CONTEMPORARY INDIGENOUS MAGAZINE
CULINARY ICON Chef David Wolfman Inspires Next Generation
TARA AUDIBERT Is Leading the Way for Indigenous Animators ISSUE 116 TOURISM & CUISINE DISPLAY UNTIL NOV. 1, 2022
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PREMIERE OF
LA MITCHIN DI MITCHIF
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SINCE 2002
8 CONTENTS
Cover Feature: Mitchif Choreographer Yvonne Chartrand Shares her Latest International Collaboration
Cover photograph by Chris Randle
ISSUE 116 TOURISM & CUISINE
SAY MAGAZINE Volume 21, Issue 4 SAY Magazine is a bi-monthly publication that publishes six issues a year—one issue every eight weeks.
SAY Magazine assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or in submitted material.
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Mailing Address: Kildonan Place, RPO Box 43084 Winnipeg, MB Canada R2C 5G7 E: info@saymag.com www.saymag.com Publishers: Dominick Blais and Kent Brown Editor-in-Chief: Danielle Vienneau editor@saymag.com Editorial Team: Sarah Ritchie sarah@saymag.com Theresa Peters theresa@saymag.com Art Director: Orli Gelfat - Orli G. Design Sales Team: Megan Henry megan@saymag.com Dominick Blais sales@saymag.com Website and Social Media Sphere Media Agency info@spheremediaagency.com
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Chef David Wolfman Has Inspired the Rise of Many Talented Indigenous Chefs in Canada and Continues to Impart his Wisdom on the Next Generation
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From Backcountry Safety Training to Delectable NutFree Desserts, Alex Ibbotson and Jenna White Share their Business Success Stories
This project has been made possible [in part] by the Government of Canada
SAY Magazine acknowledges that we publish in Treaty One Territory, at the crossroads of the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene Nations, and at the heart of the Métis Nation homeland. As a diverse team of both Indigenous and ally collaborators, we strive to embrace, embody and live the truth that we are all Treaty people. All our relations!
Submissions are welcome. Articles, letters, queries, etc. should be sent by email to the editor at editor@saymag.com. SAY Magazine assumes no responsibility for submitted material.
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6 Stamp Series Honours Indigenous Leaders
14 Inside Nature’s Pantry 18 25 Years of Vision Quest 20 Mi’kmaq Artist Jordan Bennett
26 International Indigenous Music Awards
28 Eat Like a Local Mexico City 30 Music 33 For the Love of BBQ 34 Advertiser Index
Award-Winning Multidisciplinary Artist Tara Audibert Has Built a Successful Career in the Animation Industry and Hopes her Work Will Inspire Others
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EDITOR’S MESSAGE
“My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awaken it will be the Artists who give them their spirit back.” ~ Louis Riel
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s the summer winds down and kids begin returning to school, we may all be looking for ways to hang on to the warmth, bright colours and smells of summer for just a little bit longer. In most areas of Turtle Island, August and September offer warm days and cooler evenings with picturesque sunsets in anticipation of the changing seasons. Over the summer, the tourism industry was once again able to open its arms to experiences and crowds, and there are still plenty of experiences to be had.
Indigenous tourism experiences—experiences that are also attracting visitors from around the globe. It is Indigenous-led tourism that places the power back in the hands of our communities, giving Indigenous operators the ability to decide what and how much of their cultures they wish to share.
With reconciliation and sustainability top of mind for many, there has been a growing interest in
In this issue of SAY Magazine, we celebrate a variety of exploratory opportunities that exist in different areas across Canada, and one in Mexico City. From performance art to culinary destinations and more, we honour those who are educating the masses and promoting Indigenous cultural resurgence through their innovative works.
~ Danielle Vienneau, Editor-in-Chief
2022-2023 Upcoming Issues Issue Name
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Special Edition
117
Education & Training
Sep. 1
Sep. 8
Oct. 15
Winter 2022
118
Holistic Health
Nov. 1
Nov. 8
Dec. 15
Special Edition
119
Business & Economics
Jan. 4
Jan. 8
Feb. 15
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120
Environment
Mar. 1
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Apr. 15
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May 1
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2022 AUG 17
Kind to Your Mind A free Indigenous-focused wellness webinar featuring guests, topics, current trends and common questions about mental wellness. legacybowes.com/events/webinars/kind-to-your-mind
AUG 26-27
2nd Annual International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards & Festival Celebrate Indigenous performers, arts and culture at this year’s event themed “Connect with the Sisters of Indigenous Hip Hop.” Exchange Event Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada indigenoushiphopawards.com
OCT 18-30
ImagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival The imagineNATIVE Festival features the latest works by Indigenous Peoples on the forefront of innovation in film, video, radio and new media. Toronto, Ontario, Canada imaginenative.org
NOV 1-30
Native American Heritage Month Several national organizations and museums join in paying tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans. nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov
NOV 1-2
Celebration of Nations Niagara’s annual Indigenous arts gathering celebrates creativity, diversity and resilience. celebrationofnations.ca
Indigenomics SHE The inaugural Indigenomics SHE conference is a space for the vision of Indigenous women’s participation in the Indigenous economy. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada indigenomicsinstitute.com
SEPT 30
NOV 23-25
SEPT 9-11
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation This day of honouring and remembrance coincides with Orange Shirt Day. We honour those who survived the residential schools and remember those who did not. Every Child Matters. nctr.ca
Indspire: National Gathering for Indigenous Education Educators and partners can share their voices and work together to improve the educational outcomes of K-12 Indigenous students at this hybrid event themed “The Path Forward: Taking Stock, Accountability and Next Steps.” indspire.ca/events/national-gathering
SAY Magazine makes every effort to ensure our calendar of events is up to date; however, we encourage you to check event websites regularly for more information. AUGUST 2022 l TOURISM & CUISINE | 5
TRIBUTE
Commemorative Stamp Series
Honours Indigenous Leaders In June, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, Canada Post unveiled a new commemorative stamp series celebrating the lives and legacies of Indigenous leaders Harry Daniels, Chief Marie-Anne and Jose Kusugak Day Walker-Pelletier. Each stamp was unveiled at local events in Regina and Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan, and Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
Harry Daniels Born in Regina Beach, Saskatchewan, Harry Daniels (1940-2004) was a politician, activist, writer and actor who dedicated his life to the rights and wellbeing of Métis and non-status Indians in Canada. Among his most important contributions was ensuring their inherent rights as Indigenous Peoples by lobbying to have them included as one of the Indigenous Peoples recognized in the Constitution Act, 1982, and recognized as “Indians” under the British North America Act, 1867. In March 2004, he was awarded the Order of the Métis Nation by the Métis National Council.
and papers on the Constitution and Indigenous rights. He held degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, Carleton University and the University of Ottawa (honorary doctorate). During his later years, he taught Métis history at the University of Saskatchewan and guest lectured at universities across Canada. Daniels was known for his quick wit and joie de vivre. He served as an outspoken advocate for his people for more than 40 years, and many consider his contributions to Métis rights to be without equal in modern-day Canada.
