First Nations Voice

PAGE 8 • JULY 2014 Don Burnstick UWinnipeg congratulates all our 2014 Spring graduates. Every student has a story. Convocation is a time to celebrate our students and share some of their stories. Meet some of our students and read about their UWinnipeg experience. Heidi Cook – Master's in Development Practice (MDP) Heidi Cook is UWinnipeg's inaugural First Nation graduate of the prestigious Master's in Development Practice and graduates this month. Cook is a member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation. Her interests include the protection of lands and waters, understanding and strengthening Treaty relationships, cultural teachings and ceremonies, and living a good life.While excelling in her studies, Cook remained grounded in her own community of Misipawistik Cree Nation through continued work and community responsibilities. "I am very happy to have found a program that allows me to further my knowledge in a wide range of areas, " said Cook. "The MDP helped me to sharpen my existing skills and develop in areas where I felt I needed more experience. The personal and professional networks that I've built through the program and in the field placements are invaluable to me." "I think her combination of natural curiosity as a scholar, her volunteer work, and her high academic achievement makes her an exceptional student," expressed her professor Dr. Jaime Cidro. "Her development as a student both inside and outside the classroom speaks to the larger vision of the UWinnipeg in terms of community engagement and Indigenous achievement." Cook's MDP field placements were at the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission and the University College of the North. These two experiences reinforced her commitment to strengthening community- based capacity and the implementation of treaties and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) at the local levels. "Heidi is a model student for the MDP," said Claire Reid, Director of MDP. "She is committed to working with indigenous communities in Manitoba and Canada to achieve development that is just, improves opportunities for health and employment, and ensures lands, waters and rights are protected. Heidi without a doubt, will be a leader and a force for positive change in Canada." University of Winnipeg Heidi Cook – University of Winnipeg's inaUgUral first nations gradUate of tHe prestigioUs Master's in developMent praCtiCe Heidi Cook while on her MDP practicum UWinnipeg offers a unique Mas- ter's in Development Practice (MDP) in Indigenous Development thanks to a prestigious MacArthur Foundation grant. This two-year program of study consists of course work, applied re- search and field placements. The pro- gram transcends borders by offering online "global classrooms" that will connect students to an international network of 24 other universities as well as with local, rural, and remote communities around the world. aBout tHe Mdp prograM She was born and raised in Winnipeg, and currently living in Toronto after stints in Los Angeles and New York. She's been called 'one to watch' by The Grid, and 'one of the Top 10 Canadian musicians you need to know' by CBC Music. She is Iskwé, and an upcoming force in the music scene. It's not easy to describe a style that's like Esthero-meets- Alicia-Keys. Iskwé's tripped-out blend of soul is mesmerizing; her cross-cultural aesthetic striking. Her name (pronounced iss-kway) means 'woman' in her native language, and her debut album weaves together Irish and Cree/Dene roots with hip-hop breakbeats, left-field R&B, and traces of piano pop. "I'd say my music is pretty gritty," says Iskwé. "A friend named it 'dark and painful' but I'd say there's some light in there, too. However, the lower registers always resonate with me, and I think that applies to lyrics and content, as well as music and melody." Even more captivating than the raw passion heard in Iskwé's music is her voice, which rivals the classic singers of days gone by. Whether belting out an original tune, or covering one of today's biggest pop hits, Iskwé has a sound and style that makes any song her own. She has performed alongside Motown greats The Funk Brothers and electronic DJ crew A Tribe Called Red. Singing about her struggle to fit into, yet trying to break away from, Western archetypes, Iskwé's connection to her roots and traditions is an important part of her artistic vision. So is her surroundings. "I pull inspiration from my environment, and am definitely a person who loves to be surrounded by the white noise of crowded spaces when I'm creating," she says. "I used to love living in NYC for that very reason – the perpetual buzz all around that would drown out 'the voices in my head' and allow me to just freely write. I still find I look for the same when my creativity starts to erupt." With the release of her self-titled debut in 2013, Iskwé is carving out her own musical identity, bridging her modern and cultural influences, and challenging the current mold. The album incorporates an amalgam of sonic techniques – like vintage record cracks and down-tempo undercurrents – that embrace mood and atmosphere while echoing traditional pop codes. And people are paying attention. Her single Slack Jaw recently reached #1 on the National Aboriginal Music Countdown, and was voted regional finalist of CBC Music's Searchlight competition. Her album has been nominated for Electronic/Dance Recording at this year's Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMA's), which will be handed out in October in Winnipeg. Before coming home for the WCMA's this fall, Winnipeggers will have a chance to meet Iskwé and experience her one- of-a-kind performance on July 30. The show happens at the Park Theatre, with opening band The Vikings. Tickets are $10. RoseAnna Schick, RAS Creative Iskwé ENtErtaINMENt

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