DUKE REDBIRD, Winner

2020 ARTS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD

“Dr. Duke Redbird is an elder, poet, activist, and artist. With a legacy stretching back to the 1960s, he is a pillar of First Nations literature in Canada, and has practiced a number of art disciplines including poetry, painting, theatre, and film. He was a trailblazer throughout the 60’s and 70’s giving voice to Indigenous people at major institutions and folk festivals across the country. From 1994-2009, he was an arts & entertainment reporter for CITY TV in Toronto.

He holds a Master’s degree from York University and received an Honorary Doctorate from the ONtario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University in 2013. Duke Redbird is also featured on Native North America which received a Grammy Award nomination for best historical album in 2015.

Duke recently recorded his poem The Power of the Land with The Sultans of String.

He occupies the position as Elder with the following organizations: Myseum Toronto The Toronto Biennial, Summer Works, the Toronto Arts Council’s Banff Leaders Lab, and is Artist in Residence with the Urban Indigenous Education Centre at the Toronto District School Board.”

- JAYU