Embark on an auditory journey through the vibrant heart of indigenous art as 2023 Cultural Capital Fellow and Ojibwe artist Adam Avery shares his profound connection with ancestral craftsmanship. From the delicate intricacies of beadwork to the sturdy elegance of birch bark canoes, Adam unveils the rich heritage woven into each creation, illuminating the significance of these traditions within his community. He passionately recounts the evolution of his skills, initially honed to craft his own regalia, and now, as a beacon of generational knowledge, he alongside his wife, teaches these skills to ensure their survival. The resilience required to master these crafts, the challenges faced in seeking mentors, and the deep-seated desire to sustain cultural practices form the crux of our discussion.
2023 Artist in Business Leadership fellow Bobby Brower Itta (Inupiaq) is a fashion designer whose Inupaq roots and artistic prowess have woven a tapestry of resilience and creativity. Bobbi Lynn shares her heartwarming narrative, which paints a vivid picture of the power of traditional and contemporary skin sewing, the sweeping cold of Arctic winters, and the vibrant tapestry of her culture. Her story celebrates heritage, the transformative nature of fashion, and the ripple effect of empowering indigenous youth to reach for their dreams.
2023 Artist in Business Leadership Fellow Denise Lajimodiere (Ojibwe, Metis) has worked tirelessly to shed light on Residential/Boarding School experiences among Native Americans and First Nations people through her career as a writer, artist and educator. Her stirring accounts of survivors, whom she's interviewed with empathy and diligence, urge us to listen to the whispers of history long ignored. Denise weaves her personal voyage with her cultural roots to unravel the stories that have scarred Indigenous communities. Her poetry is a testament to her healing journey, while her research casts light on the dark corridors of institutions such as Chimawa and Fort Totten. Through her artistic lens, Denise's mission to document these tales encompasses both the personal and the collective, ensuring that the echoes of the past will not fade into silence.
2023 Cultural Capital Fellow Delbert Anderson (Diné) is an accomplished musician creating jazz intertwined with the soul-stirring melodies of Native American music. Delbert Anderson takes us on an auditory journey that melds the rich narratives of the Dineé culture with the intricate improvisations of jazz. He shares his story of cultural exploration and musical innovation, from the formation of the Delbert Anderson Trio to its crescendo into a dynamic quartet. Celebrating the heritage of influential Native American musicians like Jacob C. Morgan and "Big Chief" Moore, Delbert unfolds a musical saga that honors his ancestors while forging new paths in the music world.
2023 Cultural Capital Fellow April Matson (Sicangu Lakota, Athabascan) takes us on a melodic journey that harmonizes the power of music with the vibrancy of LGBTQ and gender-diverse youth. She unravels her own story of rediscovery, embracing her Lakota and Atabascan roots and intertwining them with the cultural tapestry of the two-spirit identity. April’s conviction resonates in her work, where leadership is not just taught but is a melody passed through generations and where each chord struck is a reminder of the strength found in tradition and identity.
2023 Community Spirit Award Honoree Robert Charles Davidson (Haida, Tlingit) shares his journey as a carver and a career of over 65 years. His life is a testament to the power of art in the revival of indigenous culture. His artistic roots stem from the teachings of his father and grandfather, who instilled in him the importance of their way of carving in the Haida style. Robert shares the significance of traditional ceremonies and how his artistic practice became the bridge to reconnect with one's roots and inspire subsequent generations of Haida and Tlingit carvers and artists.
2023 Cultural Capital Fellow Sequoia Hauck (Anishinaabe), a queer, Native, two-spirit filmmaker with a deep love for Indigenous storytelling, strives to create stories by and for Native people. Sequoia shares details of their current film project, Never Turn Your Back to the Wave - the Travis Jordan Story - a poignant series touching on the tragic loss of loved ones due to police brutality in the Native community where Sequoia touches upon the tragedy of Travis Jordan's story while also primarily honoring and celebrating the departed.
2023 Cultural Capital Fellow Dan Nanamkin (Colville Confederated Tribes), an artist who creates with his hands and heart, shares his journey, which has led him to create work centered on the intersection of tradition and contemporary education, focusing on empowering Indigenous youth. He candidly talks about the trials of racism and the transformative power of composing songs in his tribal language - a process filled with nuances that could change a song's meaning.
Join us as we learn from 2023 Cultural Capital Fellow Kelly Rose O'Bennick (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes), a multi-talented artist doing just that with her passion for traditional moccasin making. Drawing from her sobriety journey, Kelly is on a mission to reintroduce traditional attire into everyday life, fostering cultural pride and connection. Delve into her journey and discover the significance of moccasins as a symbol of cultural roots.
Journey with us as we weave a tale that transcends time with 2023 Cultural Capital Fellow, Shawna Shandíín Sunrise (Diné, Kewa Pueblo), a fifth-generation weaver, community organizer, and educator, paints a vivid picture of her life, deeply rooted in Native ancestry and traditions. She unveils the wisdom of our forefathers, their unique ways of preserving knowledge, and how these teachings influence her multiple roles in her community, where she teaches weaving and the values of reciprocity.
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