Over his lifetime, Daniels wrote several books on Métis issues and many articles
Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier During her nearly 40 years as leader of the Okanese First Nation, on Treaty 4 territory near Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan, Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier—who was born in 1954 in Regina—forged her reputation as a matriarch and champion of her people. She led numerous projects related to education, wellness and social reform, while also working to preserve the culture, language and traditions of her people. In 1981, Day Walker-Pelletier ran for and took office as Chief of the Okanese First Nation. Initially, she intended to serve a single term; however, the community repeatedly asked that she retain her position and she ended up serving 15 two-year terms along with three threeyear terms. After her last term ended in 2020, she did not seek re-election. Throughout her leadership, she fought to improve the quality of life of the 6 | TOURISM & CUISINE l AUGUST 2022
Okanese and to protect the culture, rights and traditions of all First Nations people through her involvement in numerous tribal, provincial and national initiatives on social reform, health and wellness, and education. She was an advocate of many important issues, including violence against women, drug abuse, economic development, housing, health and education. A survivor of the residential school system, Day WalkerPelletier is particularly passionate about improving the lives of women and children. In 2021, a year after she retired, her decade-long dream to reintegrate Indigenous foster children into their families culminated in the opening of the Daywalker Home Fire Family Centre.
Day Walker-Pelletier was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2018 and invested in 2019. She also recently received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2021.
TRIBUTE
Jose Kusugak Born in Repulse Bay, Northwest Territories (now Naujaat, Nunavut), Jose Kusugak (1950-2011) dedicated his life to raising awareness of Inuit identity and issues in Canada, as well as promoting and preserving Inuit language and culture, and coined the phrase “First Canadians, Canadians First.” He was an activist, linguist and broadcaster, and played a critical role in the efforts that led to the creation of Nunavut in 1999— for which many consider him a Father of Confederation. A survivor of the residential school system, Kusugak began his career as a teacher. He worked at the University of Saskatchewan’s Eskimo Language School and the Churchill Vocational Centre in Manitoba, where he taught Inuktitut and Inuit history, and later
served as a cultural and linguistic adviser. As head of the Inuit Language Commission in the 1970s, he was involved in developing a standardized, dual-writing system for Inuktitut, using Roman orthography and syllabics. In 1971, he joined the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada (ITC), where his natural abilities as a communicator helped in his efforts to disseminate and explain the concept of land claims to Inuit communities. Kusugak spent 10 years with CBC North as area manager for the Kivalliq region and then joined the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation, introducing new areas of programming in Inuktitut. In 2000, he was elected president of the ITC, whose name was subsequently changed to the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), which means “Inuit are united in Canada.”
Indigenous leader biographies and photos courtesy of Canada Post. Stamps and collectibles will be available online and at postal outlets across Canada.
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COVER STORY
Photos by Chris Randle
As a cultural keeper, Chartrand is one of the only people in Canada who holds this traditional knowledge, and with this responsibility, she is dedicated to preserving traditional Métis dance in Canada.
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COVER STORY
Yvonne Chartrand
Y
vonne Chartrand is a choreographer and dancer, as well as a national award-winning master Métis jigger. Her ancestors come from the Métis community of St. Laurent, Manitoba. She is the co-founder of V’ni Dansi and The Louis Riel Métis Dancers, where she continues to act as artistic director. Chartrand’s Métis dance work was passed to her through many Métis Elders, including Maria Campbell and John Arcand. As a cultural keeper, Chartrand is one of the only people in Canada who holds this traditional knowledge, and with this responsibility, she is dedicated to preserving traditional Métis dance in Canada. She has created many contemporary works that are always informed by her Métis identity. As a contemporary dance choreographer, she has conceptualized and co-choreographed the company group works A Poet and Prophet in 2003, Gabriel‘s Crossing in 2004 and The Crossing in 2006 (a dance trilogy inspired by these earlier works) written and directed by Maria Campbell.
Her first full-length dance-theatre work Cooking It Up Métis was created for young audiences and has toured extensively to schools throughout British Columbia. Chartrand’s solo Marguerite (2000) was inspired by the lives of the Métis women who endured the Red River and NorthWest Resistances, and Stories from St. Laurent was inspired by stories gathered from six Elders in her ancestral community of St. Laurent, Manitoba. Her mentor Robin Poitras created the commissioned solo Sara Riel: The Long Journey with Edward Poitras, which Chartrand performed at New Dance Horizons, Regina, in 2014, and toured to Edmonton and Winnipeg in 2016. Her solo Eagle Spirit premiered in Vancouver at V’ni Dansi’s annual Louis Riel Day Celebration in 2016. She is currently developing a new solo work called Rou Garou, inspired by the Métis trickster figure. In 2011, Chartrand was recognized for outstanding artistic achievement and awarded the Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award from the Canada Council for the Arts.
For those who may be in the Vancouver area in November, check out V’ni Dansi’s annual celebration performance for Louis Riel Day on November 12, 2022, at the Annex Theatre.
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COVER STORY
Mitchif Plant Medicines and Healing Explored through Dance Performance art can have incredible storytelling power. When carefullychosen music is paired with stunning choreography, a well-produced show makes for a compelling narrative. Artistic Director Yvonne Chartrand does this and more with V’ni Dansi, a Vancouver-based traditional Métis and contemporary dance company dedicated to sharing the dances, stories and culture of Métis Peoples. V’ni Dansi, “Come and Dance” in Mitchif, was founded in 2000, and it holds the distinction of being the only company in Canada to teach and perform both Métis and contemporary dance.
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new Indigenous contemporary dance work, La Mitchin di Mitchif (Mitchif Medicines) recently premiered in Vancouver on National Indigenous Peoples Day and is the result of an international collaboration between V’ni Dansi and Santa Fe’s Dancing Earth. Co-choreographed by Chartrand and Dancing Earth’s artistic director Rulan Tangen, the work is inspired by cultural ancestral knowledge of Mitchif plant medicines. SAY Magazine is pleased to share more about this latest contemporary piece, how it all came together and what it means for Yvonne Chartrand. “I am continually inspired by my beautiful culture, and hold dance as a spiritual and sacred practice that touches the soul, and feeds and heals our spirits,” says Chartrand. “This year I am delighted to share the international collaboration La Mitchin di Mitchif with my company V’ni Dansi and Artistic Director Rulan Tangen’s company Dancing Earth.”
