Akin is thrilled to welcome Wyandot multimedia artist and Tradition Keeper Catherine Tammaro (Taǫmęˀšreˀ) to our organization as our inaugural Indigenous Elder Artist in Residence - a relationship based on communication, creativity, awareness/visibility and relationship building between creative settler and Indigenous folk. This initiative will help Akin work toward maintaining its treaty responsibilities with Indigenous Peoples per the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between allied nations to care for and share the resources in the Great Lakes Region.

Catherine will hold open studio hours to engage with studio members and our larger community, provide creative and spiritual support for Indigenous artists and collaborate with Akin on initiatives prioritizing Indigenous artists and cultural producers. We understand that we have a lot of work to do in better supporting Indigenous folk, and making our spaces safe and enjoyable. This unique residency program is one step that we have worked on together  for several months, and while excited, Akin recognizes the work we still have ahead of us.

A special thank you to our friend and advisor Rania El Mugammar whose support has made this program possible and who has been a strong guiding voice in raising awareness and planning strategies towards a more positive and inclusive vision.

About Catherine Tammaro:
Catherine Tammaro was born in Toronto, and raised in Toronto and the US. She has a 50-year history of art making, including painting, fine art and award-winning design, theatre, soundscape/installation, musical collaboration, photographic/written journalism and extensive digital work/graphic design. Her multi-media works have been exhibited in traditional/alternative gallery spaces and her written works and musical compositions have been published in various online blogs and installations. Catherine has been involved in a wide array of interdisciplinary collaborations, ongoing special projects and themed exhibitions, as originator, curator, performer and exhibitor. She has been working with the academic community of late and is currently involved with several projects such as The Daughters of Aataentsic, The Star Collective, Walking With Our Sisters and others. She is a seated Tradition Keeper for the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation; Speckled Turtle Clan. Catherine is Akin Studio's premiere Indigenous Elder Artist in Residence, and is working with many agencies, city wide and beyond, to advise and facilitate art making/teaching workshops, as well as maintaining her own arts practise regarding spiritual and ever changing realities as they pertain to our connection to the sacred multiverse.

www.catherinetammaro.com