Friends of Norval Morrisseau (Part V)

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Duke Redbird
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© 2008 Calgary International Spoken Word Society
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Biographical note:
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Duke Redbird is Anishinaabe poet, scholar, storyteller, inspirational speaker and television personality.
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A member of the Saugeen First Nation Territory, Redbird began his career in the 1960s. He is the author of a collection of poetry, and is published in numerous anthologies, including textbooks in both Canada and the United States. Duke has written, and directed award-winning television productions.
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He has recited his work on radio, television and numerous live venues, including a multi-media production based on his poetry presented during a performance in honor of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1978. In 1985 he opened the Valmiki World Poetry Festival in New Delhi, India. Redbird has an M.A. from York University, is a Fellow of McLaughlin College and served as a Senior Associate of the York Centre for Applied Sustainability. Duke works as an Arts and Entertainment Reporter for City TV.
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He delivers a unique perspective from his heritage that is a positive and optimistic alternative to how we view our universe in the 21st century and was honored by the Native Community and recognized as an Elder and Wisdom Keeper. In this capacity Duke’s message is one of inspiration, hope and vision for the future.
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"TREAT THE EARTH WELL, we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."
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>>> The following is a poem by Duke Redbird dedicated to Norval Morrisseau:
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THE BALLAD OF NORVAL MORRISSEAU
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Norval, Norval, What's driving you?
Are the spirits talking?
Are the spirits coming thru?
Are they talking to you?
You've lived in the forest, all of your life
You've been hungry and you've suffered strife
And you paint with the blood of a thousand years
You paint the legends and you paint the fears
And you paint the birch bark and you paint the sand
And you paint your sweat with an ancient hand.

They took your paintings and hung them in town;
They took your body and flung it around,
So the world could see an Indian in high society.
They gave you a china cup filled with tea,
But you drown their pale faces in brown whiskey,
You painted their Jesus to expose their hypocrisy.

You've lived in their churches, you've known their jails
And you laughed when they said you had failed,
Your art will be living when they're all dead;

You took their green money and you painted it red;
You paint your canvas with a brush of pain,
You signed your works with an Indian name.

You're an Ojibway man, a child of this land;
An artist, a prophet with a torch in your hand;
A blueprint for seeing, and it's not for sale;
A harbour for living in the eye of a gale.
The people, they love you, and they know your truth;
The culture is yours; you can never lose.

The Algonquin nation is listening to your voice.
They're learning your wisdom and pride;
They're painting with a brush you passed on to them,
With a talent they no longer need to hide.
Yes, you've opened the doors and the windows too;
The spirits are talking;
yes they're coming through.

Duke Redbird
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Duke Redbird's Biographical note: 'Calgary International Spoken Word Festival'
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>>> Reference posts:
- Friends of Norval Morrisseau (Part I) /Curtis Jonnie 'Shingoose'/,
- Friends of Norval Morrisseau (Part II) /Alex Janvier/,
- Friends of Norval Morrisseau (Part III) /Robert Lavack/ &
- Friends of Norval Morrisseau (Part IV) /Yvonne Mason Reynolds/.
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