(Thunder Bay, On, August 26, 2020) – Acting Ontario Regional Chief Alvin Fiddler is hopeful today’s $112 million funding announcement to support First Nation education community will help to ensure a safe return to school on reserves.
“Today’s announcement is very much welcomed, but the delay in addressing the ongoing funding requests to ensure the health and safety of First Nations children returning to school on-reserve has been very distressing to leadership across the region,” said Acting Ontario Regional Chief Alvin Fiddler. “We require immediate information on the proposed distribution of funds by the federal government, but we have heard clearly that First Nations in Ontario do not want a proposal based funding approach especially given this funding commitment was made so close to the start of the school year. First Nations regions and communities have long been planning for the safe re-opening and return to school despite the lack of committed funds, and I am sure that communities will put this much needed additional funding to work as soon as it is available.”
The current pandemic has exposed the reality that First Nations communities experience regarding accessibility to online learning and educational resources, and only exacerbates the widening educational achievement gap. This additional funding will help offset Covid-19 disruptions and help communities properly prepare and plan for a safe re-opening of schools for First Nations children this school year.
“We also recognize and acknowledge the federal government for the additional $381 million to be provided to Ontario which will help our off-reserve students gain greater protections as well, through the support of adapted learning spaces and purchases of personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies,” stated A/Regional Chief Fiddler. “We will continue through our regions and communities to work with both the federal government, province and all parties to ensure that our children have the resources and safe spaces available as we look to re-open our schools, including the capacity to utilize online learning resources both on-reserve and off-reserve.”
Inconvenient Indian dives deep into the brilliant mind of Thomas King, Indigenous intellectual, master storyteller, and author of the bestselling book The Inconvenient Indian, to take us on a critical journey through the colonial narratives of North America. In this time of momentous change and essential re-examination, Latimer’s Inconvenient Indian is a powerful visual poem anchored in the land and amplified by the voices of those who continue the tradition of Indigenous resistance. Artist activists, land protectors, hunters, and those leading cultural revitalization powerfully subvert the “inconvenience” of their existence, creating an essential new narrative and a possible path forward for us all.
Inconvenient Indian is produced by Stuart Henderson (90th Parallel Productions), Justine Pimlott (NFB) and Jesse Wente. The executive producers are Gordon Henderson, for 90th Parallel Productions, and Anita Lee, head of the NFB’s Ontario Studio in Toronto.
Michelle Latimer is currently showrunning and directing the CBC series Trickster (also featured at TIFF 2020). Her 2017 eight-part Indigenous resistance series RISE premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and was named Best Documentary Program at the 6th Canadian Screen Awards. Michelle’s short Nuuca premiered at TIFF 2017 and screened at the 2018 Sundance and Berlin film festivals. In 2020, she was named the inaugural artist-in-residence at the Sundance Institute Screenwriting Labs and was awarded the Chicken & Egg Breakthrough Award, a prize given to five international filmmakers for their work in social-justice filmmaking. This is her second collaboration with the NFB Ontario Studio, after her 2015 short Nimmikaage (She Dances for People), created as part of the series Souvenir. Michelle’s mixed heritage informs her filmmaking perspective, and much of her work is dedicated to the pursuit of Indigenous rights and sovereignty. She is of Algonquin, Métis and French heritage, from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg (Maniwaki), Quebec. She grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and currently splits her time between there and Toronto, Canada.
(Ottawa, ON) – National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is pleased that the federal government is stepping up to provide $82.5 million dollars to support Indigenous mental health programs, with $55 million specifically earmarked for First Nations.
“It is good to see the federal government and Minister Miller recognize this issue and provide additional resources to help First Nations peoples and families get through the pandemic,” National Chief Bellegarde said of the government’s announcement. “As we approach the opening of schools, First Nations families must also have the resources necessary to protect their loved ones. Parents must be able to access all available options; this includes First Nations attending on-reserve schools and those who are attending off-reserve schools.”
