The Didgeridoo; Cultural Instrument with a Healing Spirit

The Didgeridoo is a 40,000-year-old instrument; it is now changing perceptions in music making and the healing arts. Originating from Arnhem Land, the Northern Aboriginal region of Australia, the didgeridoo has a global presence. Can this popular instrument help heal our spirit?

The Traveling Didgeridoo

My interest in this instrument grew during a trip to France. While exploring the many facets of Paris, I ran across a Jazz musician who played didgeridoo in combination with piano. You’ll hear more from Richard Poher in a follow-up interview. But one of my questions became, “how did this instrument make its way to France?”

The didgeridoo, also known as the Yiḏaki, Yigi Yigi, and various other regional names among Australian Aboriginal communities. It’s been scientifically dated to be 1500 years old. However, some have said the number is more like 40,000 years. The name “Didgeridoo” is an onomatopoetic term given by Europeans based on the sound that it creates. The first recognition of the instrument by colonists occurred between 1788-1900.

From the 20th century onward, the instrument became more widely known in mainstream culture, particularly during the 1970s. This period saw an increase in interest in folk music and the emergence of the new age movement. During the 1980s-90s, collaborations, such as, Midnight Oil with Yothu Yindi contributed to the instrument’s visibility in North America. The popularity of New Age healing practices also introduced the instrument to that continent. In the 1990s-2000, World Music Festivals were on the rise. This provided a platform for artists to experiment with different sounds through collaborative performances. David Hudson’s collaboration with YANNI from 1996-2005 is one such example.

AI Generated by CHAT GPT

The Didgeridoo comes to Paris, France

Today, the didgeridoo is recognized as the cultural symbol of Australia. Yet, it is also unquestionably connected to its origins in Aboriginal culture. Richard Poher, embarking on an MA at the Conservatoire de Paris, mentioned, “Why?” he combines the didgeridoo with the piano. He said, “It was an act of combining the occidental (western world) with the indigenous perspective. It’s a way of bringing our current world concepts together and into the forefront.” With this adoption into the larger global community comes a needed respect for the instrument and its origins.

Image Courtesy of Richard Poher

The Didgeridoos Body

Artisans have traditionally crafted didgeridoos from termite-hollowed eucalyptus and bamboo—materials abundant in Australia. After selecting the right trunk, they modify it and often add a beeswax mouthpiece for comfort. The didgeridoo features prominently in dance, storytelling, and ceremonial activities. Artisans frequently decorate didgeridoos with motifs that reference local plants and animals, symbolizing the instrument’s connection to the region. In Aboriginal cultures, men typically play the didgeridoo during sacred ceremonies.

In recent years, makers have crafted didgeridoos from a range of hardwoods by splitting, boring out, and rejoining the materials. Additionally, they have introduced new substances, such as glass, fiberglass, metal, agave, clay, resin, PVC piping, and carbon fiber, expanding both the instrument’s versatility and its reach.

The Didgeridoos Voice

The voice of the Didgeridoo is a unique combination of a distinctive drone twinned with a buzz. The player’s circular breathing technique, in tandem with various oral manipulations, creates the unique reverberations. Like most wind instruments (aerophones) this method uses an “in through the nose, out through the mouth” action. Yet, the circular breathing is mixed with lips vibrating “like an elongated raspberry.” This mixture, along with other vocalizations, gives this instrument its distinct sound quality.

The tones produced will also vary depending on the materials used, their length, and internal diameters. In Aboriginal cultures and beyond, the variety of sounds can emulate those of the dingo and kookaburra. David Hudson, Australia’s top 10 renowned Didge players, gives some helpful tips here.

In an upcoming interview, SeeChangemakers will talk to David Hudson. We will discuss the cultural significance of this instrument. We will also explore its importance to Australia’s Aboriginal culture.

The Didgeridoos Healing Spirit

Like Tibetan Singing Bowls, the Didgeridoo sound is known for its healing properties. Unlike the bowls, it also relies on breathwork. this circular breathing technique. strengthens the respiratory system. Meanwhile, scientific studies have shown it to decrease sleep apnea as well. This breathing technique can align the energies within the body. The deep resonant sounds emit an echo and vibrate the human body. In combination, this energetic clearing power of the didgeridoo is “like a reiki or qi gong power washer.”

