For Saulteaux artist Robert Houle, art has always been political.

From the Indian Act to the Oka Crisis and more, Houle has spent his career using his art to address the injustices facing Indigenous communities. Host Shelby Lisk explores how Houle’s artwork emphasizes the importance of Land as a spiritual and political legacy for Indigenous peoples. She speaks with Shirley Madill, executive director of the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, and author of ‘Robert Houle: Life & Work.’

This episode mentions residential schools. The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their Residential school experience. 1-800-721-0066. Please take care while listening.

To view the art referenced in this episode: https://www.tvo.org/article/the-art-of-sovereignty

Robert Houle: Life and Work by Shirley Madill: https://www.aci-iac.ca/art-books/robert-houle/

To listen to the full 2015 interview with Robert Houle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNdigmKB7So

Credits:

Oka Crisis: How It Started - The National/CBC/youtube.com

Robert Houle, visual artist and 2015 Canada Council laureate - Derreck Roemer/The Canada Council for the Arts/youtube.com 

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