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Honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day
Space to explore. Stories to inspire.
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Today and every day, we celebrate Indigenous Peoples. Happy Indigenous Peoples Day!
We are honoured to live and work on this incredible land and recognize the immense impact of Indigenous Peoples throughout history and towards building the foundation for our shared future.
Learn what Manitoba Blue Cross is doing to honour Indigenous Peoples today and every day:
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®*The Blue Cross symbol and name are registered marks of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans, independently licensed by Manitoba Blue Cross. †Blue Shield is a registered trade-mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. 2022-0524
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The Access Program Successfully supporting students since 1975
strengthens the student’s con dence as they make their way to academic success. He speaks to and guides any student who wishes to see him and stresses the importance of self-care of mind, body and spirit. This holistic approach has helped many students and Grandfather Wanbdi understands the many challenges the Access Program students face on their journey to academic success. He has strengthened the program and students appreciate his presence.
The Access Program at the University of Manitoba has been supporting students for almost 50 years. The Access team is proud of the holistic approach taken to promote academic excellence and the success of the program can be witnessed in the over 600 graduates populating every profession serving our communities. Today, these students exemplify Manitoba’s nest who enrich our communities and serve as powerful role models for students following in their footsteps. The University of Manitoba Access Program (UMAP) and the Health Careers Access Program (HCAP) are open to Manitoba residents who qualify for university admission. Interested students may apply to the Access Program and interviews are held in May for the September start date. Priority in selection is given to northern Manitoba residents, Indige- nous, newcomers to Canada and low-income students. The program o ers smaller classes to students in their rst-year experience as well as personalized academic advising, tutorial support and personal counselling when needed.
Wanbdi Wakita Grandfather-in-Residence
Although Access is open to all students, more than 80 per cent of Access students are Indigenous therefore cultural and spiritual guidance is available through the Grandfather (Elder)-in-Residence. Grandfather Wanbdi Wakita, Dakota Spiritual Leader and Sundance Chief, joined the Access team in 2018 and has greatly enriched the program by sharing Indigenous knowledge passed to him by the ancestors. The spiritual and mental well-being of students is critically important to academic performance so Grandfather’s Wanbdi’s presence
“Access gave me the con dence to go to university and pursue my dreams.”
Prairie-Rose Hapa Access Program Student
UMextended.ca/Access
Manitoba Public Insurance would like to acknowledge that our organization operates on the original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anish-Ininiwak, Dakota, Dene, Ininiwak and Nehethowuk and the homeland of the Métis. On this National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honour and celebrate all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada. In our work delivering auto insurance and driver services throughout Manitoba, we are committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous individuals and communities through respectful and meaningful consultation and practices. We are also continually working on ways to strengthen the inclusivity of our organization, including ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse population of our province. If you are interested in a career with Manitoba Public Insurance, you can view current postings at: careers-mpi.icims.com We encourage you to declare your employment equity status when completing your online application.
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art
light is here The dawn of
BY KRISTIN MARAND
The Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq illuminated the curved granite exterior of its new addition in 2021, ushering in a new era of appreciation for Indigenous art, artists and culture.
Visible Vault, Qaumajuq, the Inuit art centre at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. PHOTOS BY LINDSAY REID
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs wishes all a safe and happy National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time for First Nations to come together and celebrate our culture and resiliency. Since time immemorial we have gathered to pray, feast, and visit, with song and dance. This continues to be a way forward to invigorate and assert nationhood. On this occasion, First Nations continue celebrating, and acknowledging the beauty and resilience of our Nations.