Spiritually speaking, the Didgeridoo is used ceremonially in Aboriginal cultures, accompanying songs, dances, and storytelling. It connects the people to their ancestors, land (Country), and the Dreaming (the Aboriginal understanding of world creation and existence). So, it is important that non-Aboriginal people respect the gifting of such tools for their own pleasure and healing modalities. Knowing and acknowledging Aboriginal peoples as the custodians of this instrument, plus respecting the protocols within traditional ceremonies, are key.

By Theresa K. Howell

July 14, 2025August 17, 2025

The Remarkable Careers of Tunde Valiszka and Jodi Proznick

Images Courtesy of Tunde Valiszka & Michele Mateus for Jodi Proznick

Introduction

In the past, creative industries have been, and in some cases still are, dominated by men. The journeys of Tunde Valiszka and Jodi Proznick stand out as beacons of inspiration for photographers and jazz musicians. These two accomplished women have excelled in their respective fields and have paved the way for future generations. This blog post touches on their stellar careers through some of their notable accomplishments and where they started. In the upcoming interviews on July 20^th, we will learn more about where they are going next.

NEW: Tunde Valiszka’s Interview

RECENT: Jodi Proznick’s interview

Photographic Inspirations for SeeChangemakers.ca

As a previous amateur photographer and artist, I was immediately drawn to Tunde’s Valiszka’s images. They popped off the page and drew the viewer into a world beyond our current one. As I scrolled through, the “street photographers” group on Facebook, I kept seeing these electric images. So, I took note of the photographer. One day, I heard the Blade Runner soundtrack alongside an image she posted. The image transformed me, the viewer, into another realm. Good photography pleases the viewer’s eyes, but great photography brings the person into another world.

Tunde Valiszka: A Lens into the Metaverse

Tunde Valiszka, a leading neon-noir fine art street photographer, captures a vision of what our future Metaverse might look like. Working at her art with passion and commitment, she has a style few can replicate. Her career started in Hungary as a young child, witnessing her mother, a hobbyist photographer, in the dark room. When she became a young adult, she moved to London, UK, to pursue post-secondary studies. Over the years, she focused on creating her brand, style, and her photographic art. She honed her skills and developed a keen eye for detail. Meanwhile, through an array of endeavors in journalism and as a brand enthusiast, she built her laser-focused career. Valiszka has now become internationally renowned for her evocative portraits alongside her gritty, electric, and moody street photography.

Recent Endeavors

Valiszka loves getting into the street and really feeling into her photography. You can actually book a rare walking tour in London with her this year. She wants to teach people techniques necessary for street photography, plus bring their empathy to the images. “When working with Tünde, you’ll go out for coffee, walk the streets together through the vibrant streetlights. Suddenly, she starts snapping away.” She has taught at the London School of Photography and guest lectured at the University of Roehampton. With a passion for her signature art, Valiszka loves collaborating with other passionate makers and brand enthusiasts.

Accomplishments

Valiszka’s work has been exhibited in several international venues in Malta, Tokyo, and London. She commands followers on various platforms in the 10’s of 1000’s. On Facebook alone, she has reached 39K. Meanwhile, her notoriety has been discussed in the publications of Mutual Art Magazine and Underground Sound. This dedication to her career has brought her contracts with brands such as Jägermeister and Adobe. Her Banksy Tunnel image, from 2019, has brought her notoriety from many influencer publications such as Bored Panda. After years of contemplating her future success as Sony Alpha Female, she won the title in May 2025. Presently, she has become the official creator of the trademark “dystopian romanticism”, a unique genre of image making.

