Art, representation and the importance of seeing yourself reflected in popular culture

Whether it's through comic books, music, or literature, Indigenous artists are finding their voice. This week on Unreserved, how Indigenous artists are reinforcing the presence of their own stories and characters in creative fields where they have often been left out. 

Marvel Comics' new superhero is an Inuk teen who goes by the name Snowguard. Nyla Innuksuk, who is herslef Inuk, consulted with Marvel's Jim Zub to create the character. 

Andrew Morrison from The Jerry Cans, says the band created a new record label, Aakuluk Music, to help up-and-coming Inuit artists record and release their music. One of the artists they've signed is ukulele-playing musician Aasiva. 

Aviaq Johnston was an avid reader as a child, but didn't see many Inuit characters in the stories she read. She decided to change that, and her debut YA novel Those Who Run in the Sky is getting a lot of attention. 

Haida/Cree singer-songwriter Kristi Lane Sinclair was inspired by grunge and indie rock for her new album, The Ability To Judge Distance. 

Last year, Vancouver put out a call for the first ever Indigenous poet laureate, a title that was awarded to Musqueam hip hop artist Christie Charles, who goes by the stage name, Miss Christie Lee. 

This Week's Playlist: 

A Tribe Called Red featuring Tanya Tagaq - Sila 

The Jerry Cans - Nirliit 

Aasiva - I Love Music 

Kristi Lane Sinclair - Fire in Santa Fe