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But the WAG’s history with Indigenous art began decades ago with the purchase of its first piece of Inuit art in 1956. In 1970, the gallery acquired 4,000 more pieces from a private collection and in 1972 hosted Canada’s first public display of contemporary First Nations art with the Treaty numbers 23, 287, 1171 exhibition. Today, nearly half of the WAG’s permanent collection is comprised of work by Indigenous artists including carvings, drawings, prints, textiles and new media. It is also home to the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art, holding in trust nearly 14,000 pieces. Located on Treaty 1 territory, the gallery is focusing on growing the collection of work by artists with strong ties to Manitoba from Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininiwak, Dakota, Dene and Métis heritage. The journey of creating a dedicated space to recognize and honour Indigenous artists began in 2012, the year of the WAG’s centennial, when American architect Michael Maltzan won an international juried competition to design the WAG Inuit art centre. His design was inspired by a trip to Nunavut. The undulating white stone façade, which appears to float above the > continued on page 6
Amanda Strong. Four Faces of the Moon
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ground, recalls the scale and carved forms of the North as well as the artwork housed within. To support authentic representation and to fully participate in conversations of reconciliation, in 2017, the gallery established an Indigenous Advisory Circle with representatives from the four regions of Inuit Nunangat, plus urban Inuit, circumpolar Inuit, First Nations and Métis communities. The Circle is at the heart of the WAG’s decolonization and indigenization efforts. The WAG recognizes that the history of their Indigenous collection is tied to the ongoing history of colonialism in North America and aspires to shed light on this history and provide a platform for Indigenous voices and storytelling. “The Indigenous Advisory role is made up of different people from different cultures, and what they do is look at our work and tell us what we should be doing and reviewing, making suggestions, ensuring that we're on a good path,” explains Hanna Waswa, WAG public relations officer. “The other major piece of their work has been naming spaces and making sure that each space has an Indigenous name. One of the most important things is from a culture is their language.” In 2020, a group of Indigenous language
keepers and elders gathered to name the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Inuit art centre buildings, as well as the spaces within. The Winnipeg Art Gallery was given an Ojibway name Biindigin Biwaasaeyaah [pronounced BEEN-deh-gen Bi-WAH-say-yah], which means “Come on in, the dawn of light is here,” recognizing the evolution of the gallery with the opening of the Inuit art centre Qaumajuq, [pronounced kow-ma-yourk, or how-ma-yourk] an Inuktitut word meaning “It is bright, it is lit.” “We bring art together from different cultures, from different time periods, and there is so much that we can learn and grow to appreciate about each other because these things really connect in a way that's more human. These are the expressions of a person's being, a person's spirit, and those things are massively important to reconciliation and decolonization,” says Waswa. Recognizing that each artwork has a spirit that must be honoured and cared for and, as Treaty 1 territory is not the original homeland of many of its pieces, ceremony and prayer performed by Indigenous elders take place regularly in the vaults for all of the art. WAG-Qaumajuq acts as a steward, caring for the artworks, so that the stories and teachings can be shared and act as
Abraham Kingmiaqtuq Canadian (Taloyoak), 1933–c. 1990 Shaman Holding Knife, 1974 stone, antler.
David Ruben Piqtoukun. Inuit (Paulatuk), b. 1950. Airplane, 1995. Brazilian soapstone, African wonderstone.
Diversity and inclusion are as important to us as they are to you.
For us, these are core values, so making business decisions that bring positive impact to our members, our communities and the environment is always at the heart of what we do. As we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, we remain committed to meaningful actions of reconciliation, and look forward to continuing this important journey together. acu.ca
The Assembly of Manitoba Chief’s Jordan’s Principle recognizes National Peoples Indigenous Day as a day to share time and celebrate with family and friends. s P
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a bridge — across cultures, physical distance and generations. On National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2021, WAG-Qaumajuq announced the Winnipeg Indigenous Triennial: its commitment to hosting a large-scale Indigenous exhibition every three years. Current exhibitions include Qaumajuq’s inaugural exhibition Inua, featuring the work of 90 Inuit artists, which runs until February 2023; Inuk Style, on display until June 19, 2022; and Kakiniit Hivonighijotaa: Inuit Embodied Practices and Meanings, on until July 30, 2022. Also on display is Kwaata-Nihtaawakihk: A Hard Birth, a reflection of Métis history and the birth of Manitoba, which runs until September. Coming in October is a solo exhibition from renowned Anishinaabe Salteaux colourist Robert Houle called Red is Beautiful. For National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2022, WAG-Qaumajuq is hosting several musical performances by Indigenous artists from 7 to 10 p.m., including Leonard Sumner, Fawn Wood, IVA, Uyarakq and 2oolman from The Halluci Nation. In an effort to become a decolonial institution and in response to the TRC Calls to Action, admission to WAG-Qaumajuq is always free for Indigenous persons.
CELEBRATE NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
DAY AT WAG-QUAMAJUQ. ENJOY PERFORMANCES BY INDIGENOUS ARTISTS SUCH AS LEONARD SUMNER, FAWN
WOOD, IVA, UYARAKQ, 2OOLMAN AND MORE.
