Gallery in Canada dedicated to Indigenous Northwest Coast Art and was established by the Bill Reid Foundation in 2008, to celebrate the Haida master artist Bill Reid (1920 - 1998), and the diverse living cultures of the Northwest Coast. The Gallery honours Bill Reid by exhibiting the Bill Reid SFU Art Collection, and presenting special exhibitions and programs that build bridges between all peoples, including Indigenous and settler populations. Our mandate is to promote a greater awareness of Indigenous cultures and values."

??From Michael:

We're back to our bi-weekly schedule! Thank you for returning, and I'm excited to continue sharing positivity in Indigenous culture and news. Please share this resource of Indigenous content with a handful of your friends who you think would appreciate it.

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