Nerd Nite 61: Home Edition, Vol. 6
LIVETaz Augustine: The Dark Side of Catholicism in Indian Residential Schools
“As a daughter of an Indian residential school survivor I believe it is important that the truth be told. Many folks do not know what happened in the Residential schools and the dark role nuns & priests played in ‘killing the Indian in a child.’ I have no fear in bring truth to light.”
As an Advocate for the Protection and Inclusion of Indigenous Spirituality, Elder Taz has worked as Indigenous Spiritual Counsellor, and has provided psycho-educational healing ceremonies, workshops, and training within communities and Corrections Institutions for more than 25 years. Her expertise includes Genocide Awareness & Affects, Systemic Racism, Inter-generational Trauma, PTSD, event planning and peaceful activism.
Juanita Tallman: Blackfood Sky Stories
“I’m Blackfoot and currently live in Missoula Montana and Blood Reserve Alberta. I teach about Blackfoot Culture and love to share my knowledge as the CEO of Niitsitapii. My experience includes Writing-on-Stone Interpretive supervisor and AEUB field inspector, but my Blackfoot knowledge was my choice of study. I’ve learned from elders and have many cultural commitments, which include teaching my children.
My main priority is to teach, learn and preserve indigenous peoples culture. I hope to build Niitsitapii up so that we can support other cultures not just Blackfoot as we grow.
The Blackfoot have many stories which include the stars and sky beings. I’ll be sharing these stories which have shaped our lives as Blackfoot people.”
Sarah Buffalo and Chrystal Buffalo: Science Fiction in Beadwork and Indigenous Communities
The Sparkling Buffalo is mother-daughter duo Sarah and Chrystal Buffalo, multidisciplinary artists from Montana First Nation. They combine semi-precious stones with traditional beadwork, seamlessly integrating designs into Indigenized futuristic realities.
Through the evolution of the business, the vision that started it all has remained, that of elevating Cree fashion and art in the lens of Canadians, as well as creating an opportunity for Maskwacis culture to be showcased on the International stage.