1:00pm - 2:00pm
Join us on January 10 for a powerful Indigenous Language Tour led by Ivana Yellowback, a Cree host, writer, producer, and community knowledge-keeper from Manto Sipi Cree Nation (Treaty 5), with family ties to Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Treaty 6). Drawing from her work in film, media, social work, and Indigenous storytelling, Ivana brings language, culture, and lived experience into conversation with the art on view, offering visitors a deeper and more meaningful way to connect. This tour invites you to slow down, listen, and engage with the Gallery through Indigenous ways of knowing; an enriching experience for anyone curious about language, art, and community.
Inspired by the Anishinaabemowin word maada’ookii, which means to distribute gifts or to share something with others, this new initiative aims to share the importance of Indigenous languages with people from all backgrounds. Everyone is welcome to join in these insightful gallery tours, as a different Indigenous Knowledge Keeper shares their gifts each month.
This important step in decolonizing WAG-Qaumajuq and supports the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Article 13:
Indigenous Peoples have the right to revitalize, use, develop and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems and literatures, and to designate and retain their own names for communities, places and persons.
Language is also mentioned in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, Number 14i:
Aboriginal languages are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them.
The initiative is an in-person version of Indigenous Language Sovereignty: Article 13 Experience, where you can experience the Gallery virtually, hearing from the Language Keepers themselves in videos.
January Tour led by
Ivana Yellowback
Ivana Yellowback
Ivana Yellowback is a band member of Manto Sipi Cree Nation (Treaty 5) and a relative to Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Treaty 6 ), and was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba (located in Treaty 1).
Ivana is an Associate Producer, Writer, Cree host, and English co-host of Eagle Vision’s 7th GEN. She is also a co-director and writer for APTN’s TAKEN (season 5), which highlights Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples within Canada. Ivana has also acted as principal characters in both DJ Burnt Bannock and Little Bird, all of which are available to watch on APTN. Ivana is also a co-creator, host, writer, and executive producer of the Indigenous supernatural podcast show: Creepee Tepee.
Ivana completed a 4-year Bachelor of Arts degree with an Honours in Sociology at the University of Winnipeg, and a Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of Manitoba. She is currently working on her Masters of Social Work degree at the University of Manitoba.
Along with her film work, and academics, Ivana is an Executive Board Member of Sākihiwē Festival, a Registered Social Worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers, and a presenter with the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba. She is also a co-creator of the venture: miteh atôskê (heart work), which provides various trainings, workshops, and therapeutic programming individual and group counselling utilizing Indigenous ways of knowing.
Ivana is also a traditional hand-drum and rattle singer of the family group: Kind Hart Women Singerswho perform for various events across the city, and province. Kind Hart Women Singers have also recorded for the soundtrack of Tanya Talaga’s “The Knowing” docuseries on CBC Gem, and recorded alongside Anishinaabe DJ – Boogey the Beat, for his awaited upcoming album. They have also recorded and performed for the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s “Threads of Kin and Belonging” (Elliot Walsh & Julia Lafreniere), exhibit alongside other artists such as Cec, Rey, Osani, 2toolman, and more.
We hope you enjoy your visit to WAG-Qaumajuq! See our tips for visiting.
