InDigital Insights

Mel Izanami was born and raised in Mexico, where he became aware of deep contradictions in his identity—contradictions that, over time, shaped not only his academic development but also his experience as an immigrant in Argentina. In this episode, he discusses how this relates to his artistic practice, and how technology can allow us to explore identity and culture in a more open way. NOTE: Mel preferred to speak mostly in Spanish, so those who speak only English may wish to check out this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/cp-dcY4Eeq8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/⁨@melizanami⁩ Portales Pasados Por Venir: https://360.portalesapasadosporvenir.com/(Past Portals to Come) ICMI is an artist-run multi-arts organization that blends fresh creativity, traditional culture & knowledge, technology & the digital arts. We make spaces (in both the digital & real world) for artistic expression, cultural celebration & collaboration. Website: https://icmi.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousCultureMediaInnovations LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indigenous-culture-media-innovations/ #Indigenousartist #Indigenous #Indigenouscultures #Indigenousproud 

Dr. Jules Koostachin is an award-winning producer & director who has created numerous documentaries and original narrative films. In this episode, she chats about the importance of story, the protocols surrounding them, and what it means to become part of the next generation of aunties. Many of her films can be found online through her Vimeo page or various streaming services. Jules' Website: https://juleskoostachin.com/ Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user12458695 WaaPaKe: https://www.nfb.ca/film/waapake-tomorrow/ Oshkikishikaw: A New Day - https://gem.cbc.ca/oshkikishikaw-a-new-day ICMI is an artist-run multi-arts organization that blends fresh creativity, traditional culture & knowledge, technology & the digital arts. We make spaces (in both the digital & real world) for artistic expression, cultural celebration & collaboration. Website: https://icmi.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousCultureMediaInnovations LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indigenous-culture-media-innovations/ #Indigenousartist #Indigenous #Indigenouscultures #Indigenousproud 

Liz Barron joins Monique to discuss issues faced by Indigenous artists relating to the creation of their art and the protocols around art-making. Liz is a Producer, Consultant and Arts Manager based in Winnipeg, where she co-founded the Urban Shaman Gallery. Liz has managed several arts and culture not-for-profits, and works with CARFAC, where she's the Indigenous Protocols Program Manager and Podcast Host. https://www.indigenousprotocols.art/liz-barronICMI is an artist-run multi-arts organization that blends fresh creativity, traditional culture & knowledge, technology & the digital arts. We make spaces (in both the digital & real world) for artistic expression, cultural celebration & collaboration. Website: https://icmi.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousCultureMediaInnovations LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indigenous-culture-media-innovations/ #Indigenousartist #Indigenous #Indigenouscultures #Indigenousproud 

 Clayton Windatt is a curator, multi-arts performer and filmmaker living and working in Ontario. As the former Executive Director of the White Water Gallery, Aboriginal Curatorial Collective and current Executive Director of the Artist-Run Centres and Collectives Conference, Clayton has an extensive history working in Artist-Run Culture and Community Arts. Clayton is also active in wrestling, where they are known as Russell Blackwell, aka Rusty Blackwell, the Backwoods Butcher! https://claytonwindatt.com/ https://www.rustyblackwell.com/ ICMI is an artist-run multi-arts organization that blends fresh creativity, traditional culture & knowledge, technology & the digital arts. We make spaces (in both the digital & real world) for artistic expression, cultural celebration & collaboration. Website: https://icmi.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousCultureMediaInnovations LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indigenous-culture-media-innovations/ #Indigenousartist #Indigenous #Indigenouscultures #Indigenousproud 

Jonathan Dewar is the CEO of the FNIGC — the First Nations Information Governance Centre, an independent, apolitical, and technical non-profit organization operating with a special mandate from the Assembly of First Nations’ Chiefs-in-Assembly (Resolution #48, December 2009). In this episode, he chats with Monique about the work they do, the importance of data sovereignty, and how the OCAP Principles are a guide for Indigenous peoples, communities and nations in asserting their rights. FNIGC website: https://fnigc.ca/ ICMI is an artist-run multi-arts organization that blends fresh creativity, traditional culture & knowledge, technology & the digital arts. We make spaces (in both the digital & real world) for artistic expression, cultural celebration & collaboration. Website: https://icmi.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousCultureMediaInnovations LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indigenous-culture-media-innovations/ #Indigenousartist #Indigenous #Indigenouscultures #Indigenousproud 

 In this episode of InDigital Insights, host Monique Manatch continues her conversation with artist Harley Knife. They discuss the importance of stories, identity and culture, and how he seeks to inspire the next generation through imaginative visual storytelling. IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7686533/ ICMI is an artist-run multi-arts organization that blends fresh creativity, traditional culture & knowledge, technology & the digital arts. We make spaces (in both the digital & real world) for artistic expression, cultural celebration & collaboration. Website: https://icmi.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousCultureMediaInnovations LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indigenous-culture-media-innovations/ #Indigenousartist #Indigenous #Indigenouscultures #Indigenousproud 