Celebrating Indigenous People’s Day!
Nello Altomare MLA for Transcona nello.altomare@yourmanitoba.ca
Uzoma Asagwara MLA for Union Station uzoma.asagwara@yourmanitoba.ca
Wab Kinew MLA for Fort Rouge wab.kinew@yourmanitoba.ca
Diljeet Brar MLA for Burrows diljeet.brar@yourmanitoba.ca
Ian Bushie MLA for Keewatinook ian.bushie@yourmanitoba.ca
Jamie Moses MLA for St. Vital jamie.moses@yourmanitoba.ca
Nahanni Fontaine MLA for St. Johns nahanni.fontaine@yourmanitoba.ca
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Bernadette Smith MLA for Point Douglas bernadette.smith@yourmanitoba.ca
Matt Wiebe MLA for Concordia matt.wiebe@yourmanitoba.ca
Lisa Naylor MLA for Wolseley lisa.naylor@yourmanitoba.ca
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music
Indigenous Summer Tour showcases emerging artists in Manitoba communities
BY TRINA REHBERG BOYKO
It certainly does, when that local talent is made up of Indigenous artists who have signed on to share their gifts — and their stories — with communities throughout Manitoba. The Indigenous Summer Tour is back, after its hugely successful first run in 2021. So far, the tour has secured 10 dates, with the potential for more to come. Headliner Jerry Sereda, a country musician of Métis decent, will perform, host pre-concert arts activities and mentor the Indigenous artists joining him on tour. Growing up in the Parkland, or Treaty 1, region of Manitoba, Jerry spent time in Nashville before settling in the Treaty 8 lands of Alberta. He often returns home to Manitoba in the summer months, and this summer should prove to be extra special as he does what he loves in a place he loves. Sereda is slated for a southern tour from July 24 to 31 and a northern tour from Aug. 9 to 18. Each tour will feature two Indigenous artist alumni from the RBC Emerging Artists Project, which helps budding artists showcase their strengths and connect with seasoned musicians. One such musician is mezzo-soprano Rhonda Head from Opaskwayak Cree Nation. An accomplished artist herself, Head is a natural fit as Indigenous program co-ordinator with the Manitoba Arts Network — the organization behind the Indigenous Summer Tour. Head provides mentorship, liaises with Indigenous communities to schedule tour dates and, if you’re lucky, you might catch her singing one of her hits on stage (Kisahkihitin I Love You and 500 Years both earned bronze medals at the Global Music Awards). Summer, live music, local talent and free admission. Does it get any better?
Jerry Sereda SUPPLIED PHOTO
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She’s passionate about helping up-and-comers have their voices heard, too, especially other Indigenous artists who she’s connected with through the RBC Emerging Artists Project.
“It’s such a blessing to see the artists go through the program and blossom in the music industry,” says Head. The host communities and the artists are just as eager for
THE IDEA FOR THE TOUR WAS BORNE FROM A DESIRE TO SEE MORE INDIGENOUS ARTISTS ON STAGE IN RURAL AND NORTHERN MANITOBA. “ – Rose-Anne Harder, director of the Manitoba Arts Network “
It’s time to get on the road to safety.
the live-music performances.
“It’s a great pleasure to perform live and to get the energy flowing between the artists and the audience,” says Head. The idea for the tour was borne from a desire to see more Indigenous artists on stage in rural and northern Manitoba, according to Rose-Anne Harder, director of the Manitoba Arts Network.
