KANAKIYOST: art, identity, and belonging

All her life, Lynn Taylor, whose Oneida name is Kanakiyost, expressed herself through beautiful drawings and paintings. Despite her talent, she kept her art private, sharing it only with close family and friends. Lynn is an urban Indigenous woman and the daughter of a residential school survivor. She lives between two worlds—mainstream society and her family connection to the reserve. When her mother passes away, Lynn loses her strongest connection to her heritage. Seeking both healing and purpose, Lynn must confront her anxieties. She steps out of her comfort zone to form a group of like-minded people with the goal to bring Indigenous knowledge and culture to the city. As Lynn reclaims her roots, she finds creative inspiration in her culture’s stories, struggles, and beauty. The community she’s built and the people she’s inspired encourage and support her to finally take a bold step she never imagined possible—she exhibits her artwork publicly. This act not only changes the course of her life but furthers her goal to help all people understand and appreciate Indigenous cultures.

Featuring the art of Lynn Taylor, Tawny Mestecanean, Skinny Davis, and Norval Morrisseau, and the music of Dwayne LaForme’s Boogie Blues and eaoh Argos, with a film score composed by singer-songwriter Arlene Paculan.

SUBJECTS: Indigenous Peoples (First Nations), Urban Indigeneity, Mixed Heritage, Cultural Identity, Reclaiming Identity, Portrait of an Artist, Indigenous Art, Truth and Reconciliation, Intergenerational Trauma and Resilience, The Eighth Fire, Mental Health, Government Policy Impacts and Outcomes