Resistance and Healing Through Art

Red River Jig - Seemah Mullally:

In the video to the left, I play the Red River Jig. The Red River Jig is a traditional tune known well by members of the Métis Nation (Neufeld, 2010). Métis fiddling does not follow the same conventions as European fiddling and is unique in a variety of ways (Neufeld, 2010). Firstly, the musical phrasing is shaped by each fiddler uniquely allowing one jig to be expressed and interpreted in many different ways (Neufeld, 2010). Further, bowing techniques vary and the musical key often depends on the vocal range of the singer (if one is involved) (Neufeld, 2010). The fiddling, of course, is accompanied by dancing which is also different from Irish, Scottish, and other European jigs (Neufeld, 2010). Dancers often crouch closer to the ground and dance faster overall (“Interview”, n.d.). Finally, the Red River Jig is one that is often played in social settings (“Music”, n.d.). Dancers and fiddlers from all different levels of a community get together to celebrate and enjoy each other's company (“Music”, n.d.). Some Métis communities even hold competitions to determine who has the most advanced jigging skills and exclusive moves (“Music”, n.d.). The jigs of the Métis peoples demonstrate a form of resistance as, despite numerous attempts by colonizers to suppress their culture, their music and dance remains (“Métis”, n.d.). Further, throughout years of turmoil, both past and present, some Métis individuals find jigs an effective way to lift spirits and remain resilient (“Music”, n.d.).

"Finding Others Like Herself" from 'Monster' Exhibition - Shelley Niro:

Monster is a series of photographs taken by Mohawk artist Shelley Niro (“Shelley”, n.d.). These photos, Niro explained to Rainmaker Gallery, are partly inspired by the Haudenosaunee creation story of Skywoman (“Shelley”, n.d.). Put simply, Skywoman was a pregnant woman who lived in the constellation of Pleiades (“Shelley”, n.d.). One day, she fell out of the sky and towards Earth, pulling tobacco and strawberry plants with her (“Shelley”, n.d.). With the help of the animals of this world, Skywoman managed to create life for herself and is now regarded as the “mother of Haudenosaunee life, as we know it today” (Niro et al., 2001). With this story in mind, Niro created these photos to oppose and resist the common portrayal of Indigenous women in mainstream media (“Shelley”, n.d.). Rather than “losers” who leech taxpayer’s money in Canadian society, Niro demonstrates that Indigenous women are, in reality, powerful and tenacious beings with ancestral roots stemming from the incredible Skywoman (“Shelley”, n.d.).

A Turtle's Voice - Freddy Taylor:

A Turtle’s Voice by Freddy Taylor was an art piece Taylor donated to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for fundraising (“Art”, 2013). While there is little information regarding this specific painting, in an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Taylor explained that he utilizes painting as a form of healing (“Indigenous”, 2021). Freddy Taylor is an Ojibwe man who attended a residential school for 10 years (“Indigenous”, 2021). He explained that he had endured unfathomable sexual and physical abuse during his time at the school and has struggled with the trauma ever since (“Indigenous”, 2021). Through art, however, Taylor has found a way to gradually heal his scars (“Indigenous”, 2021). As he paints, he describes feeling “the Creator working through” him as well as a sensation of ease and warmth (“Indigenous”, 2021).