Holly Doll, a distinguished artist and citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, embodies the intersection of cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expression. Specializing in Lakota beadwork and quillwork, Holly's artistic journey commenced at the tender age of two under the tutelage of her mother, instilling in her a deep respect for cultural values that inform her work today. As the Program Director for Ignite Rural and a Program Manager at Arts Midwest, she engages in pivotal efforts to support artists and communities, particularly through collaboration with the Waterers, a collective dedicated to disrupting conventional philanthropy. In this episode, we delve into Holly's multifaceted career, exploring her influences, the role of grief in shaping her path, and the importance of self-care amidst community engagement. We invite you to join us as we uncover the profound insights and experiences that Holly shares, illuminating the vibrant connection between art, culture, and community support.

Takeaways:

• Holly Doll's artistic journey began at a remarkably young age, influenced profoundly by her mother, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for Lakota beadwork and quillwork.
• As a citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Holly Doll embodies the intersection of traditional artistry and contemporary expression, enriching her community through cultural work.
• Her professional endeavors span over a decade in arts and culture nonprofits, showcasing her commitment to fostering local power and supporting artists within her community.
• Holly's experiences illustrate the importance of community connections; she emphasizes the collective nature of grief and healing within Indigenous cultures.
• Through her work with the Waterers, Holly engages in radical philanthropy, challenging conventional approaches to support and empowering marginalized voices.
• Holly encourages the younger generation to embrace their fears, to follow their passions, and to prioritize self-care as they navigate their unique journeys.

In this engaging conversation, Aiko Little shares their journey as a writer and actor, discussing their influences, career development, and the importance of creating opportunities for themself and others. They emphasizes the significance of pursuing education and passion, while also encouraging young creatives to embrace their unique paths. Aiko reflects on their experiences in the foster care system and how they shaped their perspective on success and storytelling. The discussion concludes with Aiko's advice for the next generation and their aspirations for the future.

Takeaways:

• Aiko Little emphasizes the importance of pursuing education and passion as foundational elements for personal and professional growth.
• Their journey through the foster care system profoundly shaped their understanding of success and the nature of storytelling.
• In thier role within the Writers Guild, they advocates for amplifying indigenous voices in the creative industry, striving for inclusivity and representation.
• Aiko encourages young creatives to embrace their unique paths and pursue opportunities that may initially seem out of reach.
• They reflect on how their influences, including matriarchs and comedic figures, have shaped their artistic voice and perspective.
• Aiko aspires to create formalized training opportunities for indigenous youth, highlighting the necessity of mentorship and support.

Links referenced in this episode:

• elevenwarriorarts.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Writers Guild of America
• Amazon
• Wong Fu Productions
• Starkid Productions
• American Conservatory Theater
• Tia LeClaire

Penny Kagigebi, a queer 2-Spirit artist of White Earth Ojibwe heritage, has dedicated her life to the intersection of queer activism and cultural healing. In our conversation, we explore her commitment to preserving the endangered art forms of porcupine quillwork and birchbark basketry, while also addressing the critical question of what it means to keep these traditions alive in contemporary society. Since her previous appearance on our podcast, Penny has been remarkably active, receiving numerous accolades and fellowships that underscore her impactful work in the community. We explore her recent exhibition, "Queering Indigeneity," which not only showcases her artistry but also serves as a platform for intergenerational knowledge transfer among Indigenous artists. Join us as we reflect on Penny's journey and the vital role that art plays in cultural reclamation and community healing.

Takeaways:

1. Penny Kagigebi's artistic journey embodies the intersection of queer activism and cultural healing through endangered Indigenous art forms.
2. The exhibition 'Queering Indigeneity' serves as a platform for two spirit artists to reclaim cultural narratives and foster community connections.
3. Penny emphasizes the importance of mentorship and intergenerational knowledge transfer among Indigenous artists to ensure the survival of cultural practices.
4. Through her artwork, Penny aims to facilitate healing and remembrance within the community by integrating significant cultural teachings and values.
5. The collaborative nature of the exhibition highlights the transformative power of art in creating spaces of acceptance and belonging for two spirit individuals.
6. Penny's commitment to community engagement reflects a desire to empower Indigenous youth and nurture the next generation of artists in their cultural practices.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Region 2 Arts Council
2. Anishinaabe Arts Initiative
3. Lake Regions Art Council
4. Minnesota State Arts Board
5. First People's Funds
6. Cultural Capital
7. Emerging Curators Institute
8. Manoomin Arts Initiative
9. Minnesota AIDS Project
10. Indigenous People's Task Force
11. Art of the Rural
12. Textile Center