INDIGENOUS

SPOTLIGHT
Use the list below to locate an
Indigenous person in Canada
to conduct research on.

Authors:
1. Thomas King: Known for works like "The Inconvenient Indian" and "Green Grass, Running Water."
2. Eden Robinson: Author of "Monkey Beach" and the Trickster Trilogy.
3. Richard Wagamese: Known for "Indian Horse" and "Medicine Walk."
4. Louise Erdrich: Although she is American, she has Ojibwe ancestry and writes extensively on Native American
and Indigenous themes.
5. Lee Maracle: Author of "Ravensong" and "Celia's Song."
Musicians:
6. Buffy Sainte-Marie: A folk singer-songwriter known for her activism and songs like "Universal Soldier."
7. Tanya Tagaq: An Inuk throat singer and experimental artist.
8. A Tribe Called Red: A First Nations electronic music group blending traditional Indigenous sounds with
modern beats.
9. Jeremy Dutcher: A Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) tenor and composer known for his album "Wolastoqiyik
Lintuwakonawa."
Activists:
10. Cindy Blackstock: A prominent advocate for Indigenous children's rights and executive director of the First
Nations Child and Family Caring Society.
11. Pam Palmater: A Mi'kmaq lawyer, professor, and activist advocating for Indigenous rights.
12. Wab Kinew: An Ojibwe author, musician, and politician who is active in Indigenous advocacy.
Artists:
13. Norval Morrisseau: Often referred to as the "Picasso of the North," he is a renowned Ojibwa painter.
14. Rebecca Belmore: A multi-disciplinary Anishinaabe artist known for her powerful installations and
performance art.
Athletes:
15. Jordin Tootoo: The first Inuk player in the NHL and an advocate for Indigenous mental health awareness.
16. Waneek Horn-Miller: A former Olympic water polo player and advocate for Indigenous rights and culture.
Scholars:
17. Marie Battiste: A Mi'kmaw educator and scholar known for her work in Indigenous education.
18. Taiaiake Alfred: A Mohawk scholar and author focusing on Indigenous governance and resistance.
19. Vine Deloria Jr. (deceased): A prominent Dakota scholar, theologian, and historian.
20. Winona LaDuke: An Anishinaabe environmentalist, economist, and author who advocates for Indigenous
sustainability and rights.
INDIGENOUS
SPOTLIGHT
ON:
Conduct research on your chosen
Indigenous person in Canada and
answer the following questions below:

In 2-4 sentences, please explain who this person is, including their full name, age, their
background, and what they are best known for.

What are the main themes or messages in their work?

How have they contributed to the understanding of Indigenous issues in Canada?

Are there any challenges or barriers this person has faced in their journey?

How can we, as individuals, support this special Indigenous individual’s work?