Today, the Canadian Government announced $82.5 million towards urgent Indigenous mental wellness supports that are culturally safe and community-based. The funding will aid adaption of existing mental health and wellness supports to adjust to the current realities of COVID-19, including the transition of some programs to virtual platforms, while also allowing for improved access to additional services. This financial support will also help Indigenous partners in developing new ways to address substance use and improve access to treatment.
Yukon Regional Chief Kluane Adamek holds the Mental Health portfolio at the AFN.
“This announcement is an important first step in responding to the mental health and wellness issues and impacts that COVID-19 has magnified in First Nations communities. First Nations have the right to be actively involved in developing and determining matters that affect us. Our youth are often reminding us all of this important approach — ‘nothing for us, without us.’ We know mental wellness and issues impacting First Nations need culturally safe and relevant responses to their concerns. First Nations organizations will continue to lead the work in responding to these issues, and we welcome this new and deeply needed approach,” stated Regional Chief Kluane Adamek.
11 August 2020 – On Friday 11 September, Celebration of Nations will begin virtually with a profound short film entitled Starbornthat captures the essence of our current existence. Delivered in the form of an Elder’s observation with a gentle but firm admonition, this remarkable short film by ally Olivia Mater will provide a compelling start to this year’s gathering as well as a reckoning of human responsibility to the land and to one another.
“The situation humanity currently finds itself in — living under a confluence of conditions that when considered together are unprecedented — has been both challenging and unnerving. Not only is a microorganism reaping souls at an alarming rate, but our global ecosystem, like Canada’s last Arctic ice shelf, is collapsing,” says Tim Johnson, Celebration of Nation’s Artistic Producer.“All of these problems have been preventable or treatable were the collective intelligence of wise and principled peoples applied to the creation and implementation of practical solutions. We felt that to treat this year’s gathering without applying serious thought and context would have been irresponsible and inconsistent with our teachings.”
Celebration of Nations will take place virtually from 11 – 13 September in a continued commitment to supporting the vital voices of the creative and intellectual community.
“Since COVID-19 broke this past March we have learned a lot of things about ourselves and about how necessary the arts are to maintaining healthy minds and hearts,” said Michele-Elise Burnett, Celebration of Nation’s Artistic Director. “Artists are often at the forefront of speaking truth to power while also providing purpose for humans to gather and fulfill our ancient and ingrained need for contact, socialization, intellectual engagement, and expression.”
The virtual program will feature a livestreamed performance from Six Nations of the Grand River of Blood Water Earth by renowned Indigenous creator Santee Smith of Kaha:wi Dance Theatre. Music also continues to remain a vital component of Celebration of Nations this year as 2020 Indigenous JUNO Award winners LeE HARVey OsMOND (aka Tom Wilson), Celeigh Cardinal and 2020 Polaris Music Prize shortlisted artist Lido Pimienta are set to share livestream performances.
“When we were reviewing the Indigenous music scene to curate this year’s concert, we never could have predicted the outcome,” said Tim Johnson. “By serendipity, good fortune, and perhaps a little skill our two choices both ended up winning 2020 JUNO Awards! Celeigh Cardinal won for Indigenous Artist of the Year and Lee Harvey Osmond won for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year. Their music is some of the most compelling to be found anywhere in the world, showcasing once again that Indigenous artists continue to influence and shape popular music and culture.”
The theme for this year’s Celebration of Nations is Mighty Niagara and the Great Lakes Watershed. To address this theme a range of intellectual and artistic programs have been curated. Renowned Mohawk Elder and Midwife Katsi Cook will present on environments of meaning where concepts of reproduction of body, culture, and ecosystem health intersect. Rob MacDonald and Martin Cooper of Archaeological Services Inc. will explore the Niagara landscape through the lens of archaeological evidence revealing in detail Indigenous inhabitation in the Niagara Peninsula reaching back 13,000 years. A team of professionals from the Niagara Parks Commission and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority will give a presentation on environmental challenges and stewardship responsibilities along the Niagara River and its tributaries. Victoria Poet Laureate Janet Rogers returns to curate the Empathic Poetry Café with a group of creative and vocally expressive Indigenous writers.