Rhonda Head and Jerry Sereda PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
Becky Lou SUPPLIED PHOTO
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Happy National Indigenous Persons Day
CELEBRATING NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
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“Our secondary but equally important goal was facilitating greater access to the arts in First Nation reserves and Métis communities that have been underserved,” says Harder. “Prior to 2018, the Manitoba Arts Network was primarily working with settler communities. We realized as part of our reconciliation work, we needed to expand our reach and work with reserves and communities we have never worked with before to bring the arts to all Manitobans.” It was 2018 when the Manitoba Arts Network received funding from Canadian Heritage to launch an Indigenous special project, resulting in the mentorship program that has since produced 19 alumni. The artists started out performing on a smaller scale, showcasing their talents in communities across Manitoba. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Fast forward to 2021, when the Manitoba Arts Network applied to the Canada Council for the Arts to fund a 20-community tour. The funding was approved and, in fact, renewed for three more tours, with 10 dates in Indigenous communities and five dates in Manitoba Arts Network member communities each year. Manitoba Hydro has provided additional sponsorship, strengthening an already impressive tour lineup. This year’s tour will see artists Mitchell Makoons, Ivy Venin, Kris Paul and Sherri Shorting perform alongside Jerry Sereda, while Sebastian Gaskin and Gator Beaulieu have been tapped to headline the 2023 and 2024 tours, respectively. To learn more about the upcoming Indigenous Summer Tours, check out manitobaartsnetwork.ca.
Kris Paul SUPPLIED PHOTO
Sherri Shorting SUPPLIED PHOTO
Mitchell Makoons SUPPLIED PHOTO
Ivy Venin SUPPLIED PHOTO
Used Oil & Antifreeze Recycling:
Let’s all walk and work together in a good-hearted way.
NORTHERN OPPORTUNITIES!
The Manitoba Association for Resource Recovery Corp. (MARRC) manages the Used Oil & Antifreeze Recycling Programs. We are very much interested in assisting communities in the north with recycling their used oil, filters, containers as well as antifreezes and its containers. Please contact us at 1-888-410-1440 for more information Or visit our website at www.usedoilrecycling.com
www.knowlescentre.org
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2022 Indigenous Summer Tour dates The following dates have been confirmed. Each event will feature a music masterclass at 5 p.m., with the concert scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
July 24
Long Plain First Nation
Fisher River Cree Nation
July 26
International Peace Garden
July 28
Martin Desjarlais SUPPLIED PHOTO
Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Council, Killarney Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation
July 30
July 31
August 10
Misipawistik Cree Nation, Grand Rapids
August 11
Norway House Cree Nation
August 12
Opaskwayak Cree Nation
August 15
Norway Rabliauskas SUPPLIED PHOTO
August 18
Arts Mosaic, Virden
Nurturing…
la diversité
Since its beginnings in 1818, USB has educated its students within a linguistic reality rooted in a unique territorial and historical context. Benefiting from the wise counsel of members of the Francophone Métis community, USB is taking concrete and authentic steps on the path to reconciliation.
more at ustboniface.ca/reconciliation
USB 22541-National Indigenous Peoples Day ad-FIN.indd 1
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tourism
Indigenous tourism
BY JIM TIMLICK
Manitoba regional coordinator for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) says one of the driving reasons for it was the discovery of children’s remains in unmarked graves at several former residential schools. “After the news about the children and the bodies that were found a lot of people became aware and became interested in what exactly happened and they started asking questions,” says Holly Courchene. “It really picked up then and people genuinely wanted to know more about Indigenous people and the history and the culture of our people. I think they want to relate more and understand more of what it is that Indigenous people have gone through in our history.” In addition to injecting tourism dollars into Indigenous-owned businesses and communities, Courchene says the industry is also helping to build bridges between Indigenous and non- Indigenous people. “It’s creating a better understanding. When you learn the history and the culture, you feel a part of that and more connected to the people as opposed to being on different teams,” she explains. “When Indigenous people provide this
OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, INDIGENOUS TOURISM HAS ENJOYED A HUGE SURGE IN INTEREST BOTH HERE IN MANITOBA AND THE REST OF THE COUNTRY. According to the Conference
Board of Canada, the number of Indigenous-owned or led tourism- related businesses in the province has increased from 91 in 2017 to 145 in 2022. Nationally, Indigenous tourism was worth an estimated $1.9 billion in 2019 prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While that growing interest can be attributed to a number of factors, the
Bannock Point Tour with Diane PHOTO BY TRAVEL MANITOBA
ai165176966921_FWS_IndigenousDay2022.pdf 1 5/5/2022 11:54:33 AM
On June 21, we celebrate YOU
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This year the First Nations Family Advocate Office (FNFAO) is celebrating 7 years of Bringing Our Children Home. Opened in ceremony, the FNFAO was gifted the name “Abinoojiyag Bigiiwewag”, which translates to “Our Children are Coming Home”. The FNFAO provides advocacy to First Nations families involved with CFS to bring children currently in the system back to their families and home Nations. Guided by traditional values and teachings, FNFAO offers workshops and supports that encompass a holistic approach to healing families and children.
