A way of identification goes past first and final names. For Lana Whiskeyjack, co-owner and curator of Whiskeyjack Artwork Home situated in Amiskwaciy (Edmonton, Alberta), her identification is tied to her household’s historical past and her connection to the land.
Whiskeyjack remembers the story of how her unique final identify, kwêskácahk, was modified to a colonial model: Whiskeyjack. As a result of tough pronunciations, identify modifications have been frequent for a lot of Indigenous Peoples all through Canada, perpetually altering their self-identity. Regardless of that, the English identify grew to become an necessary a part of her and her household’s lives. A lot in order that, on the fiftieth wedding ceremony anniversary of her grandparents, Whiskeyjack remembers an necessary dialog along with her grandmother.
“She simply actually wished me to vow to by no means get married however I stated I couldn’t promise that, however I promise to by no means change my final identify,” she says.
Holding the identify maintains a household matriarchal connection, Whiskeyjack says. “My household endured a lot grief and loss, but additionally energy, expertise and tales which might be linked to our identify.” Whiskeyjack honours that promise to today. “It is very important take care of our grandmothers. I’m grateful that we’re in a position to proceed carrying the identify.”
Whiskeyjack is initially from Saddle Lake Cree Nation from Treaty Six territory, however she acquired a good looking educating throughout her upbringing: she is from this land, not a spot with a reputation. “Our Cree creation tales inform us particularly that we’re free,” she says. “Our spirit got here from the cosmos and the heavens, we’re made of 4 elements of the earth.” Whiskeyjack says she has a job and duty to reconnect to the teachings of her tradition and the land. She goals to take care of the connection to each.
“Edmonton is a gathering place for a lot of of our nations and it’s necessary that we come collectively and construct these relations (between teachings and the land).”
Whiskeyjack Artwork Home is a testomony to her ardour for reconnecting to her tradition and teachings. Whiskeyjack is enthusiastic about Indigenous tourism as a result of it supplies alternatives of connection and understanding.
“Bringing practices of kindness, sharing, being trustworthy and brave are ideas into creating good relations by Indigenous tourism,” she says. “Indigenous folks carry so many lovely teachings, traditions and tales of this land that the remainder of Canada and guests to those lands can study, and construct a more healthy relationship with the land.”