We arrived at A Space Gallery on Richmond Street to attend the RE/Translation: Land & Language exhibition. Jude Norris, a woman I befriended in New York, was participating in the show. She is an internationally acclaimed multi-disciplinary Cree-Métis artist. Jude immediately greeted Laura and myself upon our entry into the gallery. She was as striking as the last time I saw her. The cadence of her speech was harmonious as was the symmetry of her demeanor. We chatted for a bit then I excused myself to view the works on display. Norris’ Strong Woman Dress was one of the more compelling pieces in the show-images of women were projected onto the surface of a Plains-style buckskin while an audio loop with the following statement played repetitively, “We are only defeated when the hearts of our women are on the ground” through headphones. The meaning of this work was not lost on me. Traditionally indigenous cultures were matrilineal however with European contact our ways were replaced with patriarchal paradigms. Moreover other oppressive constructs have threatened Indigenous ways of life: forced assimilation and acculturation. Language—the backbone of any culture—was also suppressed instigating a new integrated parlance. In her curatorial statement, Michelle LaVallee notes, “Aboriginal communities have extensively integrated and appropriated several languages both written and spoken…to communicate their own ideas, perspectives and stories.” This integration undoubtedly affects the language thus changing the meaning of words to a certain degree. Yet in spite of the resurgence of Aboriginal language initiatives you cannot help but note that something is still missing. Or rather something is not the same. It’s better than nothing I suppose. Or perhaps I just don’t get it?

Anyway, Jude was surrounded by a gaggle of well-wishers so I couldn’t ask. But I would catch up with her later. The line at the exhibition refreshments (wine!) table was long so Laura Ortman and I went to suck on cancerous canes. On my way out I ran into Gwendolen Cates. She joined us for a smoke outside. Cates briefly discussed Water Flowing Together her documentary film about Jock Soto, the Puerto Rican/ Navajo ballet dancer. She stated that the production was undoubtedly marred by dissent yet by following her vision the film able to be completed. However, some would argue that Cates’ version of events is not entirely true, but I digress. The point is Water Flowing Together is a portrait of a compelling artist and man or so I have heard as I have not seen it yet. When we returned to the reception Jude was still busy…I mouthed “Cawl Me!” to which she nodded and continued with her interview. Later Gwendolyn, Laura and I ended up on a VIP tour of CIRCA, a new club in downtown Toronto. Words cannot fully articulate the audacity of this place. Therefore I leave it to you my Toronto friends to experience and perhaps we can share notes in the future…Wow that place was RAD! The following day I woke up with every intention of making the True Romance: Shorts Program on time. Yet in predictable fashion I did not. Instead I meandered anbout the hotel room then gorged myself on an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at place called “Don’t Eat Here Because Our Food Will Give You The Runs!” Thank God for the Mediatheque (where you can view and listen to all works in the festival). Here are my notes maybe you can make sense of them and help me out:

Amalgamation: beyond gender (Dir. Marcella Ernest, 2007) Bodies–Corporeal, Traditional dancing, juxtaposed with details of lips/teeth/hair, Stylized, traditional views of woman versus taboo of same sex, jarring muddling voices. First Stories: Volume 111- Two Spirited (Dir. Sharon A. Desjarlais, 2007) “ the tribes have forgotten …” harboring female spirit in him, “ Since contact we learned to judge and condemn,” Shelly Niro ala Honey Moccasin, beautifully shot, vivid landscapes, Two Spirit people were once considered holy people, blessing, “if you dance to this you are going to be healing yourself,” His niece says Geeyo is his role model/idol, male jingle dancer, “I dance so that people can understand where I am coming from.” Destiny in Alice (Dir. Sonja Dare, 2007) Alice Springs, Lesbian capital of the outback, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Dissections of house, Books etc., Idealized, Rose colored, Desert Rose, Archival Footage of protest, merging of cultures, Nature program, green and purple, out of hetero construct, transfer of knowledge, “ Culture Vultures”, tourists, ethnography, A- Team never far from glass of red wine, rarified lesbians, F- Troop good at playing pool, beer drinkers.

Make any sense to you?

On Saturday October 20 I had the profound pleasure to view Elijah and meet lead actor playing the role of Elijah Harper, Billy Merasty. He is a very humble and brilliant actor.

From the film festival guide this:

“Elijah (Dir. Paul Unwin, 2007) is a unique bio-pic. Elijah Harper goes from being a shy politician in Manitoba to the voice of a people when he stands against the Meech Lake Accord in 1990.”

For my take on this film please listen to our podcast. However, Billy did respond to an email I sent him.

Billy,

It was a pleasure to meet you and thank you for the pin…I wear it proudly! I also wanted to take this opportunity to ask a couple of questions?
-How did you prepare for your part?
-Are you statisfied with the finished picture?
-What are your future projects?
Thanks again…I am composing a blog on the Elijah screening for NAICA online and wanted to include some of your words. Hopefully I’ll see you soon.

Sincerely,

Sonny Grant aka the Apache Mohawk

His response:

Sonny, Dahling, it was a pleasure meeting you too. Always good to meet others of our ilk. And hope you’re well.

Alright then, to answer your question about how I prepared for the lead role of “Elijah Harper”- it helped that I knew him very well over the years, and that we both come from similar places up north-isolated fly- in reserves, where life can be dismal- as well as incredible. Elijah has a beautiful heart, and soul, and he truly cares about native people and is concerned about their integrity and welfare. (something that concerns me too.) He is also a very shy person but does not stand up to address what he knows is wrong and he does it with great wit and charm. I love the man. And yes, I’m very pleased with the result of the movie, it is very well made and it has great charm and people fall in love with it instantly and profoundly. I have been recieving great praise from my role in it, and yes, I am very proud of my work in the movie. And as far as my future projects are concerned, I will continue to go out to auditions as they come alonmg and win as many gigs as I am able to. I love the whole competitive process and I only hope that there are many other projects to come with roles perfect for me. Thank you.

Yours,
Billy Merasty