Strengthening Indigenous voices in art and media is the goal of a conference at Wanuskewin Heritage Park this week.
Over 100 people are expected for the three-day National Indigenous Media Arts Coalition gathering (NIMAC).
The conference is put in through a partnership between the NIMAC and the Independent Media Arts Alliance.
NIMAC Director Niki Little says she hopes the conference will give organizations an Indigenous-led perspective of the media arts industry.
“We just want people to think about what it means to be an ally and to give these narratives an opportunity to be Indigenous-led,” Little told MBC News.
The national gathering will feature several presentations, workshops, film screenings and panel discussions, all devoted to Indigenous media arts.
This year’s gathering is entitled Listen, Witness, Transmit. Organizers say each day will represent one of these ideas. The first day – listening, the second day – witnessing and the third day – transmitting.
“It’s so complicated being an Indigenous person in the arts,” said Little. “There are so many systems to navigate through, so I hope those who come to the conference can see what it could look like through an Indigenous-led perspective.”
Little says she has been very grateful for the local Indigenous arts community and how they have been receptive to what they are trying to achieve.
The national gathering is held every two years at a different location. People from all over the country are expected at this week’s gathering near Saskatoon.
(PHOTO: Event poster. Photo courtesy of Facebook.)