By Xingru Chen, Grade 12, Rosseau Lake College
To indigenous people in Canada, the way they pass down belief, history, story, and culture through generations is to sit around the secret fire inside the tipi and enjoy the wise elder’s narrative which is filled with the traces of history while the dim flames leaped on everyone’s pupils. The yellowish and radish light project on the inside of the tipi, as the narrator moves showing different abstract patterns, just like the rock murals, implying the deep connection they build with their ancestors and the landscape through continuous storytelling. During this learning process, indigenous youth build their worldview through storytelling. As a part of their cultural heritage, indigenous art plays an important role for indigenous people to demonstrate their true selves. It also opens a window for the audience to have a better understanding of indigenous culture. Continue reading Understanding Indigenous Artworks in Canada