This year’s Her Moccasins Talk panel discussion will focus on the health and well-being of our waters. The panel, composed of inspirational and visionary women, including celebrated artistic luminaries Christi Belcourt, Angela DeMontigny and Santee Smith, will share traditional insights on the relationships and bonds humans have with the living earth and the inescapable consequences of natural law.
In addition, this year’s Celebration of Nations will introduce the Indigenous Niagara Living Museum Tour, an online experience that will transport visitors to several significant cultural and historical Indigenous locations within the region. From archaeological sites, ancient geologic landmarks, and unique ecosystems, to amazing art installations, important battlegrounds, and Niagara Falls itself, visitors will have the opportunity to follow Niagara’s Indigenous trails in search of knowledge and adventure.
Celebration of Nations is proud to also feature One Dish, One Mic, a dynamic duo and Canadian Journalism Foundation and CBC Journalism Fellowship Award winners Karl Dockstader and Sean Vanderklis. The virtual edition will also feature Teepee or not Teepee, the latest media project of CBC featured Anishinaabe comedian, writer, actor and media maker Ryan McMahon.
For more information on programming, visit celebrationofnations.ca. Additional programming to be announced in coming weeks!
Celebration of Nations is part of a long-term vision of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Kakekalanicks and the City of St. Catharines to build on the Two Row Wampum that promotes all Nations walking together, in parallel, with respect, compassion and understanding to cultivate an inclusive community for our shared future. It is intended to provide opportunities for national and international visitors to actively participate in an inclusive and engaging community gathering that will foster a greater sense of belonging, support meaningful reconciliation, and leave a lasting legacy of goodwill for future generations.
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is located downtown St. Catharines, Ontario on the shared traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Neutral Peoples and many other Indigenous people from across Turtle Island. We offer our sincere gratitude and respect to the original and continued stewards of this land. We also acknowledge Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, and 2SLGBTQQAI+ that have been marginalized for centuries and more – and our collective responsibility to take action for a better world free from oppression, discrimination and racism.
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre acknowledges the Department of Canadian Heritage, the province of Ontario, the City of St. Catharines and our longtime partnership with Brock University for their ongoing support of Celebration of Nations.
(August 21, 2020, Toronto, ON) A historic day, for the first time ever, the Chiefs of Ontario hosted their #TogetherApart Chiefs Assembly, entirely online with more than 100 Chiefs, delegates and technicians with participation from all regions and organizations. Those in attendance discussed and provided insight on various topics, including infrastructure, economic development, Bill: 197, the Environmental Assessment Act, and the COVID-19 First Nations Emergency Response.
“During this meeting, we were able to truly listen to our Nations’ leadership in a new way,” said Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald. “Our communities have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 emergency since it began and have gone to remarkable lengths to keep our communities and citizens safe.
This meeting provided Leadership and technicians with an opportunity to discuss and work collaboratively to move forward on critical priorities, while also reiterating our shared experiences and challenges presented by COVID-19. Leadership also agreed on the importance of all government levels to continue the COVID-19 support in ensuring First Nations emergency response needs are met. Going forward, we will work with our government partners to ensure immediate action in anticipation of the second wave.
I want to thank our partners, territorial and community leaders for their attendance and everything they’ve done to ensure this meeting was a success. In this moment of crisis, we have all come together as Nations in the fight against COVID-19. I especially wish to acknowledge the efforts of the Chiefs of Ontario staff, my political office staff, Harold Tarbell and Tap Resources in preparing and implementing this online assembly. A highlight was the hopeful and positive message we received from the Ontario First Nation Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC).
I look forward to working alongside our youth in their ongoing leadership role in taking on the challenges and fights for the betterment of our future generations and keeping this momentum going.”
