Shawn Cuthand, a Cree and Mohawk multi-hyphenate artist, embarks on a 12-week residency as the University of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous storyteller-in-residence. His multifaceted career encompasses writing, comedy, producing, acting, and directing, all geared towards amplifying Indigenous voices and narratives. Cuthand’s residency aims to empower students interested in the entertainment industry, demonstrating the viability of pursuing creative careers within Saskatchewan. He seeks to provide practical guidance and mentorship, drawing from his extensive experience in various creative fields. Alongside his residency, Cuthand maintains his commitment to his comedic pursuits and his work with the satirical news group, “The Feather News,” which is slated for a second season on APTN in 2025 after winning the APTN/ImagineNative web series pitch competition. Cuthand champions Saskatchewan as a hub for creative endeavors, emphasizing his dedication to cultivating the local film industry.
Cuthand’s residency encompasses a comprehensive approach to storytelling, including writing, producing, and directing for television. He prioritizes accessibility and encourages students to overcome their reservations about sharing their stories, fostering an environment of open expression and creative exploration. His mentorship extends beyond technical skills, emphasizing the importance of courage and vulnerability in artistic endeavors. This resonates with a broader national movement among Indigenous leaders dedicated to uplifting Indigenous youth artists and strengthening the overall Indigenous community. Cuthand’s efforts are part of a collective endeavor to create space for Indigenous narratives and perspectives in the broader cultural landscape.
Cuthand’s work aligns with national efforts to empower Indigenous voices, as exemplified by Deloitte Canada’s report, “Voices of Indigenous Youth Leaders on Reconciliation.” This report highlights four key areas for action in advancing Indigenous sovereignty: Indigenous Peoples and Land, Self-Governance, Nationhood, and Truth-telling and Learning. Indigenous youth visions for a future recognizing their sovereignty emphasize self-expression, cultural affirmation, effective governance leading to community well-being, sustainable land practices rooted in Indigenous leadership, and nation-to-nation interaction with governments. This underscores the importance of Indigenous self-determination and the need for respectful collaboration between Indigenous communities and governmental bodies.
The report emphasizes the interconnectedness of identity, culture, and sovereignty in the aspirations of Indigenous youth. It calls for action that supports the full realization of Indigenous potential, respects cultural values, and upholds the sovereignty of Indigenous communities. This includes recognizing and valuing traditional knowledge and practices, promoting self-governance and self-determination, and establishing equitable relationships between Indigenous nations and governments. The youth envision a future where their identities are celebrated, their communities thrive under their own governance, and their relationship with the land is honored and respected.
Byron Jackson, director of Nation Building Advisory Services and a member of the Piikani Nation, reinforces the significance of the report’s findings. He emphasizes the evolving understanding of sovereignty as encompassing deep connections with the land and all living things. This perspective highlights the holistic worldview of Indigenous communities, where sovereignty extends beyond political control to encompass the spiritual and ecological realms. Jackson underscores the importance of sharing Indigenous stories and values in all their forms, including artistic expression, as a vital component of achieving reconciliation and fostering intercultural understanding.
Shawn Cuthand embodies this commitment to sharing Indigenous stories, both through his artistic endeavors and his mentorship of emerging artists. His residency at the University of Saskatchewan provides a platform for nurturing the next generation of Indigenous storytellers and fostering intercultural dialogue within the province. He contributes to a broader movement that recognizes the power of storytelling to reshape narratives, challenge stereotypes, and promote greater understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. By empowering Indigenous youth to share their voices, Cuthand and others are helping to build a future where Indigenous cultures are celebrated, respected, and understood. His work reflects the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and the vital role that art and storytelling play in bridging divides and fostering a more just and equitable society.