M
M
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Proud to honour the heritage, culture and contributions of Indigenous, Inuit and Metis Peoples.
FWSgroup.com
Learn more by visiting www.firstnationsfamilyadvocate.com
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knowledge and history and culture, they are creating friendships and allies.” What follows is a look at some of the most popular Indigenous-led tourism businesses and offerings available in Manitoba. Whiteshell Petroforms Authentic Indigenous Tours: These guided tours through the boreal forest of Whiteshell Provincial Park (whiteshellpetroforms.com) offer visitors an opportunity to learn first-hand about the sacred Bannock Point petroforms site with guide and Indigenous knowledge keeper Diane Maytwayashing. Petroforms are rocks and boulders arranged by Indigenous peoples over millennia to share their stories, histories and teachings. Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre: Located in Winnipeg’s North Point Douglas neighbourhood, the centre (micec.com) was founded in 1975 and is the largest cultural education centre in the province. It’s home to several community educational programs, including Cree and Ojibway language classes, and a people’s library that boasts one of the most extensive collections of Indigenous knowledge in the province. It also houses an extensive, one-of-a-kind collection of archeological artifacts and arts and crafts work. Admission to the centre is free of charge and organizers are hoping to resume in-person activities sometime this summer. “MICEC is a place for anyone interested in Indigenous peoples, languages and cultures,” says Dene Sinclair, the centre’s strategy and business development specialist. “Because of the neighbourhood we’re in we’re a bit of an undiscovered gem. A lot of people don’t know about us.” Cedar Lake Ranch: This Indigenous-owned and operated cultural workshop facilitation and meeting space (www.cedarlakeranch.ca) is located 40 minutes east of Winnipeg near
the town of Anola. In addition to hosting staff meetings, it offers traditional teachings in one of its many teepees and traditional lodges. It’s also a great place for families to escape the hustle and bustle or urban life and connect with Mother Earth. National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada: Located in the former Portage Indian Residential School in Portage la Prairie, the museum (nirsmuseum.ca) was designated a provincial heritage site in 2005. The museum is a memorial to those who went through the residential school experience, honours survivors and their families, and aims to educate both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people on how the residential school system impacted both past and present-day Indigenous life. SAYZOONS: SAYZOONS (sayzoons.ca) is a Métis-operated camp located near St.-Pierre- Jolys that offers year-round outdoor tourism activities and equipment rentals. The aim of the camp is to promote an outdoor lifestyle in a safe and inclusive environment. Activities include everything from snowshoeing and shelter building to tubing and archery. Moon Gate Bed and Breakfast: Moon Gate (moongateguesthouse.ca) is a one-of-a-kind guest house nestled on the banks of the Whitemouth River on Treaty 3 land. In addition to offering picturesque vistas and some of the best homemade pizza you’ll ever taste, Moon Gate hosts Jenny and Michel share Métis culture through authentic experiences and storytelling. Feast Café Bistro: The Feast (feastcafebistro. com) has become a fixture of Winnipeg’s West End thanks to owner and chef Christa Bruneau- Guenther’s unique and Indigenous-inspired menu. It’s also gained plenty of attention for its efforts to give back to the community such as when it closed its doors to serve up meals to First Nations communities displaced by a winter storm.
“
THE INDUSTRY IS ALSO HELPING TO BUILD BRIDGES BETWEEN INDIGENOUS AND NON- INDIGENOUS PEOPLE. “ – Holly Courchene, Manitoba regional coordinator
PHOTO BY TRAVEL MANITOBA
Prairie Berry: Located in the community of Glenlea about 10 minutes outside of Winnipeg, Prairie Berry (prairie-berry. com) is a family-owned, farm-to-table dining experience. Meals use fresh, local ingredients and are prepared by local chefs who incorporate an element of strawberry into each dish.
for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)
See you at the celebrations for National Indigenous Day!
