Host Chris Beaver speaks with Anishinaabe curator Wanda Nanibush and Scots-Lakota scholar Carmen Robertson about Norval Morrisseau, who invented the First Nations abstract art style known as the Woodland School.

The episode delves into the stereotypes that attached themselves to Morrisseau's work and legacy. Despite attending residential school and generations of Indigenous cultural expression being banned by the Indian Act, Morrisseau broke the taboo and painted Ojibwa legends and stories to preserve them for future generations of First Nations in Canada.

This episode mentions residential schools. The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their Residential school experience. 1-800-721-0066. Please take care while listening.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

To view the art referenced in this episode: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-art-of-sovereignty

To contact the Estate of Norval Morrisseau: https://www.officialmorrisseau.com/

Norval Morrisseau: Life and Work by Carmen Robertson: https://www.aci-iac.ca/art-books/norval-morrisseau/

Listen to the full interview, “Norval Morrisseau greets the art world in 1962”: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2682359696

Carleton’s Carmen Robertson leading important project on the Indigenous art of Norval Morrisseau [article]: https://research.carleton.ca/story/carmen-robertson-norval-morrisseau-project/

Mythologizing Morrisseau by Carmen Robertson: https://uofmpress.ca/books/detail/mythologizing-norval-morrisseau

CREDITS:
Norval Morrisseau - Teachings of the Grand Shaman - 1981 - Unknown/youtube.com

Norval Morrisseau - Where we go after we die... - Unknown/youtube.com

Norval Morrisseau greets the art world in 1962 - Close-Up/CBC/cbc.ca

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