Category: Arts and Entertainment

Indigenous singer iskwē shines in Montreal

Indigenous singer iskwē shines in Montreal

Her full traditional name – Waseskwan Iskwew – translates as Blue Sky Woman. But iskwē believes she has come from the stars. The Indigenous pop and electronic singer-songwriter originally from Winnipeg is fond of the Cree teaching that we are […]

Sharing an experience: Children of God honours residential-school survivors through musical theatre

Sharing an experience: Children of God honours residential-school survivors through musical theatre

The history of Canada’s residential-school system is so tragic that its repercussions can hover over the families of its survivors like an immense shadow, perceived but never discussed. Such was the case for Corey Payette, who decided to honour his […]

Stormie Diamond (Age 14): 
Stormie's artwork represents her legacy using her own portrait facing the portrait of her paternal grandfather, Billy Diamond. Her symbols represent her Cree Culture and Language, something Stormie feels has been passed down to her by her grandfather the Late Billy Diamond. She symbolizes Cree Culture with her use of the medicine wheel, Siigabon (the traditional way of cooking Goose over a fire), and the hides. Language is represented by the Cree Syllabics in the centre of her piece. Stormie has placed the Cree Syllabics in the centre of her image as a symbol for its significance in passing down culture and legacy in her family and community.

Mikw Chiyâm arts program asks Cree students to reflect on past generations

When Trisha Blackned didn’t feel like going to school, she found motivation in Mikw Chiyâm. “I would get excited to go to class and finish my art projects,” said the Waskaganish resident who participated in the arts program in 2015-2016. […]

La Grande Dégustation de Montréal offers a world of exquisite drink

La Grande Dégustation de Montréal offers a world of exquisite drink

Every year I encourage people to attend the wine and spirits show in Montreal. It’s not to encourage them to drink but rather to expand their knowledge and choices when it comes to social occasions. With the holiday season rapidly […]

Third Eeyou Istchee Achievement Awards recognizes artists from across the nation

Third Eeyou Istchee Achievement Awards recognizes artists from across the nation

Cree art, both traditional and contemporary, was on display in Nemaska for the third edition of the Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association’s (CNACA) Eeyou Istchee Achievement Awards. “It’s about recognizing and promoting the artist,” CNACA executive director Gaston Cooper […]

New Cree chamber opera Chaakapesh: The Trickster’s Quest Comes to the North

New Cree chamber opera Chaakapesh: The Trickster’s Quest Comes to the North

The tundra will be alive with the sound of music this month as the world-renowned Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) brings a Cree-language chamber opera to the north. From September 9-19, maestro Kent Nagano and the OSM’s musicians will trace […]

The Nation was well represented at Osheaga

The Nation was well represented at Osheaga

by Dan Isaac and Matt Dessner In its 13th iteration, the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival, the crown jewel of Canadian music festivals, invaded Parc Jean-Drapeau’s Île Notre-Dame August 3-5 for a sold-out musical odyssey while construction continues on new […]

Q052 raps about rez realities on his debut album

Q052 raps about rez realities on his debut album

Music has long been a powerful force championed by movements seeking social change, ranging from subtle messages of empowerment to more explicitly provocative songs that demand action with a heightened sense of urgency. Mi’kmaq rapper Q052 certainly belongs to the […]

Imagining alternate realities at Montreal Comiccon 2018

Imagining alternate realities at Montreal Comiccon 2018

This year Montreal Comiccon celebrated its 10th year anniversary of hosting fantastic to geeky activities for fans of pop culture. Tens of thousands of comic-nerds, sci-fi fans and collectors buzzed around Montreal’s Palais des Congrès July 6-8. Some lined up […]

The Mikw Chiyâm festival launches a new generation of artists

The Mikw Chiyâm festival launches a new generation of artists

The Mikw Chiyâm team held its third annual arts festival June 23 in Nemaska. This is the end-of-year gathering for all students enrolled in the Mikw Chiyâm Arts Concentration Program in the James Bay area. The students displayed artwork, both […]