August 21, 2020 — Ottawa, Traditional Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada
As of August 20, ISC is aware of these confirmed cases of COVID-19 for First Nations on reserve in provinces:
428 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19
35 hospitalizations
408 recovered cases
There is a total of 17 confirmed positive cases in Nunavik, Quebec, and all have recovered.
First Nations communities have been successful in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. When compared to the general Canadian population, the COVID infection rate, hospitalization rate, and death rate were lower in these communities. For example, the rate of COVID-19 reported among First Nations individuals living on reserve is currently one-quarter the rate of the general Canadian population.
The epidemic curve continues to show signs of flattening, with the numbers of new and active cases dropping significantly in the most recent week. In order to keep flattening the curve and the infection rate low, we must all remain vigilant in employing measures to protect ourselves, our families and our communities from the spread of COVID-19.
Individuals can help by:
avoiding all non-essential trips in the community;
limiting the size of group gatherings;
maintaining physical distancing of at least 2 arm-lengths (approximately 2 meters or 6 feet);
limiting contact with people at higher risk, such as seniors, those in poor health, or with underlying health conditions;
wearing a non-medical mask when physical distancing is not possible; and
following the recommended public health guidelines outlined by your province or territory of residence.
On August 12, the Government of Canada announced an additional $305 million for the Indigenous Community Support Fund. This most recent announcement brings the Indigenous Community Support Fund to $685 million in total funding directly to First Nation, Inuit and Métis leadership as well as the organizations that support them. This fund is integral to equipping communities with what they need to prevent, prepare and respond to COVID-19 and to make the choices they need to make to keep their communities safe. It will be distributed through a combination of allocations directly to First Nations, Inuit and Métis leadership, and needs-based funding, which will be application driven and extend to First Nations living off reserve as well as Inuit and Métis living in urban centres. This fund is flexible and can be used to support the priorities of Indigenous leaders and Indigenous communities. More details will follow soon.
With September right around the corner, ISC continues to work with partners to address additional challenges related to the re-opening of schools and to determine how to best respond to the pressures they are facing. We are supporting educational and other supports for children, for example, the procurement of public health measures such as non-medical face masks, acrylic sheets (plexiglass) retrofits and hand sanitizing stations for schools in First Nations communities. As the situation evolves, ISC will support First Nations and their partners in their decision-making process regarding school reopening for on-reserve establishments.
Quick facts
Over $2 billion has been committed in specific support to Indigenous and northern communities and organizations.
$285.1 million to support the ongoing public health response to COVID-19 in Indigenous communities.
$685 million for the distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund.
$10 million for emergency family violence prevention shelters on reserve and in Yukon to support women and children fleeing violence.
$72.6 million for health and social services support to the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
$34.3 million for territorial businesses, through CanNor’s Regional Relief and Recovery Fund.
$25 million for enhancement to the Nutrition North Canada Subsidy.
$17.3 million in support for Northern Air Carriers.
$15 million for CanNor’s Northern Business Relief Fund.
Up to $306.8 million in interest-free loans to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses.
$75.2 million in 2020-21 in distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education.
$270 million to supplement the On-Reserve Income Assistance Program to address increased demand on the program, which will help individuals and families meet their essential living expenses.
$44.8 million over five years to build 12 new shelters, which will help protect and support Indigenous women and girls experiencing and fleeing violence. The Government of Canada will also provide $40.8 million to support operational costs for these new shelters over the first five years, and $10.2 million annually ongoing. Starting this year, $1 million a year ongoing will also be provided to support engagement with Métis leaders and service providers on shelter provision and community-led violence prevention projects for Métis women, girls, LGBTQ and two-spirited people.
$117 million in new funding to support community-owned Indigenous businesses and $16 million in new funding to support Indigenous tourism through the pandemic and into recovery.
In addition to providing support to hundreds of Indigenous communities across the country, the Indigenous Community Support Fund has supported approximately 260 Indigenous organizations serving Indigenous Peoples in urban centres.
