LOST MY TALK
(Featured Artwork)
By Lana Whiskeyjack
Mixed-Media Triptych / 2016-2017
Dimensions: H 24” W 30” D 5”
Description: A representation of Lana’s late uncle, George, much loved and remembered for the good and sad memories he left behind. A reflection of the intergenerational silences learned from the Indian Residential School legacy and an effort to break those silences through the recovery of language, tradition, and cultural identity.
Side panel I: George’s maternal Grandfather, Mamistahp, who hid traditional ceremonies, songs and stories underground in Saddle Lake when ceremonies were outlawed. Since George was his first grandson, George learned many of the traditions, traditions he felt he couldn’t speak about because of his addictions.
Centre panel: a reflection of the life of Uncle George
Side panel II: Young George after leaving Blue Quills Indian Residential School
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Lost My Talk” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
THREE GENERATIONS #3
BY LANA WHISKEYJACK
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 2015
Dimensions: H 20” W 16” D 1.5”
Description: An exploration of three generations of the womb interconnections of trauma and resilience.
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Three Generations #3” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
FAMILY PORTRAIT
BY LANA WHISKEYJACK
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 2017
Dimensions: H 16″ W 20” D 1.5”
Description: Father and mother of George with their three sons, including George and his two brothers, Morris (sitting on mother’s lap) and Lazare (baby).
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Family Portrait” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
NOKUM (GRANDMOTHER) CAROLINE
BY LANA WHISKEYJACK
OIL ON CANVAS / 2009
Dimensions: H 20” W 16” D 1.5”
Description: Mother of George, matriarch and rock of her Whiskeyjack clan.
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Nokum” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
NOHTAWIY BEN
by Lana Whiskeyjack
Acrylic on Canvas / 2018
Dimensions: H 16” W 20” D 1.5”
Description: The father of George, who was greatly affected by attending Blue Quills Indian Residential School. He became an alcoholic and would sometimes cry or swear the names of his tormentors. One I recall as “F#@*ing Duck”, who I later found out was a very large white man with a thick accent who “disciplined” the boys in the school. “Duck” was his nickname.
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Nohtawiy Ben” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
BAR BRAWL
BY LANA WHISKEYJACK
MIXED MEDIA / 2015
Dimensions: H 12″ W 12″ D 4″
Description: Uncle George spent a lot of time in the bars, listening to country music and getting into good fights.
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Bar Brawl” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
COSMETIC CREE
BY LANA WHISKEYJACK
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 2013
Dimensions: H 24” W 40” D 1”
Description: My uncle George taught me how to throw punches and knives, which were important lessons for building confidence in a Cree girl who often felt scared of the outside world, a world where he lived on the streets and encountered a lot of violence.
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Cosmetic Cree” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
WAPAMEW (LOOK)
BY LANA WHISKEYJACK
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 2018
Dimensions: H 24” W 8” D 1.5”
Description: A grandfather’s teaching to observe: look before speaking, acting or judging.
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Wapamew (Look)” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
OUT OF JAIL
BY LANA WHISKEYJACK
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 2018
Dimensions: H 20” W 16” D 1.5”
Description: George when he came out of Jail.
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Out of Jail” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
CHICKWEED MEDICINE
BY LANA WHISKEYJACK
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 2017
Dimensions: H 16” W 20” D 1.5”
Description: Uncle George always wore his beloved cowboy boots. In fact he was buried with them. There is an old Cree story that talks about chickweed as a protective medicine for the children.
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Chickweed Medicine” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
CAPAN (GRANDFATHER) JOSHUA
By Lana Whiskeyjack
Oil on canvas / 2011
Dimensions: H 20″ W 16” D 1.5”
Description: Paternal grandfather to George, an original Horse Whisperer and cowboy who influenced George’s love of horses and adventure.
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Capan” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
MEDICINE MISTATIM (HORSE) 2
BY LANA WHISKEYJACK
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 2017
Dimensions: H 48” W 16” D 1.5”
Description: Horses were, and continue to be, a culturally and spiritually important part of the life of the Whiskeyjack family. George loved his horses. When he returned home to the Reserve, he often went for long horse rides by himself to get grounded.
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Medicine mistatim (horse) #2” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
KAHKAHKOW (CROWS)
BY LANA WHISKEYJACK
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 2017
Dimensions: H 16” W 20” D 1.5”
Description: Crows are tricksters known for their intelligence and curiosity. They are messengers who like shiny trinkets. The painting reflects the juxtaposing ideas of spirituality and religion.
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Kahkahkow (Crows)” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
GOVERNING RELATIONS
BY LANA WHISKEYJACK
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 2018
Dimensions: H 20” W 16” D 1.5”
Description: The provinces have greatly benefited from the resources of Indigenous people’s traditional lands. Since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission began its work, some provinces in Canada have begun to acknowledge the Treaty lands they continue to benefit from.
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Governing Relations” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
PARLIAMENTAL HEALING
BY LANA WHISKEYJACK
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 2018
Dimensions: H 16” W 20” D 1.5”
Description: The Parliament is where the Indian Act was passed, amongst many other Bills that became Laws that systematically fragmented and destroyed so many Indigenous people, their families, communities and Nations. This painting is about the prayers of healing for change and reconciliation. It is about spiritual truth.
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Parliamental Healing” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
THREE GENERATIONS 4
BY LANA WHISKEYJACK
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 2017
Dimensions: H 40” W 30” D 1.5”
Description: An exploration of three generations of the womb interconnections of trauma and resilience.
“© Copyright for this photographic representation of “Three Generations 4” (2019) is owned by Lana Whiskeyjack. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this image, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the owner is strictly prohibited.”
Photo Credit: Rebecca Lippiatt