Leake Street, London, UK by Tunde Valiszka

Challenges and Triumphs

As a woman in the field of photography, Valiszka has faced her share of obstacles. The industry is often male-dominated, with women having to work harder to gain recognition and respect. Despite these challenges, Valiszka’s perseverance and exceptional talent allow her to break barriers and set new standards. Recently, she was featured in an article that brought her to the attention of the Hungarian media. She is now becoming aligned with historical photographic artists like André Kertész, Robert Capa, Brassaï, Martin Munkácsi, and Lucien Hervé. In contrast to the past, women were always left in the margins. Valiszka is changing this trend by bringing women front and center into this new universe.

Musical Inspirations for SeeChangemakers.ca

Finishing studies at SFU with a cohort of artists, our jazz-playing colleagues invited us to various shows. Bill Coon, a renowned Canadian Jazz guitarist, would often be playing with Bassist Jodi Proznick. Later, I learned that this collaboration was a celebrated trio that included Miles Black. In the last few years, I started seeing more and more of Proznick’s work. I soon realized she was not only a bassist but a leader in her field. Recently, in 2022, she coordinated and collaborated on “The Ostara Project” with Amanda Tosoff. The Ostara Project was a Juno-nominated group of top-tier female jazz musicians, composers, and bandleaders.

Jodi Proznick: Master of the Upright Bass

Jodi Proznick’s journey as an upright bass player is a testament to her extraordinary talent and persistence. Starting at 13 years old, Proznick found her love of music, which aligned with her father’s, David Proznick. Like wildfire, her passion was ignited. In high school, she won the General Motors Award of Excellence. This was just the beginning of a career of monumental moments. She is one of the most sought-after bass players in the jazz and classical music scenes. Her versatility and skill have made her a favorite among musicians and critics alike.

Trilogy with Miles Black (pianist), Jodi Proznick (Bassist) , and Bill Coon (guitarist)

Accomplishments

Proznick has had performances and taught with the renowned orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO). She has recorded several albums that have received critical acclaim, highlighting her prowess and innovative approach to the upright bass. Proznick is known as one of the top-call bassists of this era. Proznick’s contributions to music have been recognized with numerous Juno Award nominations. As well, in 2019, she was awarded Jazz Artist of the Year. Following this, she received the British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Awards in 2022.

Image courtesy of Michele Mateus, cited from https://jodiproznick.com/music-and-media/

Challenges and Triumph

Being a woman in the music industry presents its own unique set of challenges. In 2017, the JUNO-nominated album Sun Songs was written. It was a project that explored the polarities of life. It was a response to two pivotal life events: the birth of her son and her mother’s early-onset dementia diagnosis. With all this, Proznick navigates her landscapes with grace and dedication to her art form. Her success is a testament to her exceptional talent, determination, and ability to generate authentic connections. Ultimately, her commitment and passion transcend life and gender barriers in her pursuit of musical excellence.

Conclusion

The stories of Tunde Valiszka and Jodi Proznick are powerful. They remind us of the impact talented and determined women can have in male-dominated industries. Their accomplishments highlight their greatness while inspiring future generations of women. These women encourage us to pursue our passions and to break through the barriers that stand in the way. As we celebrate their achievements, we also acknowledge the importance of supporting and uplifting women in all fields. This support ensures a more inclusive and equitable world for all.

Theresa K. Howell

May 25, 2025August 17, 2025

Indigenous Art and Film for June

In June, See Changemakers will be discussing and interviewing two dynamic women. Both women speak to Indigenous perspectives through an artistic lens.

LATEST INTERVIEW: CLICK HERE

June 21^st is National Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Canada. Also, June 21st is the summer solstice, bringing universal importance to this chosen date. The day of recognition became official in 1996 as National Aboriginal Peoples’ Day by the then Governor General, Roman LeBlanc. In 2017, it was renamed. It is celebrated as a statutory holiday in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.

The eagle represents First Nations, a narwhal represents Inuit, and a violin represents Métis. These illustrations are placed around the sun and surrounded by multicoloured smoke that represents Indigenous traditions of spirituality, inclusion, and diversity.

Jaime Black-Morsette, a visionary Metis Artist

Across North America, May 5^th stands as a time to remember and honour the spirit and story of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, girls, transgender and two-spirit persons in Canada. (MMIWG2S+). The REDress Project by Jaime Black-Morsette was how Canada recognized the day of conception.

