Ask an Elder – A Conversation with Elder Duke Redbird

Presented by the City of Pickering, Cultural Advisory Committee | Indigenous Relationship Building Circle

Monday, March 8, 2021 at 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Watch live on the City of Pickering YouTube Channel.

Elder Duke Redbird, poet, activist, educator, and artist will share his gift of knowledge and wisdom with the community.

With a legacy stretching back to the 1960’s. he is a pillar of First Nations literature in Canada, and has practiced a number of art disciplines including poetry, painting, theater, and film. He was a trailblazer throughout the 60’s and 70’s giving voice to Indigenous peoples at major institutions and folk festivals across the country. From 1994-2009, he was an arts & entertainment reporter for CITY TV in Toronto.

He holds a Master’s degree from York University and received an Honorary Doctorate from Ontario College of Arts and Design (OCAD) University in 2013 where he started the Indigenous Art program in 2010.

Dr. Duke Redbird is also featured on Native North American which received a Grammy Award nomination for best historical album in December 2015. Duke recently recorded his poem The Power of the Land with The Sultans of String. In 2020, Duke was awarded a Life Time Achievement Award by the Toronto based performing arts organization JAYU in recognition of his influence through his art on Human Rights. Recently Duke delivered a keynote address to MIT on the growing influence if Indigenous Thinking and Practices on the world of technology and higher learning.

Duke Redbird occupies the position as Elder with the following organizations: Museum Toronto, The Toronto Biennial, Summer Works, the Toronto Arts Council’s Banff Leaders Lab, and is Artist in Residence with the Urban Indigenous Education Centre at the Toronto District School Board.

Quote from Mayor Ryan: “We are honored to have Dr. Duke Redbird share his wisdom, insight, and lived experience to help guide and inspire Pickering’s journey,” said Mayor Dave Ryan. “We encourage all residents, organizations, and businesses to take the opportunity to view this session, so that they may begin their own journey of understanding. It is my hope that this will be the first of many similar sessions, which will be offered in the coming years.”

The last portion of the event will feature a Q&A. Elder Duke Redbird will answer a selection of questions submitted by viewers. Questions may be sent in advance by email, include your name, phone number, viewing location and question to communityservices@pickering.ca, no later than March 5 at 4:00 pm.

Program Outline:

• Land Acknowledgement – Recognition and true reason for acknowledgement

• Seven Ancestral (Grandfather) Teachings – A reason for pride with all indigenous peoples

• Break (15 min)

• Ask an Elder - Elder Duke Redbird will open the discussion to pre-submitted questions.