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Chartrand first met Rulan in her last year of professional contemporary dance training in 1998 when she mentored under Karen Jameison in Vancouver. They met again at the Aboriginal Dance Program at the Banff Centre for the Arts in 2001 and 2002 where, for the first time, Chartrand was able to network with Indigenous artists from around the world. “Continuing on our own journeys, we simultaneously grew our own companies,” explains Chartrand. “In 2009, Rulan invited me to participate in a gathering of International Indigenous contemporary dance artists where we explored themes of seeds and our connection to Mother Earth.” This experience further fueled Chartrand’s creativity and confirmed the idea of including Mitchif Medicines as a theme for her work. “Before I left for New Mexico, my father shared with me that my great Aunt Zita was the healer (doctor) of our ancestral community of St. Laurent, Manitoba, known as one of the largest Mitchif
settlements in Canada. This exciting new insight rooted me deeper in the concept. Throughout the gathering, we all shared our dances, cultures and Indigenous contemporary dance methodologies; we created dances and wove them together for an incredible performance in Santa Fe, New Mexico.” Inspired by her travels to New Mexico, Chartrand had a vision for a collaboration that would explore the concept of Mitchif Medicines further. “My research phase in Santa Fe was the beginning of this project, and since then we have had two creation phases bringing our international guests to
COVER STORY
Photos by Chris Randle
I believe my People aspire to be remembered and for our spirits to continue to be awakened as well as the rest of the world. Our dance is healing for ourselves and healing for the world. Our dance is sacred, a prayer for all people, for Mother Earth and all she gives to us.
Vancouver where we shared our methodologies and expertise in creating this most beautiful work.” Chartrand invited the international artists to visit her homeland to learn from Medicine Knowledge Keepers and Elders, to gain a greater understanding of connecting with the land, plant medicines and animals. One of the Knowledge Keepers they met was Rose Richardson who was instrumental in the creation of Mitchif artist Christie Belcourt’s “Medicines to Help Us” painting because of the knowledge of plant medicines given to Belcourt prior. This was a full circle moment for Chartrand because that very work of art by Belcourt had been a constant source of inspiration for her own work. “It was a really special moment for me,” explains Chartrand. While visiting, the artists were also able to visit an untouched ancestral Métis script homeland from pre-colonization in the 1800s to inform their creation. “A bear stood up and pounced on the walls of the cabin in the middle of the night before our visit, and later that afternoon two bears were spotted racing full speed across an open field,” explains Chartrand. “We have been told by our Elders to go back to the land and learn our traditional ways of having that strong kinship with all things, especially now during this unprecedented time.”
“Mother Earth is stronger than we know; however, as caretakers of the land we must protect her against the human race who are out of control with greed, pollution and destructive behavior. Now it is time for Indigenous Peoples to share our knowledge of how to care for the Earth, not to own her but to live in harmony with her and to allow these natural medicines to once again help us.” La Mitchin di Mitchif brings attention to plant medicines, their uses and the intimate journey of connection of each individual to the medicines that call them. It also depicts intergenerational teachings reclaimed and passed from Elder to adult to youth, honouring the vital connection between plants and pollination by bees, butterflies and hummingbirds for the survival of all.
the importance of connecting to the land and living off the land, and the healing that comes from Mother Earth and all that she provides.
V’ni Dansi is dedicated to sharing the stories and culture of the Mitchif (Métis) through both traditional and contemporary dance.
This contemporary work also brings attention to the similarities of Indigenous cultures across international borders—the landscapes, plant medicines and colonial experiences we cannot ignore. The dance artists and audiences reignite AUGUST 2022 l TOURISM & CUISINE | 11
CULINARY
Indigenous Fusion, Indigenous Wisdom Sponsored by Indspire
C
hef David Wolfman knows just how important it is to have a community behind you when you’re pursuing your dreams— and to pass on the knowledge you gain during the pursuit! A member of the Xaxli’p First Nation, this classically-trained chef has not only revolutionized the culinary landscape here in Canada but has changed the way the world thinks about Indigenous and North American cuisine. He introduced wider audiences to Indigenous Fusion— traditional foods with a modern twist—as executive producer and host of Cooking with the Wolfman, his own TV series, which aired on APTN from 1999-2017. His cookbook, Cooking with the Wolfman: Indigenous Fusion, was co-written with his partner Marlene Finn; it premiered to great acclaim and appeared on numerous “Best Cookbooks” lists. Internationally renowned for his knowledge of wild game and Indigenous cooking techniques, Chef Wolfman was recently honoured for his leadership with the 2022 Indspire Award for the Arts. He was one of twelve Indspire Laureates recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Indigenous community in multiple categories: Youth (First Nations, Inuit and Métis); Business & Commerce; Health; Education; Law & Justice; Culture, Heritage & Spirituality; Public Service; Sports; and Lifetime Achievement. Education and mentorship have always been critical parts of Chef Wolfman’s journey. As a culinary consultant, he is a popular motivational speaker, leading workshops in Indigenous culinary and cultural tourism, and family meal
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planning. He has also been helping students discover and channel their passion for Indigenous cuisine and techniques as a culinary arts professor at George Brown College for the last 27 years.
Chef David Wolfman celebrates Indigenous cuisine and empowers a new generation of students
He recalls, “I remember going in front of a group of people, and they said, ‘Can you tell us what’s on the menu?’ and I said, ‘Well, we have wild rice and it was picked this way, and not only did we put some in our canoe, but we also planted some more seeds and we left some out for the birds.’ And somebody said, ‘Wow, you should be a teacher! You’re sharing this knowledge, not just telling us what’s on the menu!’ And then I realized: I guess I am!” Whether he’s planning culinary tour de forces, working with traditional foods on the land or teaching fledgling chefs in the classroom, Chef Wolfman is passionate about the transmission of knowledge. “When we get our traditional knowledge—any of the knowledge that’s shared with us—it’s not ours to take and pack it up, and make a recipe box and lock it, and nobody gets it. It’s given to us to give away,” he says. “I think what’s really important is giving these students the tools that they need. And then when they pick up those tools and start using them, their lives start changing.”
What’s next on the horizon for this boundary-pushing chef? Well, he recently created an inspiring gala menu for Indspire’s inaugural A Feast in the Forest, a magical evening that featured performances by the likes of fellow Indspire Laureate Buffy Sainte-Marie and Jeremy Dutcher, and raised over $1 million for Indigenous education. But even amid a very busy schedule, Chef Wolfman is never short of enthusiasm, because, as he says, “Love what you do and you’ll have a full life.” Find out more about Chef Wolfman, Indspire and the Indspire Awards at indspire.ca.
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CULINARY
Inside Nature’s Pantry By Shel Zolkewich
Summer is not over yet, so while the sun is still shining into the early hours of the evening and the weather is still warm, get out and support a local Indigenous eatery or winery in your area.
Feast Café Bistro
The Sundance Tipi Taco has become the stuff of legend for Winnipeg diners. Slow-roasted maple chipotle chicken gets piled high on bannock and topped with local cheddar, red onion, roasted tomato, and bean and corn salsa. It’s just one of the plates that have made Feast Café Bistro the destination for Indigenous-inspired dining in Manitoba. Christa Bruneau-Guenther is the home cook turned owner and head chef of this thriving eatery. And it’s her vision that has marked its success. “As we eat together, we honour our connections, preserve our history and share our stories. We are fed in mind, body and spirit,” she says.