The REDress Project at the National Museum of the American Indian Courtesy of SmithsonianNMAI 2019

She Lights the Fire

Jaime Black-Morsette is a Red River Métis artist and activist who lives and works in her home territory alongside the rivers of Manitoba. Cathy Merrick has described her as a visionary Métis artist. In 2009, the internationally recognized The REDress Project was conceptualized by Jaime Black.

The project was born in 2010 as an art installation. It shaped itself with empty red dresses hanging from the ceiling of a room. Its symbolism was addressing the unspoken epidemic of MMIWG2S+. This exhibit grew into a movement that represents the injustices and violence towards Indigenous female-identifying populations.

Earlier in 2025, Jaime compiled a collective book, “REDress; Art, Action, and the Power of Presence,”. It evolved from a group production of images, poems, and stories. The contributors are women who have been on the frontline of this advocacy for the MMIWG2S+. To this day, red dresses and other such adornments are worn on May 5th to remember all those who have gone, plus honour and support those left behind.

REDress Project Globally

In 2017, May 5^th became the National Day of Recognition for MMIW, which was formalized in Montana by a Senate Resolution. Since then, the symbolism of the empty red dress hanging in both public, outdoor, and private spaces aligns itself with the recognition of MMIWG2S+. On May 4th, 2025, Jaime read from the newly published book at the Human Rights Museum in Manitoba in honour of the day.

Jaime’s quest for justice through the REDress Project was inspired, in part, by the women of Bogota, Colombia. During a conference in 2009, she witnessed a ceremony. This powerful honouring ceremony of the missing, MEMORIA DE LA AUSENCIA (Memory of the Missing) is held annually by the women of the community. During a 2024 webinar on the “Art and Power of Presence”, Jaime talks about the power that the imagery held for her.

Video by carloszatizabal Published in 2010

Amnesty International describes REDress Day as a day when the wearing and draping of the red dress is a symbol of the fight for justice. Also, the choice of red is significant because in many Indigenous cultures, it is the only colour spirits can see. REDress Day matters because it makes the invisible visible.

Artistic Influences and Pathways

The Manitoba-based Metis, Anishinaabe, Cree, and European woman was into art from the time she could hold a pencil. However, her art career would have to take a back seat for a time. Initially, in 2008, she earned her English and Education degree. While teaching at the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in The Pas, Manitoba, she found herself developing art curricula as well as writing.

In the early 2000s, her Metis grandfather passed. She decided it was time to come back to her original calling. She felt it was important to honour her grandfather’s spirit and story. Jaime says, “It was around that time that I came up with the red dress project and decided that in a very certain way, this is what I am going to do, I’m going to use my gifts to help others. I think it was that decision that just really pushed everything forward after that.” She told Alison Tedford Seaweed, contributing writer for Future Pathways, during an interview.

RED DRESS Project 4 by Jaime Black-Morsette Image Courtesy of Artist’s website

Jaime reflectively noted other pivotal points that were calling her. One such example was the book she read when she was 17 years old. The Book of Jessica, by Maria Campbell and Linda Griffiths, describes the story of a young Metis woman moving to the city. Interestingly, the cover of the book features a painting of an empty red dress.

Later, two conferences held in Bogota, Colombia, and in Germany contributed to coalescing her trajectory. For example, during the conference in Germany, Jaime witnessed Jo-Ann Episkenew discuss the 500+ Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women of Canada to a European audience.

In that moment, Jaime saw and heard the power of what was happening in her country and to her people; the silence in the room was deafening. It was time for the spirits, memories, and stories of these women to be heard.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Jaime Black Morsette’s WEBSITE

WIKIPEDIA Red Dress Project

Native Women’s Association of Canada (Safe Passage)

National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (USA)

Jaime Leigh Gianopoulos (Beijaflor); Filmmaker; Producer; Director

Over a year ago, my attention was captured during a Facebook Reels scroll. An image of various women standing amongst a barren rocky hillside in long, Grecian-style, white cotton dresses mesmerized me.

