Dr. Duke Redbird
Dr. Duke Redbird, Elder, Wisdom Keeper, activist, educator, and artist. With a legacy stretching back to the 1960s, he is a pillar of First Nations literature in Canada, and has practiced a number of art disciplines including: rap poetry, painting, theatre, and film. He was a trailblazer throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, giving voice to Indigenous people at major 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 the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University in 2013. Duke Redbird is also featured on Native North America which received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Historical Album in December 2015.
Duke is currently recording with Sultans of String, and occupies the position of Elder with the following organizations: Myseum Toronto, The Toronto Biennial, Summer Works, Banff Leaders Lab, and Artist in Residence with the Urban Indigenous Education Centre at the Toronto District School Board.
Curator's Comments
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Speak Up! is curated by David McLeod (member of the Pine Creek First Nation, MB), Indigenous programming consultant.