L’Autochtone
Tucked along the eastern border of Ontario, historic Haileybury is the home of L’Autochtone, an Indigenous urban-style bar and grill that has found the sweet spot between traditional ingredients and modern methods. Chef Gerry Brandon starts his menus with walleye, duck and rabbit, transforming them into sophisticated starters and mains. Peppered venison carpaccio has tenderloin rolled in cracked pepper, fennel, rosemary and chilli, seared, sliced and served on micro greens with roasted garlic olive oil and Parmigiana. The Colonizer Punch features Empress Gin and delicious St. Germain elderflower liqueur.
Tea Horse Teas
At Tea Horse Teas in Northwestern Ontario, the iconic ingredient of wild rice is transformed into a soothing sip. Traditionally harvested wild rice, sourced directly from lakes in the area, is roasted and then combined with selected teas to create three custom blends. Denise Atkinson and Marc H. Bohémier are committed to purchasing non-cultivated, natural wild rice and supporting Indigenous harvesters to preserve Indigenous food sovereignty and the ecosystem in which it grows. Among their offers is ManoominCha Dark, a blend of hojicha, roasted green tea and wild rice to create a complex and full-bodied mocha-flavoured experience. 14 14 || TOURISM TOURISM & & CUISINE CUISINE ll AUGUST AUGUST 2022 2022
CULINARY
Restaurant Sagamité
For more than a decade, Restaurant Sagamité has been transforming traditional ingredients into Michelin-starworthy meals at this Quebec City institution. Cold smoked trout, venison in puff pastry and a Parmentier of wild turkey—a casserole of leeks, potatoes, Perigord sauce and candied cranberries—are just a sampling of the menu served at this snug space that encourages conversations over fine food. At their restaurant named for the squash, corn and red bean soup with game that’s at the heart of Wendat culinary culture, Niva and Steeve Wadohandik Gros-Louis continue to lead the Indigenous culinary charge.
Indigenous World Winery
Indigenous World Winery draws on the rich lands of the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys to bring world-class British Columbia wines to the table. The fully Indigenousowned winery is courtesy of Robert and Bernice Louie who have found a way to connect the ancient Okanagan Syilx culture with the region’s thriving wine scene. The Hee-HeeTel-Kin Red blend, named for their youngest son Trenton, features notes of cloves, sweet plums and vanilla. The traditional name of the wine translates into a mystical highcountry stag with large antlers.
Nk’Mip Cellars
In Osoyoos, British Columbia, the hot, long and dry summers make for excellent vineyards. And it’s here that North America’s first Indigenous-owned winery was born. Nk’Mip Cellars celebrates a passion for nature by showcasing both the landscape and the products it produces. Wine tastings, show-stopping dinners and an ever-growing list of awards underlines an undeniable love of the land. Their estate wine Qwam Qwmt (pronounced kw-em kwempt) translates to achieving excellence and is produced in very limited quantities, sourced primarily from the finest grapes grown on the 40-year old Nk’Mip Vineyards.
Salmon n’ Bannock
Nuxalk Nation member Inez Cook always knew she wanted to own her own restaurant, and in 2010, she co-founded Salmon n’ Bannock. Located in Vancouver’s Fairview neighbourhood, the menu features wild game sausage topped with sage-blueberries, sockeye salmon with Ojibwe wild rice, and bison pot roast with gravy that the restaurant boasts is “good enough to drink out of a wine glass.” Finish with a boozy ice cream sundae topped with berries and maple whiskey. The restaurant also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
This article has been re-printed with permission from the ITAC and in support of the many talented Indigenous chefs and incredible Indigenous food and beverage businesses across Canada. AUGUST 2022 l TOURISM & CUISINE | 15
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A Celebration of Business and Culture Vision Quest Conferences Inc. recently celebrated a major milestone—25 years of excellence in supporting Indigenous business, community and economic development through networking and learning opportunities. In May, the 25th Annual Vision Quest Conference and Trade Show was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and it was truly an inspiring celebration of business and culture.
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he first in-person event since May of 2019, Vision Quest Conferences Inc. welcomed a record-breaking 1,300+ participants and a sold-out trade show including overwhelming participation by the public. From the pre-conference training and certification opportunities to the workshops, presenters and
Mo Brings Plenty
banquet, the growing achievements of Indigenous Peoples within the business community are ever-present. This continues to reflect the thoughts formulated by the original Board of Directors over 25 years ago when the theme “From Vision to Reality” was created with a vision of thriving and sustainable Indigenous communities.
Jody Wilson-Raybould
Speaker Highlights
On the first day of the event, a virtual keynote presentation with famed Yellowstone actor Mo Brings Plenty was scheduled for the opening address. The presentation began on the screen, and then moments later delegates were overwhelmed with excitement as Mo appeared on the stage, microphone in hand. Mo shared his personal journey growing up on a reserve without power or clean drinking water. He spoke of respecting and honouring our Elders, especially the grandmothers. He also encouraged youth to take the time to sit with an Elder, listen to their story and the stories of generations past. Participants had the opportunity to meet and speak with Mo following the presentation. His presence at the event made for one of the most memorable moments over the two days. On Day Two, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and author Jody Wilson-Raybould addressed the delegation as the keynote presenter. Jody’s success in business and government has made her a role model, especially for women and young girls interested in law and politics. Delegates welcomed the opportunity to ask Jody questions and meet her in the Elders’ Corner at the trade show. 18 | TOURISM & CUISINE l AUGUST 2022
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Trade Show
The trade show is always a highlight of the conference, and this year it hosted nearly 100 exhibitors. Featured were Indigenous businesses, artists, education and training opportunities, potential employers for youth and those looking for new career challenges, and those who wished to promote their products or services to the Indigenous community. New for the 25th anniversary celebration was the Elders’ Corner, where delegates were invited to meet, chat or share a story with Elders in a relaxed setting.
Vision Quest Conferences Inc. has always prioritized the development of youth. With a program dedicated to the advancement of young people, youth delegates had the opportunity to learn about current and future labour market trends, economic development and entrepreneurship as a career choice. Youth were immersed in all aspects of the conference, and there was no shortage of networking opportunities or role models to meet. Even the TV crew responsible for capturing the excitement of the event was a youth team from Just TV, a part of the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre (BNC). BNC is a program that teaches youth to complete a video from start to finish by teaching script writing, set design, photography, acting and production, as well as team building and life skills. Under the direction of a professional producer, the crew created an event video that was presented at the closing banquet and is also now featured on the Vision Quest website. Just TV also produced Vision Quest’s television advertisement and the Vision Quest 25th anniversary photo journey.
Photos by Colin Vandenberg
Graffiti Art Programming (GAP)—a network dedicated to promoting artists and the community’s youth voice through accessible arts programming— held an interactive activity at their booth where all conference participants were invited to join in as an ‘artist’ in the creation of a community mural. The final product beautifully symbolizes the successful collaboration of a community of like-minded individuals.
