The Collective

Bear's Song Collective is an Indigenous artist collective. We are nehiyawak (Plains Cree) and Dënesųłı̨né (Dene). Most of us are, napekanak (literally translated as "fake man") or ayahkwew (neither man or woman) and in English, we are known as Two Spirit.

 

We have a mix of traditional artistic training through Elders and Knowledge Keepers, western artistic education through university and being self taught. We have one member who has received extensive training from Elders and Knowledge Keepers in relation to traditional art and have been mentored by Elders and artistic professionals within the Saskatoon area in relation to videography and photography. We have one member who has trained and is a full-time digital artist with her own business.

 

In 2015, the seed for the collective was planted. Two Indigenous artists began working with each other on several projects over the years. First, there was a painting/poster project, then a large and small tipi project that both have become permanent usable pieces for a not-for-profit organization, then a digital arts project and finally a four-year four-part project. In 2019, the Bear’s Song Collective was founded. Our work to date has been completed by our own artistic vision and we have creative control of our work.

 

All our members are committed to the creation and dissemination of original contemporary or customary works of art, and to the ongoing development of your skills and practice. Some of us engage in traditional arts practices or customary works of art. All of us engage in original contemporary works of art. We are recognized by other artists working in the same practice or by our community as artists of achievement or potential.

 

For all our projects thus far, we have either been commissioned, invited to be a part of or applied to be a part of these projects. We received our first grant in 2022. The lead artist has several years of successful grant management. The other artists have been added to the collective for their artistic skills, their administrative skills, and a youth to pay it forward. Our works have been exhibited publicly at a pride festival, OUTSaskatoon, Remai, Paved Arts, St Frances Morrison Library and, Apophony Press. We have received compensation and/or recognition for this in a manner consistent with the standards of your practice, community or Indigenous protocols.

 

Our work to date works to bring a positive light and create discussion around two spirit people and taking our rightful places in community, traditional arts, contemporary identity, gender, and sexualities. Below is our vision, mission and values:

 

Vision - To create in artistic endeavours that speak to a diverse cultures in languages, ancestries, ages, genders, sexualities that also speaks to the history of these land with Indigenous roots.

 

Mission - To create art that speaks to and opens up every person’s mind, hearts, eyes, hands and being with a central focus on Indigenous peoples for the lands we occupy.

 

The following are the values of which we operate:

Integrity – We will do and say as we agreed and promised.

Honesty – We will always share the truth and never lie, mislead, manipulate or deceive.

Respect – We will treat every person with care and consideration

Self-respect – We will operate in a way that does not compromise our personal morals.

Excellence – We are committed to quality and excellence in all aspects.

Community – We are committed to the community in which we operate in.