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Indigenous oral testimony inspires student artwork
INDG 462: Indigenous Oral Testimony: Theory, Practice, Purpose, Community is an engaging course at Simon Fraser University (SFU) where students learn about Indigenous Testimonio/y, or personal experience stories, as part of a classroom community.
Through teaching the course, SFU Indigenous Studies professor annie ross introduces students to justice work in Indigenous communities. “Testimonio/y is the recitation of facts based upon personal experience and witness, ones’ responses to event(s), involves reciprocal trust, is grass-roots driven, and is ultimately to promote and actualize justice and peace,” ross explains.
An artist and poet, ross encourages her students to express themselves and engage in important community and social issues through making their own creative projects and artwork.
Thank you to the following students who participated in INDG 462 in Spring 2026 for sharing their creative talents and personal reflections with our community.
Justine Smoke
Skano, Neh Gyatso Gwah;wah;dah;doha;dèh!
Hello my name is Justine Smoke, and I belong to the Onondaga Clear Sky Nation of the Haudenosaunee people. I have been painting since 2020 but have been a creative person my whole life. I am also a Fancy Shawl dancer and the inspiration for most of my painting style. I decided to make these pieces so I could give these gifts to my professor and peers for a successful and engaging semester. I decided to paint 5 small canvases for each of my peers and my prof annie ross. I made them on a small canvas and used acrylic paint. Each one is inspired by each person’s spirit and energy.
Nya;weha
Artwork by Justine Smoke
Artwork by Justine Smoke
Artwork by Justine Smoke
Artwork by Justine Smoke
Artwork by Justine Smoke
Artwork by Justine Smoke
Justine also shared her latest painting, which shows her continuing growth and development as a painter. Artwork by Justine Smoke.
Janel Jack
I am an Indigenous WSÁNEĆ woman who has just completed the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Indigenous Studies. The artwork titled The Indian’s Act represents my experience of life as I speak out against the oppression that comes from colonialism but at the same time celebrate resurgence, healing, and culture.
I have created an art peace that is deeply embedded in my lived experiences and memories The Indian's Act is a mask that symbolizes both oppression and revival from the burden that colonization placed on my community and me personally.
From its inception in 1876, the Indian Act established processes that regulated our identities, laws, and governance. In some cases, this led to a dormancy phase in which we, the members of my communities, were silenced by these systems. The mask depicts this dormancy period, when we hold back, restrict ourselves, and allow external powers to dictate our identities and laws.
However, this is only half of the story.
The Indian's Act also symbolizes the transition from the dormancy state to resurgence – when we step out of the shadow of colonialism and start redefining our identities, cultures, languages, and traditions. Personally, I believe that healing happens through actions such as coming together during ceremonies and reviving traditional practices in our daily lives.
For that reason, The Indian's Act captures this movement that takes us from dormancy to resurgence. It is both a reminder of the damage inflicted on us during colonial times and a call for our people to wake up from this long sleep.
As descendants of Indigenous leaders who refused to be intimidated by colonization and fought for their rights, I see this artwork as a part of a greater tradition. It reminds our people of the past and encourages us to revive us and who we are as people.
Learn more about our academic programs and upcoming courses in Indigenous Studies.