In this episode of InDigital Insights, host Monique Manatch begins a conversation with artist Harley Knife following almost a decade of working in the 2D Animation industry. They discuss how he ended up in that industry, some details of his journey along the way, and how he seeks to inspire the next generation through imaginative visual storytelling. IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7686533/ ICMI is an artist-run multi-arts organization that blends fresh creativity, traditional culture & knowledge, technology & the digital arts. We make spaces (in both the digital & real world) for artistic expression, cultural celebration & collaboration. Website: https://icmi.ca/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousCultureMediaInnovations LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indigenous-culture-media-innovations/ #Indigenousartist #Indigenous #Indigenouscultures #Indigenousproud 

In this episode of InDigital Insights, host Monique Manatch continues her conversation with Lou-ann Neel. Together, they examine the challenges of Indigenous identity and the “pretendian” phenomenon, reflecting on how colonial systems have shaped recognition and belonging. Lou-ann shares insights on lived experience, community claiming, and reciprocal citizenship, while also addressing systemic inequities in policy and healthcare. Through her creative practice, she demonstrates how art can provide resilience and reframe difficult narratives, offering pathways for future generations to carry cultural knowledge forward.

In this episode of InDigital Insights, host Monique Manatch speaks with Lou-ann Neel, a multidisciplinary artist and curator. They explore her journey through the arts, her role in Indigenous cultural revitalization, and how mentorship and digital tools sustain Indigenous knowledge.

Artist and cultural advocate Lou-ann Neel shares her journey from discovering traditional art as a child to shaping Indigenous governance, copyright reform, and repatriation practices. She reflects on the challenges of working within colonial systems, her decades of nonprofit leadership, and the importance of truth before reconciliation.

Emily Brascoupé-Hoefler, a mixed media and mural artist from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, joins host Monique Manatch to discuss her journey, family collaborations, and the importance of Algonquin art in contemporary spaces. From murals at the Bytown Museum to her permanent installation at the National Arts Centre, Emily shares how tradition, land, and technology shape her work and the collective she formed with her sisters.

In this episode of InDigital Insights, host Monique Manatch sits down with Skawennati, a Mohawk multimedia artist whose work envisions Indigenous peoples in the future through machinima, digital fashion, and storytelling. They discuss her acclaimed exhibition Welcome to the Dreamhouse at the National Gallery of Canada, her reimagining of Haudenosaunee creation stories like She Falls for Ages and Greetings from Skyworld, the superhero transformation of the Three Sisters, and her ongoing exploration of Indigenous futurisms in both virtual and physical spaces.

Jessica Brown, founder of Ujarak Media, shares her inspiring path from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to directing award-winning documentary series for Bell TV1. As a single mother and Inuit filmmaker, she uplifts Indigenous voices through powerful storytelling, remote productions in the Torngat Mountains, and hands-on mentorship of youth in communities like Nain. Her work blends cultural authenticity, community engagement, and cinematic vision—paving the way for the next generation of storytellers.

Kaija Heitland, a Red River Métis artist and entrepreneur from Vancouver Island, shares her journey from tattooing to founding Indigenous Nouveau, a business focused on accessible Indigenous art, ribbon skirts, fabric design, and community empowerment. She discusses Indigenous identity, entrepreneurship, data sovereignty, and ethical digital practices in Indigenous design.

This episode highlights the vibrant creativity and language revitalization work at Kji-Wikuom Studios in Eskasoni. Host Monique Manatch speaks with Jaiden Johnson, Tristan Johnson, and Isaac Jeddore-Gould about how their passion for media and storytelling led them to careers in digital filmmaking, game development, and cultural preservation. They discuss their involvement in producing Mi’kmaq-language content, documenting elders’ stories, streaming community events, and promoting their first full-language video game Kun’tewiktuk: A Mi’kmaw Adventure globally.

Simon Brascoupé, Algonquin artist and educator, discusses the deep cultural roots of Indigenous art, its community-centered and land-based nature, and the importance of birch bark biting, duality, and storytelling in Anishinaabe traditions. He shares personal reflections, family collaborations, and the evolution of traditional practices through digital techniques.

Melanie Sampson, an Indigenous artist and former radio host, shares her creative journey from Labrador to Nova Scotia. From geology to radio to launching a card and digital art business, she discusses turning a lifelong hobby into a sustainable career. Melanie reflects on Indigenous connection, artistic expression, and the power of community-driven creativity.

