Today brought the summer solstice -- the longest day of the year. Here, the sun rose at 5:18 AM and set at 9:00 PM -- just shy of 16 hours of daylight. I didn't say sunshine, since today was quite cloudy with rain. When I walked home last evening, I noted that even around 10 PM, the sky was still bluish and not as black as it gets later in the night. The few days around the solstice are filled with light -- something that brings hope and a sense of calm. The part of this that can feel less pleasant is that days begin to be shorter for the next six months <smile>.
Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day on the summer solstice. This is a day to acknowledge, and celebrate the contributions of the many First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. The Google doodle today did this by highlighting the artistic works of Norvil Morriseau, whose Anishnaabe name translated to Copper Thunderbird. His works started the Woodland style seen in many Ojibwa-Cree artists' works. His paintings of animals and human figures are amazing with bright colours and black outlines, that have been likened to stained glass.
Many indigenous musicians have been part of the Canadian and global scene for decades. Robbie Robertson, Buffy St. Marie, Kashtin and Alan Syllaboy to name just a few. I chose a younger female artist to highlight in the blog today. She was born in my home town, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Her name is Jerilyn Snuxyaltwa Webster with lineage from the Onondaga and Nuxalk Nations. She records under a stage name. Her lyrics speak to empowerment of indigenous peoples with a particular focus on women. She does hip hop, spoken word and soul-like pieces. I chose one with a title that reflects indigenous roots but also highlights female empowerment as she states with the phrase 'Righteous Empowered Daughter.' Keep safe. Enjoy!
Mom always said the year I was born it was a very long day lol
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