Artifactuality

We Have Always Been Here (Blackfoot language version)

This is a Blackfoot language translation of an episode of Artifactuality from our first season. Western research has long offered theories about Indigenous lands, peoples and histories. Its colonial biases have often diminished and denied the traditions, stories, and even the continued existence of Indigenous Peoples. For the Blackfoot of southwestern Alberta, there is no doubt: their people, stories, songs and ceremonies have always been here.Curator Gabriel Yanicki talks with Blackfoot Elders and Knowledge Keepers Kent Ayoungman, Velma Crowshoe, Stan Knowlton and Jerry Potts. They discuss tensions between Western and Indigenous worldviews and the changing relationship between archaeology and traditional Indigenous knowledge. Dr. Leroy Little Bear talks about the Blackfoot concept of time and compares it with Western, scientific perspectives.

Donovan Bailey, Olympic Champion: Win or Learn

In 1996, Donovan Bailey became both the world champion and the Olympic gold medallist in the 100-metre race. He became an enduring Canadian sports hero. In this final episode of season 2, Kim Thúy talks with Bailey in front of a live studio audience. They discuss his origins, the hard lessons of discipline, and competition. Hear his surprising thoughts on the connections between winning and losing. Transcript: https://www.historymuseum.ca/dod/podcasts/transcripts/s02e10

Charlotte Nolin’s Portrait: Representing Two-Spirit Stories

Charlotte Nolin is a Two-Spirit Métis elder who overcame violence and prejudice to become a leader, uplifting and making space for Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Before North America was colonized, many Indigenous peoples recognized a range of genders and sexualities. But European settlers imposed rigid views of gender and forced many trans, queer and gender fluid people to hide their identities. Recently, Charlotte’s portrait by Métis artist JD Hawk was acquired by the Canadian Museum of History. Learn how this artwork helps us recognize the long history and diversity of Indigenous gender and sexual identity.    Transcript: https://www.historymuseum.ca/dod/podcasts/transcripts/s02e09   Canadian Museum of History Blog: “Charlotte Nolin’s Portrait: Representing Two-Spirit Stories”: https://www.historymuseum.ca/blog/artifactuality-charlotte-nolin  

How Canadian Children’s TV Punches Above its Weight

Chances are your favourite TV show as a kid was made in Canada. Nostalgic shows from the 1980s — Polka Dot Door, Fraggle Rock and Today’s Special — reflect a distinctly Canadian approach that was replicated around the world. Canadian shows offered kids education, respect and inclusion. The classic show Today’s Special embodied these values. And its star, Nerene Virgin, inspired a generation of young viewers.   Transcript: https://www.historymuseum.ca/dod/podcasts/transcripts/s02e08   Canadian Museum of History Blog: “How Canadian Children’s TV Punches Above its Weight”: https://www.historymuseum.ca/blog/artifactuality-todays-special/  

Forgotten Cemetery: Burial and Rediscovery in Downtown Ottawa

When workers began digging beneath Ottawa’s streets to build a new transit line, they discovered a forgotten 19th century cemetery. History Museum curator Janet Young was called in to help identify the early settlers buried there. Find out how she investigates burials and solves the mysteries of who these people were and how they lived.    Transcript: https://www.historymuseum.ca/dod/podcasts/transcripts/s02e07   Canadian Museum of History Blog: “Bone Detective: Mysteries of Those Found Beneath Downtown Ottawa”: https://www.historymuseum.ca/blog/bone-detective-introduction/