“Art on the Rez” Program Review
“Art on the Rez” is an engaging online talk show series that offers a platform for Indigenous artists from the Kehewin First Nation to share their art and personal journeys. Created, filmed, and produced by Kehewin Native Dance Theater (KNDT), with interviewers Violet Duncan and Rosa John, the series is a valuable contribution to the representation and celebration of First Nations art and culture. Each episode is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the unique experiences and creative processes of the artists featured.
Intro Art: Daisy John
Intro Music: Russell Wallace
Overview of Episodes
Episode 1: Amber Weaselhead
Amber Weaselhead discusses her journey as a First Nations artist and a mother of three. The episode emphasizes the balance between motherhood and artistic expression, providing insights into Amber’s inspirations and challenges.
Episode 2: Daisy John
Daisy John shares her language journey and how it influences her art. This episode delves into the cultural significance of language and its impact on artistic creation.
Episode 3: Dorene Moosepayo
Dorene Moosepayo from Kehewin, Alberta, shares her artistic journey. This episode offers a personal glimpse into Dorene’s background and the cultural narratives that inspire her work.
Episode 4: Brittany Mountain
Brittany Mountain, a beader and seamstress, shares her craft. The episode showcases Brittany’s meticulous beadwork and sewing, highlighting the traditional techniques and personal stories behind her creations.
Episode 5: Desiree Kehewin
Visual artist Desiree Kehewin shares her story and artwork. This episode explores Desiree’s visual art, providing insight into her creative process and the themes she explores in her work.
Episode 6: Kelly Mae Dion-Mcfeeters
Kelly Mae Dion-Mcfeeters discusses the legacy of her art. The episode focuses on Kelly Mae’s reflections on how her art preserves and transmits cultural heritage and personal legacy.
“Art on the Rez” provides a vital platform for Indigenous artists to share their stories and art, promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. By giving a voice to these artists, the series helps bridge cultural gaps and fosters a deeper appreciation for First Nations art and traditions. The series covers a wide range of artistic disciplines, from visual arts to beadwork and sewing, offering viewers a comprehensive view of First Nations creativity. This diversity not only showcases the breadth of talent within the community but also highlights the rich tapestry of artistic expression that exists within the Kehewin First Nation.
Each episode is rich with personal stories, making the series relatable and engaging. The personal narratives allow viewers to connect with the artists on a deeper level, understanding not just their art, but the life experiences and cultural heritage that shape their work. The series is well-produced, with consistent intro art by Daisy John and intro music by Russell Wallace, respectively, adding to the overall cohesion and professionalism of the show, making the series both visually and audibly appealing.
The series is supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, highlighting its importance and credibility within the arts community. This funding and support not only validate the significance of the series but also ensure that the artists’ voices are heard and their works are seen by a broader audience.
Watch future episodes of the series on the Kehewin Native Dance Theater (KNDT) Facebook Page.
This publication was written by the Indigenous Curatorial Collective / Collectif des commissaires autochtones (ICCA) Digital Publication Program Manager, Justine “Tini” Stilborn.
Justine “Tini” Stilborn is a digital artist, and designer who specializes in marketing and branding. Pronouns are she/her as a woman of Indigenous (Metis, Swampy Cree), Romanian and mixed Settler descent. She earned a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree from the University of Regina, majoring in Visual Arts (Drawing) with a Minor in Art History. Stilborn has designed a bus shelter for Transit Saskatoon and the City of Saskatoon, inspired by the stories of residential school survivors, The Survivors/Elders Called to Action Group (now known as Saskatoon Survivors Circle). She also has her art featured on a Regina Downtown Business Improvement District’s Traffic Box, and she has contributed to CARFAC Saskatchewan since 2014 and CARFAC National since 2023.