KISIK COMMERCIAL FURNITURE
204-949-0646 info@kisik.biz www.kisik.biz
Bannock Point Tour with Diane PHOTO BY TRAVEL MANITOBA
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dance
Siblings share toe tapping talent
Left to right: Mikey Harris, Savannah Sinclair, Cieanna Harris and Jacob Harris of Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers performing at Main Street’s Got Talent. PHOTOS BY DARCY FINLEY
URBAN CIRCLE TRAINING CENTRE INC. Professional Career Training Opportunity “A Learning Centre that Makes a Difference” Urban Circle is looking for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Status/Non-status) applicants who are willing to commit to quality training that includes life skills and will lead to employment and offers the following programs: ADULT EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (August – June) • Allows you to obtain a mature grade 12 diploma – High school credits by Seven Oaks school division and have the opportunity to stream into our apprenticeship program; and employment preparation; or furthering education onto post secondary. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM – Certified by Red River College Polytecnic (September–June) • This course is a “stepping stone” to a Bachelor of Education degree. HEALTH CARE AIDE/HEALTH UNIT CLERK PROGRAM (NURSING ASSISTANT) – Dual Certified by Red River College Polytecnic (August – June) • This course is a “stepping stone” into the Healthcare field. FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER PROGRAM – Certified by Red River College Polytecnic (January – December) • This program is “stepping stone” into social work field. Unique learning environment! 519 Selkirk Avenue, Winnipeg Call 204-589-4433 for more information OR visit Website: urbancircletraining.com
BY WENDY KING
IF YOU’RE AT THE FORKS ON JUNE 18 AND YOU HEAR A FIDDLER TUNING UP, IT’S A GOOD BET SOMEONE’S GETTING READY TO DANCE THE RED RIVER JIG: THE JOYFUL, HIGH-ENERGY TRADITIONAL DANCE OF THE MÉTIS PEOPLE. It’s done by lifelong dancers of all ages — but it’s not something that’s taught in a studio. “It’s pretty much passed down through family members,” says dancer Michael “Mikey” Harris (also known as DizzyFeet on TikTok). And there’s a reason for that. “Back in the day, it was considered a war dance by the government officials and the dance was actually banned in all of our communities — it was really tough to keep it alive,” says Harris, the oldest of the sibling dance trio the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers (www.facebook. com/ifmdancers). “Our ancestors did it silently and as secretly as they could, so it’s been passed down that way through family members.” Today, it’s a different story as the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers — Michael Harris, 22, Jacob Harris, 20, and Cieanna Harris, 18 — take to the stage at the Forks on Saturday, June 18 to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day
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“We’re excited to be onstage. We have some really cool things that we’re working on and we’re working with DJ Kookum,” says Harris. All three were born in Winnipeg and the family hails from Ebb and Flow First Nation on Treaty 1 territory. Growing up, the dancers had role models close to home.
“In 2012, he passed away suddenly, and for us that was really, really, really, tough.” They changed their name to the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers. “Every show, and everything we do, is in honour of him,” he says.
Their grandmother is also an indispensable and much admired support. “Our great, amazing grandmother Dawn Flett custom makes all of our beautiful outfits,” says Harris.
‘Designs by Dawn.’ She’s on her own on level and she has inspired other designers to create the way she does.” The Harris siblings excel at the Red River Jig, a mix of First Nations dancing, French, Scottish and Irish stepping. And since the dance came out of a blending of cultures, there is an artful logic in Harris’ fusion of the traditional jig and contemporary hip hop — a signature style they showed off on Canada’s Got Talent (2022). Harris discovered he had a knack for hip hop in high school. “I put some of our fastest jigging steps together with some of
“The designs are all by her — that’s her little slogan
“When I was just a little guy, I saw my auntie performing with the Asham Stompers. I was really fascinated by it and I asked her to teach me. Jake and I learned right in her living room, every week,” says Mikey Harris. Cieanna was right behind them.
The siblings soon joined the Asham Stompers, dancing professionally in as many as 100 shows a year,
these rap songs and that’s how it started,” he says, The youthful members of their audience love it.
including the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. They also formed their own troupe: The
Slick and Lil Jay Show featuring Cieanna. All this was accomplished
“We start off with the traditional Red River Jig music — and the kids
think it’s cool — and then we switch it over to the hip-hop
with the full, loving support of their grandparents and parents. “Our grandfather, Ivan Flett, was the one who was kind of our rock,” says Harris.
music and, of course, they’re really engaged,” says Harris.
Once they have their attention, the dancers can teach the history and tradition behind the jig.
