National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Artist Spotlight: Kyle Natkusiak Aleekuk

Each year, September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. We gratefully and respectfully acknowledge that the land in which our offices are on is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Erie, Huron and Neutral-Wendat tribes. Our spaces also exist on the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Mississauga, Wendake-Neonwentsïo, Munsee Lenape & Canarsie tribes. The lands we reside on are currently home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island, within the lands protected by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement.⁠⁠ 

Collective Arts is committed to uplifting First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. We pledge to continuously hold space for their experience, culture, and amplifying their voices through our platforms.

This year, we're inspired to spotlight the works of Kyle Natkusiak Aleekuk hailing from Edmonton, AB. Kyle is a mixed Inuvialuk self-taught visual artist. Inspired by the bold colours and style of the printmakers of Ulukhaktok (Holman), including his grandfather Peter Aliknak Banksland and great aunt Agnes Nanogak Goose, Aleekuk adds his own contemporary twist by incorporating elements of classic tattoo art in crisp watercolours as well as digital media. We encourage everyone to follow Kyle (@natkusiak) and checkout his incredible work!

We also want to share some resources for learning more about National Day For Truth and Reconciliation.

Government of Canada Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”.  The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

University of Alberta - This is a free online course that anyone can sign up for, where you can educate yourself on Indigenous history and current Indigenous issues in Canada. Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. 

30 must-read books to learn about the Indigenous experience in North America

We encourage everyone to take the time they need to educate themselves on local First Nations, Métis and Inuit people within our communities.