What you see is not necessarily real. Your eyes can lie to you. In fact, that’s what magicians and illusionists depend on to thrill and amaze you. But there are simpler ways to do so and that is what Renne Gjoni, CEO of the Museum on Illusions, banks on. And it’s a good bank considering there are over 40 of his museums around the world.
Bones of Crows is not an easy film to watch but its creators feel there is healing to be found within the heaviness. Dene/Métis filmmaker Marie Clements’ epic story of one Cree woman’s life confronts hard truths in Canada’s dark history but is ultimately about Indigenous resistance and resilience.
Little Bird, a new six-part dramatic series from Rezolution Pictures, premiered May 26 on Crave and APTN, bringing an Indigenous-led perspective of the Sixties Scoop to screens for the first time. The story explores one family’s search for truth after being torn apart by Canada’s notorious child removal system.
Mistissini-based artist and musician Ayden Gray, aka Sinematic, discusses his newest song, “War With Myself”, which addresses the inner turmoil he struggles with. The song’s theme is about taking responsibility and how to stop blaming others for one’s emotions and actions. With its release, Gray hopes to raise awareness about mental health and well-being.
The Cree School Board hosted its first Post-Secondary Students Services (PSSS) conference in Ottawa, featuring honest and at times heart-rending admissions of struggles and how they were overcome.
The 63rd Edward MacDowell Medal will be awarded to Abenaki filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin, the filmmaker whose work has spanned 52 years, at a July 23 reception.
The first-ever Cree Knowledge Festival, an online event broadcast live from Chisasibi March 25-26, is being called “a resounding success” by its organizers at the Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association (CNACA), Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA) and Cree Trappers’ Association (CTA).
Jim Chism is busy digging through boxes and opening files filled with documents and photographs when I meet him at the Waskaganish Cultural Institute. Jim has been digging around Cree territory since the early 1970s, just after the James Bay Project was announced. His is a familiar face for people from Chisasibi, Eastmain and Waskaganish.
As artist and writer Maira Kalman once said, “A visit to a museum is a search for beauty, truth and meaning in our lives. Go to museums as often as you can.”
A new two-day digital happening will be shining a spotlight on the rich and dynamic Cree culture. The Cree Knowledge Festival on March 25-26 will feature six engaging panels, dozens of guests, music performances and storytelling.