Port Alberni, BC – The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council mourns the passing of Grand Chief Joe Norton of the Mohawks of Kanawake who passed away on August 7th, 2020 in his territory. We also mourn the great loss of Dr. Joseph Gosnell of the Nisga’a Nation who passed away in his own homelands on August 17th
Both men, made many notable advances and achievements for their Nations. They made their mark on the provincial and federal political landscapes. Their names are well known across this country and among respected leaders.
“I have worked with Dr. Joe Gosnell on various issues and his intelligence and eloquence were a pleasure to work with,” commented NTC President Judith Sayers. “He took the time to work with Nuu-chah-nulth and share Nisga’a experiences in treaty making. He was that kind of man. One who shared his knowledge and experience with others. He is a legend.”
“Dr. Joe Gosnell was one of the first-First Nation people to speak to the BC Legislature in 1998 when the enactment of their treaty was tabled. His speech was historic and he stated that the treaty was for aboriginal and non-aboriginal people to come together and write a new chapter in BC history. His wise words will never be forgotten,” said Mariah Charleson, NTC Vice-President.
Across the country in Quebec, Grand Chief Joe Norton, a well-known thought leader, also joined the ancestors this week. “I worked with Joe Norton after approximately one third of the First Nations left the Assembly of First Nations over the Constitutional talks with Canada. Joe was part of the newly formed Coalition of First Nations and worked hard to obtain a Nation to Nation process,” added Sayers. “He was always a leader with vision, integrity and commitment.
The Nuu-chah-nulth join First Nations and their people across this country to take time to remember two mighty warriors who spent their lives fighting for our lands, resources and rights. They helped lay the foundation for self-government and self-determination and worked for their own people which benefited all of us. We will remember their legacy and build on the foundation they laid to continue to work for the people of the land.”
Toronto. August 18, 2020. One of the first film productions in Nova Scotia to start up post-COVID lockdown, the Two-Spirit odyssey, Wildhood, from writer/director Bretten Hannam, began principal photography on August 12, 2020. Wildhood, which will be filmed in English and Mi’kmaw, is written and directed by Hannam (Wildfire, Deep End) and produced by actor-turned-producer Gharrett Patrick Paon of Rebel Road Films (Wildfire, The Killing), with Julie Balassi (My Dead Dad’s Porno Tapes, Dim the Fluorescents) as producing partner and Damon D’Oliveira (The Grizzlies, Honey Bee, The Book of Negroes) as Executive Producer. Filming is taking place in Windsor, Nova Scotia and will run until September 16. It will release in Spring, 2021.
Wildhood stars Phillip Lewitski (Vikings, Utopia Falls), Joel Thomas Hynes (Little Dog, Trickster, Frontier, Orphan Black), Michael Greyeyes (Blood Quantum, I Know This Much is True, True Detective, Fear the Walking Dead), Joshua Odjick (Unsettled, Coroner), Steve Lund (Schitt’s Creek, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Reign, Bitten) and newcomer Avery Winters-Anthony (Wildfire).
A snarling dog backed into a corner, Link (16) is at odds with everyone around him. His Mi’kmaw mother is dead, and his connection to his heritage is lost. His white father, Arvin, is resentful of his existence and the racist boys in the trailer park are both dangerous and alluring. Link’s struggle comes to a head when he discovers his birth mother is still alive. In a desperate gamble to start a new life, he runs away with his half-brother Travis (10) to find her. Lost in their new-found freedom they’re joined by Pasmay (18), a Two-Spirit teenager drawn to Link’s pain. Together they travel down backroads and through reservations, avoiding Arvin and tackling whatever the road throws at them.
Start of principal photography is the next important step on the long journey of this project. It began in 2018 with the short film Wildfire, which was one of five scripts in Canada selected for Whistler Film Festival’s 2017 Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship and has played at multiple film festivals internationally. The feature film script won Telefilm’s 2018 Pitch This! at the Toronto International Film Festival.
