Research
Blackfoot Territory
Introduction
Three years ago, I embarked on a journey of truth and reconciliation for my own identity and cultural connection. The project - Traditional Methods of Making - Imagined through a Contemporary Lens – would use Blackfoot traditional methods of making combined with my own contemporary knowledge. One part of this project, the musical composition piece titled Dog Trail, is on exhibition at Arts Commons running December 9 through to February 23 in the +15 Soundscape.
Beginning
The first step in my mind—develop two new musical instrument designs and craft four instruments based on them. Then, during year two of my research, write a full-length musical album using those instruments (as well as my other invented instruments). The third step—go through traditional protocols to make rock art on a significant site such as the Glacial erratic near Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, and then finally bring these individual pieces together to make a finished research book accompanied by a musical album, including original cover art.
Middle
My research has lead me to explore the history behind how and why the Blackfoot existed traditionally and the ways we used different plants and animals for various purposes as well as applying spirituality/religion, music and arts, social and political systems to those beliefs. Also interacting with other nations to find those technical skills and then making many new, complex works from it all…I realize now that this project was about more than just the skills and methods developed by my ancestors. It is about the society as a whole. This is a group who figured out purpose, balance, and existence as one living creature among many in the world, valued stewardship of geography, plants, animals, astronomy, seasons and trade, all stemming from the appreciation of natural beauty that a Creator has left for us to learn from. They were storytellers, dreamers, activists, and conservationists living in such an advanced society and ecosystem that the system scarcely needed to change for thousands of years—up until the Europeans brought themselves, and everything else they introduced, to the land.
Not the end
Research, consultation, and hands-on approach with materials is where this project needed to go––understanding the logical reasons of living in this specific territory, the landmarks, the plants/animals, the sciences, tools and arts of the Blackfoot people. If you find something upon the land that may appear like it has historic cultural significance, I encourage you to report it to the Archaeological Society of Alberta and please, please, do not touch or damage the object.