“Today we see that the past is the future, and what once was will be once again.”
Stimson offers a powerful call-and-response to John F. Kennedy’s 1961 Presidential Address, using JFK’s words as a springboard to advocate for decolonization and environmental stewardship. Looking beyond the borders and bounded histories of the United States, Stimson centres Turtle Island and Mother Earth in his speech, reflecting on how generational and ancestral stories of interdependence might shape a freer and more unified future.
“Artists-in-Presidents” is initiated by Constance Hockaday, curated by Christine Shaw, and commissioned by The Blackwood (University of Toronto Mississauga). Podcast production by Vocal Fry.
Transmissions are released every Friday from August 6–December 17, 2021. To view the portrait gallery, access ASL videos and transcripts, and for additional information about the project, visit www.artistsinpresidents.com and www.blackwoodgallery.ca.
Adrian Stimson is a member of the Siksika (Blackfoot) Nation, Treaty 7 Territory, in southern Alberta. Stimson has a BFA with distinction from the Alberta College of Art and Design and an MFA from the University of Saskatchewan. He is an interdisciplinary artist and exhibits nationally and internationally.
Stimson received the Alumni of Influence Award in 2020 from the University of Saskatchewan, the Governor General’s Award for Visual and Media Arts in 2018, the REVEAL Indigenous Arts Award from the Hnatyshyn Foundation in 2017, the Blackfoot Visual Arts Award in 2009, the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005, and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2003.
Audio credit: "Owl Dance Song" by Calvin and Mary Boy from An Historical Album of Blackfoot Indian Music, FW34001, courtesy Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. (p) (c) 1979. Used with permission.
Photo: Blaire Russell
