Episode 154 with Shelley Niro and Indigenous Heritage Through Art and Cinema

Rue Atateken

In this captivating episode, Alexandre and André welcome Shelley Niro, a renowned artist from the Turtle Clan of the Mohawk Nation of the Six Nations, for an in-depth discussion about her artistic journey and contributions to Indigenous culture. Shelley talks about her latest film, Café Daughter, a work that will be showcased at the Montreal First Peoples Festival.

She also shares her creative process and the challenges faced during the making of this film inspired by Ken Williams' play. The film explores themes of identity and reconnection with Indigenous roots through the touching story of Lillian Dyck.

In addition to her cinematic work, Shelley discusses her exhibition at the National Gallery entitled 500 Years of Failure, which plays on the title of Billy Wilder's classic film, Seven Years of Itch. Her art, often marked by humor and depth, continues to evoke strong reflections and emotions.

Join us to discover Shelley's thoughts on the evolution of Indigenous art and its positive influence on the community, while exploring her future projects and sources of inspiration.

Biography:

Shelley Niro was born in Niagara Falls, NY. Currently she lives in Brantford Ontario. Niro is a member of the Six Nations Reserve, Bay of Quinte Mohawk, Turtle Clan. Shelley Niro is a multi-media artist. Her work involves photography, painting, beadwork and film. Niro is conscious the impact post-colonial mediums have had on Indigenous people. Like many artists from different Native communities, she works relentlessly presenting people in realistic and explorative portrayals. Photo series such as Mohawks in Beehives, This land is mime land and M : Stories of women are a few of the genre of artwork. Films include: Honey Moccasin, It starts with a whisper, The shirt, Kissed by lightning and Robert’s painting. Shelley graduated from the Ontario College of Art, Honours and received her Master of Fine Art from the University of Western Ontario. Niro was the inaugural recipient of the Aboriginal Arts Award presented through the Ontario Arts Council in 2012. In 2017, Niro received the Govenor General’s Award for the Arts from the Canada Council, The Scotiabank Photography Award and also received from the Hnatyshyn Foundation REVEAL Award. Niro also received the Arts and Culture Award from the Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation. Niro continues to produce work reflecting herself and her community.