Programmed by the Native Arts & Cultures Foundation, seven Native American artists share their perspectives through their art. The first half of the program will focus on the individual artists through film, art, performance and stories.
Topics in the panel discussion include an exploration on how the artists’ work address issues around visibility, identity, essentialism and stereotype. The discussion will also focus on how the artists’ work addresses justice issues that affect Native communities locally.
Cassandra Frost, Actress, Member of The Cheyenne River Sioux of South Dakota
Anthony Hudson, Multidisciplinary/Performer, Grand Ronde
LaRonn Katchia, Filmmaker, Tribal member Warm Springs Indian Reservation
At We Can Listen, we strive to build community, educate, and share the positive impact that truly listening to diverse voices can have on us all. Through a cultural intersection of storytelling, film, music, and personal expression we support individuals and grass roots organizations as they raise their voices on compelling social justice issues Portlanders have demonstrated are important to them. We hope these personal stories will reach audiences they haven’t reached before, and provide the opportunity, for all who hear them, to increase their understanding of issues that require action and awareness in our greater community.
Moderated by Grammy-nominated local recording artist and theatrical performer Julianne R. Johnson, each We Can Listen event explores a topic of current, social, political, or environmental importance in an atmosphere of trust and respect for both speakers and audience alike. The We Can Listen production team acts as a supportive base by providing stage, format, and promotion for local organizations as they design their own program to specifically address their concerns and causes in a way that is meaningful for them. Whatever issue is topical for the presenters is what our audience hears, and they hear it from the presenter’s perspective.