Commitment to Indigenous Youth
Vision Quest Conferences Inc. is a consortium of five Manitoba Indigenous Community Futures Development Corporations: Cedar Lake CFC, Dakota Ojibway CFDC, Kitayan CFDC, Community Futures North Central Development, and Southeast CFDC.
Workshops, Cultural Presentations and More
This year, Vision Quest presented 16 workshops that fit within the categories of business, community/personal development and youth. In celebration of their 25th anniversary, a cultural stream of workshops was included. The importance of growing Indigenous tourism in Manitoba was also a hot topic this year. Conversations led by tourism professionals focused on raising awareness of the importance of Indigenous tourism, recovery from the negative impacts of the pandemic and building resiliency for the future. Throughout the event, participants were provided with many memorable cultural and artistic experiences. Featured guests included: the Plains Ojibway Singers, Drummers and Dance Troupe, guitar and fiddle father and son duo Clint and Riley Dutiaume, North End Legend (musical trio), visual artist Justine Proulx, comedian Conway Kootenay, Honourary Chair Don Cardinell, Indigenous Veterans, Elder Mae Louise Campbell, emcees Dennis Ward and Melissa Ridgen from APTN, and Dave McLeod from NCI/Now Country.
Save the Date! The 2023 Vision Quest Conference and Trade Show will be held May 17-18, 2023, at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg. Visit vqconference.com for more information.
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ART
Jordan Bennett and Michael Thompson (mural assistant) working on pi’tawita’iek: we go up river, at 100 McCaul St., OCAD University, 2022.
- Jordan Bennett
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Jordan Bennett
Honours his Mi’kmaq Culture Submitted by OCAD University
During National Indigenous History Month, a large-scale outdoor mural by Mi’kmaq visual artist Jordan Bennett was unveiled at the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U). The mural pi’tawita’iek: we go up river is part of ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art 2021–2022, a year-long celebration of Toronto’s exceptional public art collection and the creative community behind it.
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riginally from Stephenville Crossing, Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland), Bennett now lives and works on his ancestral territory of Mi’kma’ki in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. His ongoing practice utilizes painting, sculpture, textiles, video, installation, public art and sound to explore land, language,
Jordan Bennett the act of visiting and familial histories, and to challenge colonial perceptions of Indigenous histories and presence with a focus on exploring Mi’kmaq and Beothuk visual culture. His latest installation, pi’tawita’iek: we go up river, was unveiled on June 15. The mural, stretching approximately 144’
Photo credit: Richie Perez
Having a methodology that is deeply guided by the land of my ancestors, my ongoing work possesses qualities of familiarity that can serve as a connection for a wide range of audiences spanning culture and generation. My work, though not always directly challenging colonial perceptions of Indigenous histories and presence, lends itself to discussions regarding contemporary Indigenous realities within urban and rural communities.
Photo credit: Ryan Rice
wide by 48’ high, appears on the south wall of OCAD U’s main campus, adjacent to Butterfield Park, grounding the space in Indigenous material culture. Its multiple connections (to the land, between the artist and his ancestors, and with our communities) offer a widened perception of Indigenous creativity. Curated by Lisa Deanne Smith, curator of the Onsite Gallery, this new public artwork is rooted in Bennett’s relationships with Mi’kmaq porcupine quillwork. He brings forward and reimagines their graphic patterns, bright colours and inspiring stories. In visiting with these cultural objects, Bennett connects with their visual language and furthers this visual conversation through his contemporary influences and experiences. Bennett’s artwork will also appear in a solo exhibition titled Souvenir, which draws upon his inspired intentions to visit, activate and respond to the innovative heritage
embedded, woven and veiled in the richness of Mi’kmaq material culture and design. His interdisciplinary and intuitive approach grants new vitality to overlooked cultural expressions that carry elaborate Mi’kmaq cosmologies interpreted through customary geometric motifs embellished in a highly valued era of porcupine quillwork and basketry souvenir trade commodities that was thriving in the 19th century. The exhibition, curated by Ryan Rice, brings together Bennett’s newly designed site-specific work, museum collection loans and installations to celebrate the vitality and influence of Indigenous aesthetic as contemporary practice. The exhibition will run until December 10, 2022. This exhibition and mural will offer mentorship work-study opportunities for emerging Indigenous artists. A free publication, public program of events and educational tours will activate both projects.
In the past 10 years, Jordan Bennett has participated in over 90 group and solo exhibitions nationally and internationally, as well as created numerous public art commissions. He is the recipient of several awards and honours, most notably the 2020 Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Award and one of the 2020 winners of the Sobey Art Award. He was also a 2019 recipient of the Van Houtte Masters’ Fund Program, the Hnatyshyn Foundation REVEAL Award, and was presented with the 2014 Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council’s Artist of the Year. AUGUST 2022 l TOURISM & CUISINE | 21
REVITALIZATION
Wolastoqiyik Entrepreneur
Tara Audibert Melding Tradition with Modern Technology By Danielle Vienneau
An award-winning multidisciplinary artist from New Brunswick, Tara Audibert has built a successful career in the animation industry that spans over two decades. She is an accomplished children’s book and comics illustrator, and recently launched her first animated series on APTN called Lil Glooscap and the Legends of Turtle Island, which she created, produced and directed. As the owner of Moxy Fox Animation Studio—an animation, comics and illustration studio located in Red Bank First Nation, New Brunswick—she hopes her work will inspire other Indigenous artists to emerge and tell their stories through illustration and digital media.
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udibert is of Wolastoqiyik (from Tobique First Nation) and French heritage. She combines traditional First Nations art and storytelling with contemporary design to create projects that are both entertaining and educational. In her efforts to preserve Indigenous history and language, Audibert is part of a notfor-profit organization called the Ni’gweg Collective—a gaming and animation collective that aims to tell stories in new ways guided by Indigenous oral tradition. In her role as President of the Ni’gweg (meaning growth) Collective, she (and other Indigenous creators) animates short stories told by Indigenous Elders in Wolstoqey and Mi’kmaq, creating a library of resources for sharing and learning.
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SAY Magazine recently had the honour of interviewing Audibert. Keep reading to find out more about her life and how she’s built a successful business and career in animation. SAY: Tell us more about you, your family and where you grew up. Audibert: I grew up in Saint John’s, New Brunswick. My mom is Wolastoqiyik from Tobique FN and my dad is French. They got together in the ’70s during a time when an Indigenous woman married a nonIndigenous man meant they would lose their status. They were just so in love. My mom moved off-reserve and, as a result, she was ostracized by her family. It wasn’t until I was born—the first grandchild— that they reached out and reconnected, and finally accepted my father.