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From all of us here at the Eagle Urban Transition Centre, we wish you and your loved ones an amazing Indigenous Peoples Day! SEE THE IVAN FLETT MEMORIAL DANCERS PERFORM ON SATURDAY, JUNE 18 AT THE FORKS PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
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a lot of love. Everyone just supports it.” The siblings also teach dance. “I think we’ve taught in every school here in Winnipeg,” says Harris, who has also taught in New York, Vancouver and Toronto. “Teaching is something that I’m very
THAT’S WHAT THE DANCE DOES FOR PEOPLE — IT BRINGS US ALL TOGETHER.
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– Mikey Harris
passionate about because I want to take the Red River Jig to the next level. I believe that kids should be able to go into a studio and learn it. “Also, there’s not a lot of Indigenous choreographers out there so it’s really cool to just be out there kind of representing my people in a way.” The dance has come far. “Whenever the Red River Jig comes on at a social or at a wedding and there’s Métis people there, everyone’s tapping their feet and jigging and it’s a huge, huge party,” says Mikey Harris. “That’s what the dance does for people — it brings us all together.”
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“At first, the elders and the older folks weren’t too happy with it because we took this traditional dance and we mixed it with modern music,” he says. “Once everyone heard our reasoning for doing it, they eased up a little bit. We’ve been shown
The Eagle Urban Transition Centre celebrates this year’s National Indigenous Peoples Day with 60 First Nation youth and their families at a Goldeyes Baseball Game, an event in partnership with the AMC Jordans Principle Program.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY | 17
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2022
Legacy Bowes is honoured to work with Indigenous clients across Canada and is committed to reconcilation. We are continuously learning best ways to offer support through enhancing community capacity. We recognize the relationships cultivated through learning and actions of reconcilation on this day. Honouring Indigenous Peoples Day
was created to provide �nancial assistance and encouragement for Indigenous students looking to join the exciting �eld of Aviation, while honouring the late Bill Wehrle as a pioneer of Aviation in Manitoba. UP TO $40,000 AVAILABLE FOR CONTINUING YOUR EDUCATION SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS EDUCATION INITIATIVES IN THE GROWING FIELD OF AVIATION The Bill Wehrle Aviation Scholarship
CAREERS IN AVIATION: ■ Aircraft Maintenance Engineer ■ Commercial Pilot ■ Aviation Management
Candidates must meet the following MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: ■ Canadian citizen ■ Identify as Indigenous ■ Grade 12 Diploma ■ Evidence of interest in the �eld of aviation
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Perimeter/Bearskin ad for Winnipeg Daily Press
18 | NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2022
Today we celebrate the valuable contribution Indigenous Peoples make to the fabric of our community.
Johnston Group proudly partners with Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council, Amik and Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce, to help Indigenous communities thrive. And our employee benefit products, CINUP and Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce Group Benefits Plan, are designed with the guidance of Indigenous organizations. For over three decades, we've built relationships with Indigenous businesses, bringing them together as one collective force to achieve marketplace power and enhance stability. We put together unique plans for traditional and non- traditional organizations to protect employees and their families. At Johnston Group, we believe in putting people first. johnstongroup.ca
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY | 19
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2022
CELEBRATING CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY
She does this while continuing to work in public health, seeing patients at Grace Hospital in the adult medicine clinic, and leading anti-racism and equity-focused work at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Her work at UM includes developing strategies to implement the 94 Calls to Action and responding to the Scarborough Charter, which seeks to address anti-Black racism and promote Black inclusion in Canadian higher education. The University of Manitoba thanks Dr. Anderson for her outstanding and continuing contributions.
The University of Manitoba celebrates Dr. Marcia Anderson, who was recently named Physician of the Year by Doctors Manitoba. The vice-dean of Indigenous health, social justice and anti-racism in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba is recognized for her service to Indigenous people and other communities. Throughout the pandemic, Cree-Anishinaabe alum Dr. Anderson has been a trusted voice on fighting COVID-19. From social media awareness videos and media appearances to weekly panel discussions through Winnipeg’s Sunshine House, Dr. Anderson works around the clock, sharing helpful and accessible information about the virus.
UMANITOBA.CA/INDIGENOUS WHAT INSPIRES YOU CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING.
#UMINDIGENOUS
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