A way of identification goes past first and final names. For Lana Whiskeyjack, co-owner and curator of Whiskeyjack Art House positioned in Amiskwaciy (Edmonton, Alberta), her identification is tied to her household’s historical past and her connection to the land.
Whiskeyjack recollects the story of how her authentic final identify, kwêskácahk, was modified to a colonial model: Whiskeyjack. Due to the tough pronunciations, identify adjustments had been widespread for a lot of Indigenous Peoples all through Canada, perpetually altering their self-identity. Despite that, the English identify grew to become an essential a part of her and her household’s lives. So a lot in order that, on the fiftieth marriage ceremony anniversary of her grandparents, Whiskeyjack recollects an essential dialog together with her grandmother.
“She just really wanted me to promise to never get married but I said I couldn’t promise that, but I promise to never change my last name,” she says.
Keeping the identify maintains a household matriarchal connection, Whiskeyjack says. “My family endured so much grief and loss, but also power, skills and stories that are connected to our name.” Whiskeyjack honours that promise to today. “It is important to care for our grandmothers. I’m grateful that we’re able to continue carrying the name.”
Whiskeyjack is initially from Saddle Lake Cree Nation from Treaty Six territory, however she obtained a ravishing instructing throughout her upbringing: she is from this land, not a spot with a reputation. “Our Cree creation stories tell us especially that we’re free,” she says. “Our spirit came from the cosmos and the heavens, we’re made of four parts of the earth.” Whiskeyjack says she has a task and duty to reconnect to the teachings of her tradition and the land. She goals to keep up the connection to each.
“Edmonton is a gathering place for many of our nations and it’s important that we come together and build those relations (between teachings and the land).”
Whiskeyjack Art House is a testomony to her ardour for reconnecting to her tradition and teachings. Whiskeyjack is captivated with Indigenous tourism as a result of it gives alternatives of connection and understanding.
“Bringing practices of kindness, sharing, being honest and courageous are principles into creating good relations through Indigenous tourism,” she says. “Indigenous people carry so many beautiful teachings, traditions and stories of this land that the rest of Canada and visitors to these lands can learn, and build a healthier relationship with the land.”