Tara Audibert SAY: Have you always wanted to be an artist? Audibert: From the time I was quite little, I remember always wanting to be an artist—I loved drawing. My parents also consistently told us that we could be anything we wanted, and I really hung on to that. But, when I was in high school, my parents challenged the idea and brought up the topic of money and the “starving artist” forecast, so I decided I would become a marine biologist and do art on the side. I took my Bachelor’s
REVITALIZATION of Science at university and tried to do everything my parents said I should do, but it was such a far swing that I really didn’t do well. I took some time off, and even worked in sales and as a loans officer. SAY: So what spearheaded your career in animation? Audibert: It was my aunt that found out about an animation program in Miramichi where I lived. Since we saw so much animation on TV, we figured someone must be making money! I remember thinking, “This must be the art that makes money so I’ll do that!” I grew up on Warner Brothers and Scooby Doo, and watching Saturday morning cartoons with my mom. There was no option to record shows at the time, and many of my family members could recite those Warner Brothers animated skits over and over—it made the idea of being an animator very appealing. So I went to school and did really well, and went on to work in animation in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I worked my way up from clean-up crew to lead animator, working 14-hour days. SAY: When did you decide to start your own business? Audibert: Being an animator turned out to be quite physically demanding, and I ended up getting tendonitis in my arm and wasn’t able to draw at that rate anymore, which I had done for nearly 10 years. I began teaching at the animation school that I went to in Miramichi, and there was a point when I was helping students make short films. I was actually so inspired by what I saw. I decided I wanted to do animation full-time, and I was fortunate enough to get a grant
that allowed me to create my first short film, The Importance of Dreaming, and subsequently start my own business, Moxy Fox Studios. SAY: How does your life inform your work? Audibert: The majority of my work is drawn from things that have happened in my life, and when I do animation, I think of the people in my life, especially my siblings because I watched them grow up. I use those experiences to create my characters, how they look, how they act and what they do. The story of my parents was the inspiration for my first film, The Importance of Dreaming. I wanted to tell this story as a modern-day Indigenous story that all ages could relate to, so I did it as a cartoon. It is about the love between a red fox and a white owl, and everyone thinks it’s “weird.” What happens throughout the film is what happened in my life—the story of my parents, about me and my siblings being born, and bringing the family back together. SAY: Tell me about producing your first TV show on APTN. Audibert: I believe I am one of the first, if not the first, female Indigenous animation producers to create, direct and write all episodes of a show. The show Lil Glooscap and the Legends of Turtle Island is the first animated show to be in Wolastoqey as well as English and French. I took the legends of Glooscap, a famous figure in Wabanaki culture, and created a show for kids. The original stories are intended to be warnings and are quite graphic with some concepts that require major explanation, so I wanted to create something that kids would like
Audibert’s awardwinning works include animated short films I am the Warrior (2021) and The Importance of Dreaming (2017), and comics This Place: 150 Years Retold (2019) and Lost Innocence (2011), which has been placed in the Archives of Canada. She has also worked in TV animation on Gemini award-winning Olliver’s Adventures (2002-2005), Delilah & Julius (2005-2008) and Johnny Test (2009), and illustrated various books including the Jo Jo Makoons series and Fiddleheads for Fox and Moonbeam.
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REVITALIZATION and understand. I wanted to tell a version of the stories that I knew and grew up with. My stories, however, are all made up— there’s not much from the actual legends of Glooscap other than hinting towards these legends. I wanted to create prequels to set the stage for what happens later on because of what Glooscap learns as a child. In the original legend, Glooscap was born an adult, his mother dying during his birth, which is why his grandmother is the matriarch in his life. In my animation series, his grandmother Meme Muwin is his caretaker and teacher, teaching him how to use his gifts in the best way to be a great leader for the people of Turtle Island, the Wabanaki people. The story takes place before people were around, on Turtle Island, which is small but growing, and it follows Glooscap, his mischievous twin brother Malsum and a group of friends who go on adventures, solve problems and learn how to use their gifts. SAY: What is the most meaningful project(s) you have worked on? Audibert: While I was teaching, a friend of mine, Brandon Mitchell, wrote a story about residential schools and he asked me to illustrate the comic for it. The comic is called Lost Innocence, and it was such an important story that came at a time when I was first learning about what really happened at residential schools. That’s what got me into illustrating comics. And, of course, Lil Glooscap and the Legends of Turtle Island is the first large series that I have written, directed and produced, and I am so proud to have that playing on APTN where all of Canada
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can see it. There was so much work put into it, and I worked with so many incredible and talented artists who were working from different locations all over the world. The whole production was created during the pandemic, which at the time was really new—we didn’t know if it was going to work. SAY: Talk about the importance of having Indigenous representation in your industry. Audibert: There was a time in my life, not so long ago, when I was on a list of just 10 female Indigenous comic illustrators in all of Canada and the United States. I was shocked that I was on a list, but even more shocked that there were only 10 of us. There should be so many more Indigenous People out there telling their stories, exploring the storytelling side of our culture in some visual way. The impact of residential schools is particularly important in this regard because there was no culture, no art for us to look at or emulate. There were no cartoon characters for us to see or relate to. There needs to be more representation—more Indigenous People illustrating and telling the stories. The only way to do that is to see others doing it. I didn’t have Indigenous role models in the industry, or Indigenous female directors or producers to follow, because there weren’t any at the time. There are more now, but there is still a great need for Indigenous animators, illustrators and storytellers. I am hoping I can help others find their way in this industry by showing them the path.
SAY: What new projects are you working on? Audibert: I am working on pitching my next TV show called Strong Women, which is a futuristic look at an Indigenous matriarchy ruling an entire planet, and what that looks like as an animated show. I see it as a show to empower young girls—there’s no concept like it.
Danielle Vienneau, Editor-in-Chief with SAY Magazine, believes in the power of sharing positive stories to inspire greatness in others. To submit your story, email editor@saymag.com.
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MUSIC
Women of Indigenous Hip Hop
2021 Winners
Take Centre Stage at this Year’s Awards Show
The International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards Show (IIHHAS) is back! The 2nd annual event will take place live from the host city of Winnipeg, Manitoba—the center of Canada and home to many talented and successful hip hop artists.
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fter the pandemic forced the first-ever IIHHAS to go completely virtual, Marketing Director Chris Sharpe is thrilled about being able to host the second annual event with live musical performances and a live audience. “This has been an amazing journey for our team—to have the chance to celebrate hard-working and inspiring Indigenous hip hop artists. The 2nd Annual International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards Show 2022 will be live, and it will be an EPIC experience,” says Sharpe. “This event started as a dream and now it’s reality.” With the theme of “Connect with the Sisters of Indigenous Hip Hop,” this year’s event will bring the achievements of women in the Á'a Líya Warbus industry to the forefront, and they will make up the majority of presenters, speakers and workshop facilitators. Hosting the celebration of innovative artists from around the world is trailblazer Á'a Líya Warbus ( Stó:lō Nation)—entrepreneur, writer, director, actress, hip hop artist, pow-wow dancer and activist—with
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co-host Sly Skeeta— mixed heritage AfroIndigenous emcee, hip hop recording artist, and advocate for youth and MMIWG. Incredible Sly Skeeta live performances are expected by MzShellz Music, The Ra11n, J25, She-Rōze, Valkyrie, Melody McArthur, Pooky G and many more. The IIHHAS is not just an awards show—it has become a movement to increase awareness and raise the profiles of Indigenous urban arts performers. Over two days, August 26-27, the IIHHAS will host a music conference followed by the highly-anticipated awards show, where the movers and shakers who are helping shape the Indigenous urban entertainment culture will be celebrated and acknowledged. The dedication, community impact and artistic merit of Indigenous hip hop artists, singers, visual artists, spoken word poets, producers, deejays and more will be honoured through this event that amplifies Indigenous artistry. The event will be streamed online for those who want to watch from the comfort of their own homes.