Suzanne Brant, a Haudenosaunee visual artist and president of FNTI, shares how art, culture, and creation teachings are inseparable in her life and work. From interpreting sky world teachings through beadwork-inspired dot paintings to reflecting on cradleboards, wampum, and ancestral knowledge, Suzanne emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling and intergenerational healing through Indigenous education and artistic practice.

Gloria Jane Bell shares her research into the Vatican's hidden collection of Indigenous art and belongings. From sacred wampum belts to Sundance masks taken during the Potlatch Ban, she highlights issues of colonial theft, misrepresentation, and the need for Indigenous-led restitution efforts.

In this episode, host Monique Manatch speaks with Maritza Louis, a seasoned Indigenous character modeler currently working at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Maritza shares her 20+ year journey through animation, visual effects, and game development, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous representation, STEAM education, and cultural protocol in tech and media spaces. From growing up in the Okanagan to becoming a mentor and advocate for BIPOC artists, Maritza discusses the realities of breaking into animation, overcoming intergenerational trauma, and the power of community-centered storytelling.

In this episode, Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, a storyteller from Nacho Nyak Dun, shares her life’s work preserving and sharing Indigenous oral traditions. She recounts her early experiences recording stories from elders for Yukon land claims, the founding of the Yukon International Storytelling Festival, and the importance of different types of stories—ancestral, regional, community, family, and personal. Louise emphasizes that stories are living, adaptive, and often teach through humor, symbolism, and layered meaning. She explains how storytelling strengthens memory, builds community, and maintains cultural connection, especially among Elders.

In this episode of InDigital Insights, Mi’kmaw storyteller Ivan J. White joins host Monique Manatch to explore the philosophical and political dimensions of Indigenous knowledge, AI, and intergenerational survival. They discuss the limits of artificial intelligence in replicating creativity, the risks of commodifying Indigenous culture, and the long-term effects of colonial systems. Ivan shares stories from Flat Bay, speaks to language revitalization, and reflects on survival amidst systemic erasure. The conversation highlights the urgency of storytelling as a vessel for cultural resilience and stewardship.

In this episode of InDigital Insights, host Monique Manatch speaks with Ivan J. White—Mi’kmaw musician, writer, filmmaker, and storyteller from Flat Bay, Newfoundland. Ivan reflects on his path into storytelling, rooted in a critical moment during school when colonial narratives misrepresented Mi’kmaw history. Through writing, music, and filmmaking, Ivan works to preserve community memory and reclaim truth, often challenging historical fabrications. He shares how early access to books and family support in music helped shape his voice, and how community-driven filmmaking became a tool for both healing and documentation. They also discuss cultural representation, language loss and revitalization, and the tensions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous storytelling approaches.

In this episode of InDigital Insights, Monique Manatch interviews Alanis Obomsawin, discussing the power of storytelling and its connection to Indigenous languages and cultures. They explore how traditional oral storytelling techniques vary among nations and reflect cultural distinctiveness, the challenges of translating Indigenous concepts into Western frameworks, and the role of respect and listening in documentary filmmaking. Alanis reflects on her experiences growing up, cultural preservation, and the impact of digital tools like video games and AI in revitalizing Indigenous languages and narratives. The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling in cultural continuity and education, and the progress made in representing Indigenous voices in media.

In this episode of InDigital Insights, Algonquin Anishinaabe author, artist, and advocate Lynn Gehl joins host Monique Manatch to discuss Indigenous knowledge, artistic practice, and resistance through creative expression. Lynn shares her journey as an artist and activist, including her legal battle in Gehl v. Canada, her exploration of traditional forms like petroforms, wampum belts, and birch bark scrolls, and the deep teachings found in Indigenous symbolic literacy. Her art is a blend of traditional, political, and digital forms rooted in Anishinaabe teachings. The conversation also explores the role of heart knowledge, cultural protocols, and the evolving responsibilities of Indigenous artists and thinkers in the digital age.

 In this episode of InDigital Insights, host Monique Manatch speaks with Evan Butler, a filmmaker and artist whose work explores identity, heritage, and self-expression through digital media. Evan discusses his journey from traditional art to digital tools and the role of storytelling in cultural preservation. He shares experiences from teaching animation and filmmaking, his involvement in Indigenous cultural revitalization, and his documentary projects capturing community narratives. The conversation also touches on the intersection of Indigenous culture, digital artistry, and emerging technologies like AI in cultural preservation. 

In this episode of InDigital Insights, Monique Manatch speaks with Steve Diabo, an interactive artist and creative technologist. Steve shares his journey of integrating technology with Indigenous storytelling through his art installations, like Ancestor's Gate, which won the New Artist in Digital and Interactive Award at the ImagineNative Festival. He reflects on reconnecting with his community, embracing his identity, and using digital tools to promote Indigenous culture. Steve also discusses the potential of video games as a medium to teach sustainable living and Indigenous values, highlighting his vision for a survival game that blends traditional knowledge with modern technology.

