
Erin Marie Konsmo | The Land is Ceremony
January is almost over and it feels like spring is right around the corner. In 2017 many of our communities are engaging the work of healing from intergenerational trauma, protecting both our human and land rights and learning culturally grounded approaches to do this. From the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) to the work of a new alliance of Indigenous health advocates known as, Well for Culture, there is a growing movement demanding a safe and healthy environment for our future generations. The following list includes some amazing Indigenous grounded tools and resources to inform some of hard but beautiful work ahead.
1. Engaging Indigenous Arts Protocols
The recent Joseph Boyden scandal brought to light sensitive issues of identity, misrepresentation and approaches to Indigenous arts practices. Together The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) and MUSKRAT, Editor, Rebeka Tabobondung produced this short video offering insight into Indigenous Arts Protocols from various Indigenous leaders within arts and academia including: Bear Witness, Lee Maracle and Leanne Simpson. The video is meant to be a tool for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to generate awareness about the importance of engaging Indigenous arts protocols.
2. Onaman Collective and the announcement of the Indigenous Languages Act
Onaman Collective is an artist collective founded by Christi Belcourt, Isaac Murdoch and Erin Konsmo. The collective is creating Anishinaabemowin programs, and a land camp where intergenerational knowledge transfer can take place between youth and Elders. This year we will be holding Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau to account- in December 2016, he announced the Indigenous Language Act, and promised an investment into Indigenous languages across the country.

Follow Reclaim Your Power on Instagram and Facebook for uplifting messages that inspire and motivate Indigenous people to be proud in their identity and inherent strengths. Reclaim Your Power was created to inspire and unite Indigenous people worldwide. Reclaim your Power is based on Akwesasne Mohawk Territory and features an online store where you can customize t-shirts, leggings, backpacks and more!
4. Well for Culture
Martin Sensmeier, Chelsea Lugar and Thosh Collins are the founders of Well for Culture, an alliance of Indigenous health advocates that create online space for things like Indigenized recipes and fitness. Check out this yummy elk and wild rice meatball recipe!
Connect with Well for Culture on Instagram @WellForCulture