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*trigger warning* This podcast episode discusses suicide and mental health struggles.
In this very special and touching episode, hosts Hannah Connelly and Bryna Link (Peguis First Nation), speak with young Metis activist and musician, Tristen Durocher. He shares about his recent walk and fast in order to grow awareness for suicide and mental health issues, specifically in Northern communities, how music plays a role in mental health resilience and in the truth and reconciliation journey, and his work as a fiddle teacher in Northern Manitoba.
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In honour of the first week back to classes for most students, in this episode, Dr. Suzanne Steele, co-director of Li Keur, interviews the podcast hosts and research assistants, Bryna Link (Peguis First Nation) and Hannah Connelly. They discuss their backgrounds, the actual process of working with Indigenous translators and the creation of a language database, as well as how "doing small things with great love" (Mother Teresa), applies in the realm of reconciliation and the Li Keur production.
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In this episode, Bryna Link (Peguis First Nation) and Hannah Connelly talk to Metis fiddler, and Manitoba local, Melissa St. Goddard. They discuss Melissa's experience growing up within the Metis fiddling community, her performance and teaching career, as well as the challenges and joys of bringing Metis fiddle music into a more formal opera setting with Li Keur, Riel's Heart of the North.
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In this episode, Bryna Link (Peguis First Nation) and Hannah Connelly speak with composer and co-director of the Li Keur production, Neil Weisensel. He shares about the beginnings of Li Keur, the careful process of collaboration in regards to Indigenous and non Indigenous artistry, and explains how he composed some pieces for the dramatic musical, namely Ni mayagenimaak (the Mending of Violence), sung by Julie Lumsden and Baptize Me in my Galilee.
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In this episode, Bryna Link (Peguis First Nation) and Hannah Connelly speak with Will Goodon, the Minister of Housing and Property Management for the Manitoba Metis Federation. He shares about his own experience growing up with deep connections to his Metis roots, the importance of bringing culture into the present, mental health, and also gives us a bit of teaser about the new Metis Heritage centre that is being built in Winnipeg.
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In this episode, Bryna Link (Peguis First Nation) and Hannah Connelly speak with renowned Canadian Baritone opera singer James Westman, who plays Louis Riel/Robideau in Li Keur, Riel's Heart of the North. They talk about Westman's journey from the Vienna Boys Choir to the opera stage, the influence of his mother, who played piano for June Carter and Johnny Cash, the importance of collaboration in the Truth and Reconciliation process and Covid-19's influence on the world of performing arts!
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In this first episode of the Li Keur podcast, Bryna Link (Peguis First Nation) and Hannah Connelly spoke with Dr. Suzanne M. Steele about her creative process, the importance of listening in storytelling, the legacy of Indigenous women and hear some excerpts from the Li Keur dramatic musical text.
This podcast was created to document the process of creating an Indigenous-/ non-Indigenous collaboration, with interviews from people who have been involved with Li Keur, Riel's Heart of the North.
