“Our sisters” were two words that could be heard many times during the Indigenous Art Music and Fashion Show that promoted young talent which supported murdered and missing indigenous women.
Theland Kicknosway performed a traditional hoop dance at Centerpoint Theatre on Saturday, March. 26. This form of dance communicates a story to its audience. The dancers create animals, dynamic shapes and symbols with the help of hoops.
The young Pottawatami Cree is a youth leader in his community, a singer, a hoop dancer, and a drummer.
On March 26, Kicknosway arrived in Ottawa after running 134 kilometres in four days. On his journey, the young runner passed the sites where Kelly Morriseau’s and Gladys Tolley were found.
“This is the second time I run, and I will run two more times before the end of the public inquiry,” said
A public inquiry started in 2014 to identify the factors instigating these deaths and disappearances.
According to the federal government, indigenous women and girls in Canada are disproportionately affected by all forms of violence. Although indigenous women make up 4 per cent of Canada’s female population, 16 per cent of all women murdered in Canada between 1980 and 2012 were indigenous.
The problem of indigenous women does not only lie in one province. This is a national issue. “The Highway of Tears” in British Colombia is a growing graveyard for aboriginal women.
“I want people to be aware of what is happening to our women,” said Kicknosway.
The young activist is making changes all around him. He is collecting funds to support the people left behind by loss. Using the gofundme website he has already raised $3,566 of his $5,000 goal. Over the past thirteen months, 61 people have donated to his cause.
“It gives me hope to see young people so involved in big issues. It makes me thing that there is faith for the future,” said his mother Elaine Kicknosway.
Both his mother and his father were attending the show that night, sitting in the front row. They support all his endeavours to help the community, while keeping aboriginal culture strong.
Kicknosway was presented with “The Young Genius Award” for his achievements in the past year. His most recognized was leading the procession into Rideau Hall before Justin Trudeau was sworn in as Canada’s 23rd prime minister.
“I help young people find their genius. I believe young people will help inspire our world towards positive change,” said Justin Holness creator/founder of UN1TY entertainment and host of the event.
This is the third annual show that helps raise awareness for missing and murdered women was hosted by UN1TY Entertainment.
“This event promotes art and expression in the aboriginal community. Our goal is to help equip our future generation with the right tools and resources to succeed,” said Holness.
The young entrepreneur started UN1TY entertainment to help young artists, especially indigenous artists achieve their goals. Holness is also part of a fund that helps aboriginal youth access post secondary education.
“The Urban Aboriginal High School Fund helps indigenous youth transition from high school to college or university,” said Holness, creator of the grant.