A Celebration of 2S & Indigiqueers through Film and Performance

Friday, September 29, 2017 @ 7:00 PM
West Village Theatre - 2007 10 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T3C 0K4
FREE Admission

Curated by Danielle Black/Sui Taa Kii of the Treaty 7 Film Collective. AlterNATIVE Indigenous Film Series, EMMEDIA, and Umbrella Visual Arts Conference 3 proudly present "A Celebration of Two-Spirit and Indigiqueers through Film and Performance."

Curator's statment:
"I am thrilled at the opportunity to showcase the works of Indigenous, Metis, Inuit, Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer artists and filmmakers. I believe it is important that we start to give a voice, stage, and spotlight on those who have unique perspectives and stories, those who have always refused to be erased. In this year’s AlterNATIVE program, I would like to showcase short films that explore what it means to be queer and Indigenous in cultural, traditional, contemporary, and urban settings. It is important to focus on these communities in film because there has been infamously little to no representation. I would like to change that, and have a night to celebrate our resiliency, strength, and creativity. To quote the Two-Spirit camp at Standing rock... 'We feel and express differently because we were blessed with two spirits. Its a gift, a sacred station.' Thank you for this opportunity to allow us to showcase our proud work and stories to the art community in Calgary and Treaty 7 Territory."

The night will start off with a tribute and dedication to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2-Spirit in partnership with Visual Artist Lauren Crazybull.

We will be having 3 performances throughout the night by Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer artists Riel, Joshua Whitehead, and Jessica McMann.

Riel: Riel is a sixteen year old, Metis multi-instrumentalist whose song writing is mostly inspired by literature and modern popular culture. In past months, they’ve generated much intrigue with their powerful voice and folk pop-inspired sound that’s sure to leave an impact. Riel recently released their debut EP titled Into the Waves—a five song compilation that’s available online now.

Joshua Whitehead: Joshua WhiteheaThe Hearing, Directed by Russell Ratt Brascoupe (Anishnabe)on (Treaty 1). He is the author of full-metal indigiqueer (Talonbooks) and the forthcoming novel Jonny Appleseed (Arsenal Pulp). He is currently working towards a Ph.D. in English Literature with a focus in Indigenous Literatures and Cultures at the University of Calgary (Treaty 7).

Jessica McMann: Jessica McMann is a Cree musician, dancer and choreographer. She is a classically trained flutist, with a Bachelor of Music from the University of Calgary. She was currently named a REVEAL Award Laureate from the Hnatyshyn foundation for her work in classical music and interdisciplinary performances. She is an accomplished traditional Hoop Dancer and Fancy Shawl dancer. She currently works as an artist-in-residence across Canada bringing Hoop Dance and cultural knowledge to grades K-12.

Finally, we will be showing 8 films that were made locally and across Turtle Island.

Local Films from Blackfoot Territory, Treaty 7:
A Love Letter to my Unborn Child, Directed by Danielle Black
Sweet Night, Directed by Jessie Short
Mothering Myself (My Womb Pains), Directed by Danny McCartney
Saturdays, Directed by Jaqs Aquines

Across Turtle Island:
The Hearing, Directed by Russell Ratt Brascoupe
Music of the Spheres, Directed by Madison Thomas
Aviliaq (Entwined), Directed by Alethea Arnaquq-Baril
Colonization: The Second Coming, Directed by Thirza Cuthand

This event is wheelchair accessible with floor seating available. This event is in partnership with Saturday September 30 9:30 am - 5:00 pm. A full day of inspiring and engaging activities, including Conversation Catalysts will sit with all attendees to invite and respect all voices. Our conversation catalysts represent a diverse and knowledgeable sampling of Calgary’s accomplished and emerging arts and community leaders and practitioners, including Mel Vee, Spirit River L. Striped Wolf, Danielle Black, Ami Kenzo, Teresa Tam, Michelangela Samiadji and Su Ying Strang.

EAR and EMMEDIA welcome everyone in the city who engages with and is impacted by the visual arts.

One of 11 Calgary Celebration Sites for Alberta Culture Days.

SUKAPI.

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