AUNTIE: Wa’tkwanonhweráton Sewakwé:kon. On this edition of The Aunties Dandelion – we visit with Six Nations of the Grand River, Kanyen’kehà:ka Auntie Elizabeth Doxtater – also known as Betts. Betts is an artist, author, corn husk doll maker and educator focused on restoring responsibilities and action for all involved in the treaties that exist on Turtle Island. Her art and writings are provocative and full of great love. She’s reimagined and repurposed the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh and other European artists while establishing a vast body of original work that brings important perspective, protest, and clarity. BETTS: So it’s just – quit taking from us. Quit taking from us. This is like a very silent and hopefully beautiful way to protest. AUNTIE: After a devastating car accident years ago, Betts began making corn husk dolls in intricate detail as a way to heal her body and mind and now uses the dolls to explore the dynamic teachings of our Rotinonhsyón:ni confederacy. BETTS: We are at a really important place in history now because what they tried to destroy is still here is salvageable, it is healable right? And so that is where we are. AUNTIE: Betts says that when we speak to each other, our words should go into each other’s ears like drops of medicine – and that is exactly my experience as I visit with her. I’m Kahstoserakwathe and we are Yéthi Nihsténha ne Tekarónyakénare. The Aunties Dandelion. We’re focused on revitalizing our communities through stories of land, language, and relationships. And we want to say Nyá:wenkò:wa – or big thanks – to Canada’s Indigenous Screen Office – teyonhkiwihstekénha – for making this podcast possible through their New Media fund. We make space here for real conversations to unfold like we’re visiting in our communities. So take a breath, make some tea – and listen to your Aunties. And when you are done – please follow us, provide some feedback, and share these visits with others. It helps us continue these visits together.
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Article: Exploring the Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession through Rotinonhsyón:ni Art.