Theory Of Ice — with Leanne Betasamosake Simpson

Below the Radar invites Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, writer and artist Leanne Betasamosake Simpson into conversation about her latest album, Theory Of Ice, as a thinking through of water as a connector. She talks with host Am Johal about covering Willie Dunn’s “I Pity the Country,” and how her work aligns with, and is inspired by, a long tradition of Indigenous musicians and activists. Leanne speaks to her artistic and academic work as being underpinned by a deep love of the land, and the land as a site of knowledge production. She shares some of her experiences working with the Dechinta Centre for Research & Learning on land-based education in Denendeh. We also learn about some of Leanne’s exciting collaborative works, from artistic collaborations with filmmakers and visual artists to Leanne’s work with Robyn Maynard on "Rehearsals for Living," a book forthcoming from Knopf Canada in 2022. Thank you to Leanne for the use of her recording of Willie Dunn's "I Pity the Country," from "Theory Of Ice," for this episode. Full episode details: https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/episodes/122-leanne-betasamosake-simpson.html Read the transcript: https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/transcripts/122-leanne-betasamosake-simpson.html Resources: — leannesimpson.ca — leannesimpsonmusic.com — "Theory Of Ice" album by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson: https://youvechangedrecords.com/product/leanne-betasamosake-simpson-theory-of-ice/ — “I Pity the Country” cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DUV60wpmgk — "The Ballad of Crowfoot", an NFB film by Willie Dunn: https://www.nfb.ca/film/ballad_of_crowfoot/ — "Viscosity" video collaboration with Sandra Brewester: https://youtu.be/Gf0TzU9wCPU — "Solidification ᒪᔥᑲᐗᒋ 凝" video collaboration with Sammy Chien: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA70--wIbbQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt — More films and music videos: http://www.leannesimpsonmusic.com/videos — "Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies" by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson: https://houseofanansi.com/products/noopiming — "As We Have Always Done" by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson: https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/as-we-have-always-done — "A Short History of the Blockade" by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson: https://www.uap.ualberta.ca/titles/986-9781772125382-short-history-of-the-blockade — "Rehearsals for Living", forthcoming from Leanne Betasamosake Simpson and Robyn Maynard: https://www.transatlanticagency.com/2020/12/11/deal-news-canadian-rights-to-rehearsals-for-living-by-robyn-maynard-and-leanne-betasamosake-simpson-to-knopf-canada/ Bio: Leanne Betasamosake Simpson is a renowned Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg musician, writer and academic, who has been widely recognized as one of the most compelling Indigenous voices of her generation. Her work breaks open the boundaries between story and song—bringing audiences into a rich and layered world of sound, light, and sovereign creativity. Cite this episode: Chicago Style Johal, Am. “Theory of Ice — with Leanne Betasamosake Simpson” Below the Radar, SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement. Podcast audio, May 26, 2021. https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/episodes/122-leanne-betasamosake-simpson.html