Monique Manatch hosts Wes Day, a multimedia artist and founder of Fresh Shift Productions, on InDigital Insights. The conversation covers Wes’s filmmaking journey, from his start with community media to creating culturally significant content. They discuss the evolution of technology in storytelling, the importance of capturing Indigenous traditions, and the interplay between digital media and Indigenous knowledge. Wes reflects on his experiences working with elders, mentoring youth, and his creative philosophy, emphasizing authenticity and connection to land and community.

In this episode of InDigital Insights features Monique Manatch in conversation with Scott Benesiinaabandan, a contemporary Indigenous visual artist. They discuss Scott's journey from photography to experimental media, his engagement with Indigenous language and politics, and the intersection of digital artistry and cultural reclamation. Topics include the use of technology like VR in storytelling, the role of language in shaping worldview, and the challenges of digital sovereignty. The episode reflects on the evolving role of art in reclaiming Indigenous narratives and its resonance across global communities.

In this episode of InDigital Insights, Monique Manatch speaks with Aerial Sunday-Cardinal, a multidisciplinary artist from Goodfish Lake. They discuss the intersections of Indigenous culture, art, and digital technology. Key topics include the reclamation of traditional knowledge, the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities, and the integration of cultural values into digital and artistic practices. Aerial shares her journey of preserving oral traditions and the challenges of ensuring cultural protocols in artistic representation.

In this episode of InDigital Insights, Monique Manatch interviews Jackie Fawn, a self-taught Indigenous artist. Jackie discusses her journey from childhood creativity to becoming a digital media artist dedicated to cultural preservation and activism. She shares experiences from pivotal moments like Standing Rock, where her art became a tool for creative resistance and intertribal solidarity. Jackie highlights the importance of storytelling, healing, and education through art, emphasizing its role in addressing social and environmental justice issues. She also touches on her projects, including educational resources like coloring books and her comic series Rez Days, aimed at fostering awareness of Native issues and encouraging critical thinking among youth.

In this episode of InDigital Insights, hosted by Monique Manatch, features Cora Kavyaktok, photographer and owner of Lil Inuk Photography. Cora shares her journey from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, to Alberta, and her mission to celebrate and preserve Inuit culture through art. She discusses the Inuit Tattoo Revitalization Project, which reclaims traditional tattooing practices once suppressed by colonization, and her role in capturing these profound cultural moments. Cora also introduces her Gold Series, showcasing Inuit women in gold, symbolizing resilience and pride. Her work bridges traditional knowledge and modern artistry, creating powerful narratives of healing and cultural reclamation.

In this episode of InDigital Insights, Monique Manatch interviews Inuk digital artist Gabriel Uqaituk. Gabriel reveals his process of transforming photographs into abstract art using Inuit cultural symbols, blending tradition with technology. Together, they discuss the role of digital tools in preserving Indigenous knowledge, protocols around art and storytelling, and the importance of respecting cultural values in the digital realm.

In this episode of InDigital Insights, host Monique Manatch interviews Steven Loft, an esteemed Indigenous curator and cultural leader, about the evolution of Indigenous arts and the impact of digital technology. Steven reflects on his journey through key roles in art galleries, Indigenous arts organizations, and advocacy for decolonization. Together, they explore digital innovation's role in cultural expression and the challenges of maintaining sovereignty in a rapidly changing world. #IndigenousArt #InDigitalInsights #Decolonization #DigitalCulture

Monique and T.Jay talk about T.Jay's work in video game design, VR and web design. They also talk about the problematics of internet data when it comes to AI, stewardship, copyrights and digital likenesses.   

Rae shares her animation work with us and talks about her pathway to studying at Sheridan College in Toronto. 

Ovi shares his work with us and gives us a tutorial on how to create digital drawings for print. To follow along with Ovi's tutorial, visit https://icmi.ca/insights/ 

Monique and Kahentawaks talk about the locative natures of Indigenous languages, digital tools, language education through video game making and rez cats.  

Monique talks with Jesse Wente. 

Monique and Dominic talk about Dominic's recent exhibitions, politics, pretendians and comedy in art.  

Michelle Sylliboy talks to us about her work, the carving of her whale bone pieces, Mi'kmaq hieroglyphs, and working with community. 

Monique Manatch interviews Nova Courchene about her work in illustratrion, theatre and education. To view Nova's artist talk and examples of her work, please visit www.icmi.ca. 

Rose Stiffarm talks about her path and creative process in videography and documentary filmmaking.  

Monique and Archer talk about performance art, AI and protocols. 

Theo Cuthand shares his work with us.  You can follow along to Theo's tutorials by going to www.icmi.ca/indigital_insights

Monique Manatch interviews Ann Doyon.