“I’ve carried this story with me for over a decade,” says writer-director Bretten Hannam. “It’s as much a part of me as my own heart. I’m excited to finally let it loose as we film among the forests, rivers, and all the land that we belong to.”
“Having never met my own father, growing up I spent many dreamy nights imagining what it might be like to go on one of these quests. Little did I know that ours would be in a pandemic,” says producer Gharrett Paon. “I’m thankful to our whole team for pulling everything together and making it into production, despite an almost comedic number of roadblocks that could have shut us down. Shout out to our funders who hustled right there along with us.”
Cinematography for Wildhood by multi-award winner Guy Godfree (Giant Little Ones, Maudie, Suck It Up), production design by Michael Pierson (Stage Mother, Werewolf), and costume design by Emlyn Murray (Terror in the Woods, Forgive Me, Drown the Lovers).
Wildhoodreceived financial support from Telefilm Canada, the Canada Media Fund, Nova Scotia Production Incentive Fund, the Shaw Rocket Fund, and CBC Films, which provided development support. The Indigenous Screen Office also provided COVID relief funding.
ABOUT BRETT HANNAM
Bretten Hannam is a Two-Spirit L’nu filmmaker living in Kespukwitk, Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia) where they were raised. Their films deal with themes of community, culture, and language with a focus on two-spirit and LGBTQ+ identity. They co-wrote the short, Champagne, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, and wrote/directed North Mountain, a Two-Spirit thriller that won Best Original Score at the Atlantic Film Festival and the Screen Nova Scotia Award for Best Feature. They also wrote/directed the short film Wildfire which premiere at BFI Flare and went on to play at Frameline LGBT Film Festival, as well as Vancouver International Film Festival, ImagineNative, and Inside Out LGBT Film Festival. Bretten is a Fellow of the Praxis Centre for Screenwriters, Outfest Screenwriting Lab, Whistler’s Indigenous Filmmaker Fellowship, and the CFC Writer’s Lab.
ABOUT GHARRETT PAON
Gharrett Patrick Paon is an actor-turned-producer with Acadian and Mi’kmaq ancestry based in Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia). He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University (’17), is an alumnus of the Canadian Film Centre’s – Producer’s Lab (’17), and the National Screen Institute’s Features First Program (’19). Gharrett is president of Rebel Road Films, a boutique film & television production company he founded in 2018. Last year, the company produced Spirit Talker, a 13-episode documentary series recently renewed for season 2 on APTN. At the end of 2019 the company also produced I Am Syd Stone, a 6-episode Telefilm Talent to Watch LGBTQ+ web series launching in 2020. In 2017 Gharrett was the recipient of the prestigious Nova Scotia Talent Trust Young Artist of Excellence Award and the Shelagh Mackenzie Filmmaking Award. His performances on screen have been nominated for two ACTRA awards. In 2018, Gharrett won Telefilm’s Pitch This! competition at the Toronto International Film Festival with Bretten Hannam for their feature, Wildhood.
August 17, 2020 — Ottawa, Traditional Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada
Community-driven development projects help build healthier, more sustainable communities while promoting the creation of good jobs and long-term economic prosperity. The Government of Canada is working in partnership with First Nation, Inuit and Métis to support communities’ pursuit of economic opportunities and increase Indigenous participation in Canada’s overall economy.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulates Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation for the start of the construction of a new marina in their community. The Government of Canada provided $300,000 to support the construction of the marina and related amenities; such as a pathway, a swimming float, storage sheds, seating, landscaping, signage and art.
The marina has been long identified as an economic and cultural development opportunity for the Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation. In recent years, the Nation has enhanced the beach with landscaping, a totem pole carving documenting its history, seating, bathroom facilities, a day-use dock, and connected water and sanitary sewer systems to the Town of Lake Cowichan’s municipal system. The marina will promote economic development on the reserve and create jobs and new opportunities. The construction will create 48 direct jobs, and the marina will provide permanent jobs for another five people.
