As the warm and powerful tides of summer and its super moons rush over us, MUSKRAT is proud to present Nokomis, our Grandmother issue. Nokomis brings ancient women’s wisdom to the forefront of this issue such as caring for the Earth, the waters in our bays and oceans, our bodies and each other. Inspired by Nokomis, our women’s wisdom issue profiles talented artists like Gemini award winning actor and activist Michelle Thrush, whose work is propelled by her connection to land and family and her courage to stand up for the rights of Mother Earth. Our heroes list further honours women and men whose commitment to uphold our birthright to be Indigenous are at the core of their struggles and art practice.
While Nokomis holds a primordial rhythm set across calendars of time held firmly by the moon and the life force within every female, the imposition of colonization and artificial light cannot go without notice. These burdens are explored through compelling and original poetry works by Rand Scott and in Joanne Arnott’s latest book, Halfling Spring: an internet romance (Kegedonce Press).
The Nokomis Issue includes a focus on strengthening cultural traditions and identity affecting Aboriginal women and their families. We look forward to rolling out Kendra Danielle’s 3-part story exploring mothering, autism, and inviting the healing traditions of Yoga to Rama First Nation. Family connections continue with feature interviews with award winning actor Glen Gould and daughter Na’ku’set (aka Niki), the first Aboriginal actor on MTV’s Degrassi.
MUSKRAT Magazine is taking the summer to embrace the warmth and strength of Nokomis. We are also pleased to announce new media partnerships with ReZ’91 Storytellers Concert and invite you to join us in Wasauksing First Nation on August 9, 2014 to take in this free musical storytelling event! Stay tuned to learn more about our partnership with Cedar Water Productions and Frog girl films in the short documentary on the resurgence of traditional Indigenous midwifery entitled Spirit of Birth.
Cover Photo: Robert Snache/SPIRIT HANDS PHOTOGRAPHY
