Landspeak 2022 – Visit / Cruinniú / Kiyokēwin
In collaboration with the UCD Centre for Canadian Studies, Cheryl L’Hirondelle, Canadian Ambassador Nancy Smyth and David Stanton TD, Chair of the Ireland Canada Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group, ICUF was involved in the organisation of Landspeak: Visit / Cruinniú / Kiyokēwin to welcome to Ireland a delegation of Indigenous artists from Canada in November 2022.
The delegation comprised of Louise B. Halfe (Cree Poet Laureate of Canadian Parliament, Saddle Lake First Nation), Joseph Naytowhow (Cree knowledge-keeper, singer and storyteller, Sturgeon Lake First Nation), and Brian Solomon (choreographer and dancer, of Anishinaabe and Irish heritage).
The delegation was warmly received at Áras an Uachtaráin by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins (pictured above). Louise Halfe read from her work, gifted a signed collection to President Higgins, and Joseph Naytowhow shared a Cree song. They discussed shared cultural values, environmental stewardship, and the importance of Indigenous languages.
At University College Dublin, Dr. Paul Halferty convened Landspeak: Poetry and Music from Ireland and Turtle Island/Canada, an event which brought Louise Halfe together with Irish-language poet Dr. Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh. Together, they shared poetry in Cree, Irish, and English, reflecting on the power of Indigenous languages and their poetic connections to the land.
At the invitation of David Stanton TD, the delegation attended a formal reception at the Houses of the Oireachtas (National Legislature). Louise Halfe and the Landspeak delegation were welcomed by Deputy Stanton and Senator Mark Daly, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, where Louise shared her poetry. Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, the Ceann Comhairle, offered an official welcome from the floor of the Dáil Chamber, marking a memorable moment in Landspeak 2022.
Pictured at the visit to the Kindred Spirits sculpture in Midleton, Cork are, from left to right:
Brian Solomon, Joseph Naytowhow, Peter Butt, Louise Halfe, James Kelly, Paul Halferty