David Strickland
Hip Hop Single of the Year, Collaboration of the Year Single: Turtle Island Ft: Supaman, Artson, Spade, JRDN & Whitey Producer of the Year– Album: Spirit of Hip Hop
Snotty Nose Rez Kids
Hip Hop Album of the Year, Songwriter of the Year – Album: Snotty Nose Rez Kids – Born Deadly
PJ Vegas
R&B Single of the Year – Single: PJ Vegas – Pesos
MUSIC
Antoine Edwards
R&B Album of the Year – Album: Antoine Edwards – Dimensions
Rezcoast Grizz
Breakthrough Artist of the Year – Album: Rezcoast Grizz – Unwell
Drmngnow
Best International Hip Hop Single of The Year – Single: Drmngnow – Survive
Section 35
Clothing Line of the Year – Brand: Section 35
Emcee One DJ of the Year
Ziggy Ramo
Best International Hip Hop Album of the Year – Album: Ziggy Ramo – Black Thoughts
Cody Coyote
Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Album: Cody Coyote – Maiinganag
The Ra11n
Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Single: DJ Shub Ft: Kara Jade – Come Over
Artson & Brown Fist Emoji
Music Video of the Year – Video: Artson & Brown Fist Emoji Ft. Crystle Lightning, MC RedCloud & PJ Vegas – Its Like That
Earl F. Lambert
Inspirational Social Change Award AUGUST 2022 l TOURISM & CUISINE | 27
INTERNATIONAL
Landeta takes travellers through the streets of Condesa to taste, explore and connect with Mexico City’s food scene, markets, restaurants, and people. Discovering all the hidden gastronomic gems that only locals know.
Now that the ability to travel abroad is once again an option, you may be considering a vacation to a more tropical climate. If you are a foodie, enjoy exploring and eating authentic cuisine, then you may want to visit Mexico City and embark on a tour with Eat Like a Local Mexico City. Not only do they offer group culinary tours, but the company focuses on supporting the local community for social good.
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our founder and owner Rocio Vazquez Landeta is using her company as a platform to help women achieve economic stability and financial independence. With an all-women staff, Eat Like a Local Mexico City is a boutique culinary travel agency based in Mexico City, promoting cultural exchange between tourists and locals while offering authentic food experiences.
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Rocio Vazquez Landeta (right) with local food vendor. Landeta was born and raised in Mexico City, and through her company she is committed to supporting the local community by sharing the delights of the city that she grew up in. Her company’s
purpose and mission is driven by her own personal domestic violence experience when, in 2016, she had to leave her home and hide due to a domestic violence situation that threatened her life.
Photos courtesy of Eat Like a Local Mexico City
Mexican Tour Company Empowers Women
“I didn’t want to live in a world where women can be abused,” says Landeta. “I wanted to create a different kind of world, a world I would like to live in and feel safe.” This began the inception of Eat Like a Local Mexico City. Landeta, empowered to build a company she was proud of, was determined to create financial independence for herself and others while providing a tourism environment and services that she would choose for herself. As the only Mexican-founded food tour agency that actively promotes economic growth within the traditional markets, Eat Like a Local Mexico City continues to pave the way for women to make a difference in their local communities and in the hospitality industry. Landeta’s business model also aims to make travel and tourism accessible to everyone. “Times are changing,” she says. “We need to be better entrepreneurs, better consumers and better travellers. There is a way to create business practices that are not abusive and rapacious, especially in the travel industry where over-tourism is creating problems in small communities and ruining them for the locals and future visitors.”
A world traveller with more than 23 countries and 65 cities under her belt, Landeta is a sustainable tourism researcher, an avid reader, a food expert and an entrepreneur. After working for several years in public relations and marketing for large companies, she decided to follow her passion for her city and its people. With Eat Like a Local Mexico City, she plans to continue to create employment opportunities that allow women in the local community to take care of their children and explore economic empowerment. AUGUST 2022 l TOURISM & CUISINE | 29
MUSIC
Shawn Michael Perry: Not Just An Actor You may recognize him as a talented movie actor from The Last of The Mohicans, Wild Bill, The Witness and On Deadly Ground, not to mention popular television productions such as Star Trek The Next Generation, Murder She Wrote, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and the CBS after-school special My Indian Summer.
highlight the human experience through Indigenous eyes. His high-energy and intensely charged rock takes listeners along on his journey.
But Shawn Michael Perry is so much more! He is an established musician and composer who has been nominated for three Los Angeles Music awards. He has opened and shared the stage with Redbone, Bill Miller, Mary Youngblood and Jeff Healey, and has consistently been in the top 20 in country rock and adult contemporary radio across the globe.
His talent and dedication to his craft have paid off, earning him five award nominations this year by the International Singer-Songwriters Association, and a nomination for his song and video “I Will Survive’’ by the Native American Music Awards. But this singer-songwriter is aiming for a Grammy! With his unique singing style and ability to create rock compositions that resonate with audiences everywhere, he is well on his way to reaching his goal of “Song of the Year” at the Grammys very soon.
Born in San Diego, California, Perry is a rising rock artist who blends moving vocals with dynamic lyrics that
Perry recently dropped his new single “All Stand Together” which offers dynamic collaborations with Indigenous
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musicians and features producer Alessandro Del Vecchio who also plays keys. This unique mix was considered this year for Best Rock Song and Song of the Year. Together with his band Only The Brave, Perry continues to tour spreading his message.
MUSIC
Mi’kmaq Fiddler Morgan Toney Mi’kmaq fiddler and singer Morgan Toney brings together the fiery fiddling of Cape Breton Island (Nova Scotia, Canada) with the old songs of the Mi’kmaq with brilliance and heart. First Flight, Toney’s award-nominated debut album, celebrates language and heritage in Toney’s transformation of traditional songs alongside highly-original songcraft.
