Introductions
My name is Lajah Warren (she/her). I am from the lək’ʷəniʔən territory, otherwise known as Songhees and Esquimalt Nations on Vancouver Island. I am an Indigiqueer woman, of mixed heritage (both Indigenous and settler descent). I have Cree and Métis heritage from my Kookum’s family. On my mother’s side, we are Icelandic, French, Scottish, and English. My educational background is in Child and Youth Care (with an Indigenous specialization) and most of my professional work has focused on social care, Indigenous sovereignty, land-based relationships, counseling, and Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer care. In all of these roles, I have always found ways to bring art into the work. In this, I always found that art drives community, and community drives artwork.
Art as Dialogue
My artwork is a living representation of my healing journey. I create ‘imperfect art’ and create for the healing process instead of the final product. So, my art practice allows me to explore themes of community, storytelling, self-reflection, activism, land-based relations, and allyship. My art is not meant to be an aesthetic, but a dialogue that will create a community of both people who can personally relate with the themes shared in my work, and for the people who have no relations with it at all. My art is a starting point for the Circle I intend to create. It is my form of questioning. It is my way of understanding the world. It is my act of resistance.
Art as Resistance
While my art is a way of healing, it is also a way for me to cope with the injustices that happen daily for Indigenous peoples. It is my way of sharing our stories of strength and resistance. It carries with it both hope and struggle. I have deep gratitude for all the creative ancestors that have put their lives on the frontlines to keep our practices alive. I am here to start a dialogue. I am here to start a rebellion, showing people that Indigenous artwork is not only alive, but it is challenging the systems of oppression that never allowed us to take up space.