Quotes
“The Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation has been steadily working towards building this marina, which has the potential to create even more economic activity and new opportunities through the years. Canada is pleased to invest in this project that is creating jobs and contributing to the growth and well-being of the community.”
The Honourable Marc Miller , P.C., M.P. Minister of Indigenous Services
“The construction of this marina will provide a great opportunity for Ts’uubaa-asatx to not only expand on their tourism-related businesses, to transform the waterfront development and provide a key amenity for a new residential development by the name of North Shore Estates. North Shore Estates will see the creation of 23 residential lots in its first phase, with upwards of 80 units in subsequent phases. This waterfront development will spur further growth in other sectors and move Ts’uubaa-asatx towards greater economic stability. The funding received from ISC will be instrumental in supporting the goal of economic self-sufficiency for the Nation.”
This award recognizes outstanding emerging Indigenous artists from Northern Ontario who are women or other-wise gender marginalized*
Please note that you can nominate yourself or someone else.
Eligibility
Must be 18 years of age or older
Must be an Indigenous person living in Northern Ontario (Métis, Inuit, Status and Non-Status First Nations peoples).
*This award is for women and other gender marginalized folks. NWIA respects trans women as women and uses the term gender marginalized to be inclusive of transfeminine folks who may not identify as women, trans men and transmasculine folks, non-binary folks, Two-Spirit and genderqueer folks. Cis-gendered, heterosexual men are not eligible for this award. Must be at the emerging stages of an artistic career. NWIA defines an emerging artist as:In the early stages of their career, regardless of age
Has created a modest body of work
Has had some evidence of professional achievement but may not yet have a substantial record of accomplishments.
One who is not yet recognized as an established or mid-career artist by other artists, curators, producers, critics, community members, and arts administrators.
Open to all artistic disciplines including:Traditional/Customary Arts (Beading, Carving, Quillwork, Tufting, Weaving)
Visual Arts (Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Installation and Performance art)
Performing Arts (Dance, Music, Theatre)
Media Arts (Film, Video, New Media)
Literary Arts (Prose, Poetry, creative-nonfiction, spoken-word)
Live in one of these geographical regions in northern Ontario:Kenora District
Algoma District
Cochrane District
Manitoulin District
Nipissing District
Parry Sound District
Sudbury District
Timiskaming District
Rainy River District
Thunder Bay District
All eligible artists are encouraged to self-nominate.
Individuals can also nominate an eligible artist they feel deserves this award.
To nominate please submit the following:
Resume or CV
Short bio up to 250 words max
Max 1 page letter outlining why you, or the artist you are nominating, should receive this award.
Images, audio, written or video support material of your artwork. Please do not send more than 10 individual files or original works of art.
Max 1 page letter of support from someone who is familiar with the nominee’s career in the arts.
Nominations Deadline: October 31, 2020
Value of Award: $3,500 Cash
Award Jury: NWIA Board of Directors**
Our Vision: To support and celebrate the achievement of Indigenous Gender Marginalized artists from Northern Ontario, and to provide financial support and career-enhancing opportunities to encourage their continued excellence.
The Impact: The Barbara Laronde Award is given in the spirit of fostering the careers of emerging artists from Indigenous (on and off-reserve) communities in Northern Ontario. NWIA recognizes the specific barriers that many Northern artists face, and we aim to support Indigenous artists by creating connections, professional development, and performance/exhibition opportunities through our programming initiatives. For over 25 years NWIA has delivered theatre, dance, music, and spoken word productions, exhibited visual and media arts, and published three books of Indigenous visual art and writing. We also hold community-driven artist talks, workshops, commissions and conferences. Our programming is offered to diverse audiences in Toronto and Northern Ontario.
Please share this call on Facebook, Twitter, and by email to family and friends!
Please submit your nomination to Native Women in the Arts: awards@nwia.ca
**In the event of a conflict of interest with an NWIA board member and a nominee, said NWIA Board member will recuse themselves from the selection process.