In just a short amount of time, Toney has invigorated both the Atlantic music scene and Mi’kmaq communities by melding his love of the fiddle with traditional songs, some dating back 500 years. He calls this fusion Mi’kmaltic (Mi’kmaq + Celtic)— his way of celebrating his language and heritage. “There are two worlds of Mi’kmaq music,” Toney explains, “song and fiddle. People knew of each, but never had I ever seen a collaboration between Celtic and Mi’kmaq culture before.” Produced by Ishkōdé Records, First Flight was released in March 2022 and has been nominated for three East Coast Music
Awards and a Canadian Folk Music Award. Toney’s debut album showcases his unique combination of music, both in the way he transforms traditional songs like the “Ko’jua” and the “Mi’kmaq Honour Song”, but also in the way he has created new songs. “Msit No’kmaq” was written partially in Mi’kmaq and features a fiddle break from the great Cape Breton fiddler Ashley MacIsaac. “Kwana Li” is a traditional Mi’kmaq song that Toney added new English lyrics to, and “For the Elders” is a newly-composed waltz.
fiddlers in their community. In a sense, Toney’s coming full circle. And circles are something he understands. “We are living in circles,” he says. “The earth is a circle. The drum is a circle, how we move around is a circle, how we greet each other. The talking circle is huge.” We can’t wait to see what impact Toney will have on the future of the music industry.
With the immediate accolades and attention, it’s easy to forget that Toney is relatively new to the music scene, having only played the fiddle for a few years. But there’s something deeper at work here. His great-grandfather and three great-uncles were all well-known Mi’kmaq
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MUSIC
Free Your Spirit with Micki Free A Grammy award winner and five-time Native American Music award winner, Comanche-Cherokee Native American musician Micki Free makes music inspired by the legendary Jimi Hendrix, but with an Indigenous twist. Free was born in West Texas and soon moved to Germany with his US Army stepfather who was stationed there. It was in Germany that he went to a Jimi Hendrix concert and his mind was blown. It was there
that he discovered his passion. His family later moved to Illinois where he joined the rock band Smokehouse, and at age 17 he was discovered by Gene Simmons of KISS. With Simmons’ encouragement, he joined Shalamar in 1984 and was nominated for three Grammys with them. Touring now with The Micki Free Electric Blues Experience, he has received recognition by the Native Music Awards, collecting hardware for Male Artist in 2002 and Pop Rock Artist in 2004.
Free has performed and/or recorded with some of the biggest names in the industry: Prince, Diana Ross, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS, Billy Gibbons of ZZ TOP, Carlos Santana, Janet Jackson, Shalamar, Mark Farner Grand Funk Railroad, Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, and many more. Free is also the cornerstone member of the power trio band the American Horse Trio, featuring Cindy Blackman-Santanna, former drummer for Lenny Kravitz, and David Santos on bass. This alternative rock trio aims to have fun and keep rock alive and well while giving back to the Native American community. Free is a generous artist with a talent that is highly sought-after. To give back to the community he created The Native Music Rocks program, which provides Native American musicians the opportunity to tour with him and his trio. The program also offers the possibility of recording with the Native Music Rocks label—the first Native American record company created by Free and distributed by Fontana/Universal Music. Free recently released his latest blues-rock studio album Turquoise Blue, featuring many of his peers and friends, and arguably some of his best music ever.
Sept 5 | Shawn Michael Perry Sept 12 | Morgan Toney Sept 19 | Micki Free Visit us at IndigenousinMusic.com 32 | TOURISM & CUISINE l AUGUST 2022
CUISINE
FOR THE LOVE OF For Kent Brown, grilling season begins as soon as the snow starts to melt and ends when he can no longer reach the barbeque come winter! A proud member of the Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba, Brown is an HR professional by day and a barbeque aficionado by night. For all those who are food and BBQ enthusiasts, here are Brown’s go-to recipes for warm weather entertaining. Tested and true, these recipes have been adapted and perfected from other chefs’ creations to become a household favourite of Brown’s family. Let’s get grilling!
Steak and Chimichurri Sauce Chimichurri
INGREDIENTS
Yields about 2 cups
1 shallot, finely chopped 1 Fresno chile pepper or red jalapeño, finely chopped 3–4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 2 limes, juiced, and a bit of zest 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed
½ cup finely chopped cilantro ¼ cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil Red pepper flakes
Before you begin, select your cut of beef (Brown suggests a Bison Ribeye because of the perfect fat content) and set aside.
DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium bowl, combine shallot, chile, garlic, vinegar and 1 tsp salt. Let sit for 10 minutes. Stir in cilantro, parsley, and oregano. Using a fork, whisk in oil. 2. Transfer ½ cup chimichurri to a small bowl; season with salt and reserve as sauce. Chill in the fridge. 3. Place meat in a glass, stainless-steel or ceramic dish. Toss with remaining chimichurri. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Grill the Meat
1. Let steak sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. 2. Remove meat from marinade, pat dry and grill. 3. Enjoy the sounds and smell of grilling! 4. Remove from the grill once desired temperature is reached. Tent with loosely covered foil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving (rare steaks should only rest for about 3 minutes). *Not sure how to check for the desired cook on your steak? Use a digital thermometer and use this guide: Rare, 125°F, and 3-minute rest; Medium-Rare, 130-135°F; Medium, 135-140°F; Medium-Well, 140-150°F; and Well-Done, 155°F+.
Flip to page 34 for Brown’s famous potato salad recipe—the perfect side dish for this steak. Kent Brown takes pride in bringing a First Nations view to every area of his life, in his profession, as a seasoned motivational speaker and as an accomplished boxing coach. This is also true for his love of food, melding his passion for well-seasoned eats and Indigenous foods from his childhood. A proud husband and father of four daughters, Brown is often found grilling up a storm while spending time with his family and friends. AUGUST 2022 l TOURISM & CUISINE | 33
CUISINE
Potato Salad INGREDIENTS
Bag of baby potatoes (about 3-4 lbs), cut in half ½ lb bacon, chopped 4 celery sticks, chopped 3 cloves of garlic, minced 1 Tbsp chopped capers 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles 1/3 cup of chopped cornichons (sweet baby pickles) ½ cup good quality mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream 6-7 scallions, chopped 1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill 3 Tbsp pickle brine 1 ½ tsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp old bay seasoning ½ tsp curry powder 1 tsp salt and pepper
PREPARATION
1. In a large pot, bring salted water to boil. Once boiling, add baby potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, or until tender. Set aside and let cool. 2. In a large frying pan, cook bacon until crispy. Drain grease and set aside. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine scallions and celery. 4. Add chopped pickles, cornichons, dill, and capers into bowl. Mix in mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, pickle brine, Dijon mustard, paprika, old bay seasoning, curry powder, salt and pepper, and mix. 5. Pour mixture into large serving bowl with scallions, celery, crispy bacon, and potatoes. Mix ingredients well (it’s okay to break up potatoes a bit) and serve.
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TO SERVE
To make your dish more restaurant worthy you may choose to slice the steak on the diagonal and drizzle with reserved Chimichurri sauce. Serve with potato salad on the side. Cue drooling mouths everywhere!
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NEXT ISSUE EDUCATION & TRAINING Featuring information and stories that highlight academic success, career training and cultural education.
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