We are living in tremendously uncertain times and this month’s guest, artist Yvette Molina, reminds us through her expansive work of the relationship between justice and care. Yvette is Mexican-American of Chippewa of Turtle Mountain descent who is currently artist-in-residence at the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her collaborative exhibition, A PROMISE TO THE LEAVES, centers the four elements: earth, air, water, fire, and a fifth presence, the cosmos. By focusing on these ancient, essential forces, Molina invites us to remember that humans, plants, and all earthly beings are composed of star matter and sustained by the elements. Her work encourages us to understand care as inherently relational. Care for one another, human and non-human alike, is care for ourselves and all of creation.

Yvette’s artistic practice is rooted in community engagement and activism - through processional banners, ritual, storytelling, costumes, collage, painting, and sculpture. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Stockholm Fringe Festival, the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, Arsenal Contemporary Art, SPRING/BREAK Art Show, NADA FAIR, and the Legion of Honor and de Young Museums in California. She currently lives and creates in Oakland, California.

Nyá:wen to Indigenous Screen Office for supporting these important stories!

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Our Aunties Emergent mentoring program returns as guest host Alex Jacobs-Blum Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ (Cayuga), Wolf Clan, Six Nations of the Grand River visits with Grandmother Renée Thomas-Hill Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk), Turtle Clan, Six Nations of the Grand River

As a Haudenosaunee woman, Grandmother Renee Thomas Hill carries the deep responsibility of upholding and sharing the teachings of “Our” Way of Life, guided by peace, power, and righteousness. Renee is founder of Grandmother’s Voice, a visionary Indigenous organization that aims to unite Indigenous voices while extending a warm invitation to individuals from all directions.

Renee is an auntie and grandmother to many and reminds us how the natural world cares deeply for us. “Right now it's the frogs that are singing and oh gosh, I get all excited hearing the frogs, and then when I wake up and I hear the birds singing, that's my medicine, says Grandmother Renee, “They're taking care of me. They're looking after me. The sun rises and it's taking care of me. So just those moments, slowing down and just appreciating everything that's around you is that medicine that builds up your immune system.”

Alex Jacobs-Blum (she/her) is a Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ (Cayuga) and German visual artist and curator living in Hamilton, ON. Her research focuses on Indigenous futures and accessing embodied ancestral Hodinöhsö:ni’ knowledge. The core of her practice and methodology is a strong foundation in community building, fostering relationships, empowering youth, and Indigenizing institutional spaces. Her creative process is rooted in storytelling and challenging hierarchical power structures. Alex endeavours to facilitate transformative change infused with love and care.

Check out our February interview with Alex as our guest!

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