“Ask the Plantain” by Jaime Leigh Gianopoulos

Each of Jaime Leigh’s (JL) films gives a megaphone to previously silenced voices. The films advocate for social and environmental justice. At the same time, many of her films also delve into ancestral themes.

In the most recent film, “Our Grandmother the Inlet”, JL teams up with Kayah George. Kayah George is Rueben George’s daughter and Chief Dan George’s Great-Granddaughter. The film features George and her grandmother, Ta7a. “The film is a reciprocal love letter to the Inlet. It portrays Kayah’s connection to the water. In the Tsleil-Waututh culture, water is considered to be their oldest grandmother and place of creation.” ⁠On June 1^st, there is a special showing and artist talk at Museum of Vancouver from 1:00-2:30pm. Tickets are available on MOV website.

Big Sky Documentary Film Festival post January 11, 2024

“Her Stories” Historical Record

Jaime Leigh’s (JL) filmography is deep and wide, both figuratively and literally. One of the earlier works, “What About Our Future?” became an award-winning piece about climate action, inspired by young people, including the “Sustainabiliteens”. It continues to be utilized by secondary schools as a component of their curriculum.

Another notable film was “The Boys Who Braid Their Hair”, a short documentary commissioned by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Health & Wellness Department. JL was the director and editor on this project. The film discusses the importance and cultural significance of braids and hair length for Indigenous men. This short film weaves artistic captions with a variety of storytelling narratives. These stories both engage and educate the viewer.

Recently, JL, supported by the BOLDLY team, directed Desiree Dawson’s music video, “Mountain Tops”. The 6-minute production combines music video with documentary-style storytelling. This powerful music/doc features Desiree Dawson’s song interspersed with her friends discussing personal challenges and successes. The stories end with a cameo appearance by JL alongside Dawson’s harmony “… sing it from the mountain tops…”.

Personally Speaking

Production team behind Our Grandmother the Inlet. Angelica Stripe, Kayah George, Jaime Leigh Gianopoulos, Shelby Manton

JL was a young 19-year-old early film student when a mentoring director shut her down amidst one of her initial productions. It caused her to step back from the art. However, once she found her footing again, she came back with a force. This was one of those turning points in careers. Now, she is adamant about giving voice to others.

On the flip side, her first experience in film is what made her consider filmmaking. In high school, a leadership program brought her together with like-minded individuals to create “What about our Future?”. She states in an article with an Arizona news agency. “I realized my childhood dream of filmmaking was an actual possibility that could become a career. I never underestimate the power one person can have on the direction of our lives.”

In her 2023 film, “Ask the Plantain,” JL relates her ancestor’s story. In this short bio-narrative, the film recounts how immigrant grandparents left their homeland of Greece to find a better life. The story progresses by bringing the granddaughter full circle. Meanwhile, the film weaves the mythological tale of Persephone into it and gives a narrative fullness.

JL’s films capture themes of “belonging, identity, and in some cases, reconnecting to our ancestral roots”. We can all find a connection here, inevitably bringing us together.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

WEBSITE ; VIMEO Page ; INSTAGRAM

May 3, 2025August 17, 2025

Hammond Forever House 2025 Updates

May 1^st, 2025, has arrived, and another April Earth Month has passed. That idea started me reflecting on the reason I began this website journey. Also, I received a post about The Climate Friendly Homes Tour , which took place on April 26th across BC in a variety of neighborhoods. Everything was coalescing; James Rowley and Leanne Koehn had their Hammond Forever House listed on the tour for the 2nd year. Serendipitously, the couple were my first interviewees of 2020. It has been 5 years since the website began. So many significant signs told me I needed to take stock.

Image Courtesy of James Rowley and Leanne Koehn

So, I reached out and messaged James. “Hey James, I was hoping to get some updates on Hammond Forever House. Would it be okay for me to send you some questions that you can respond to?” He wholeheartedly agreed.

Hammond House History…

Hammond is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Maple Ridge, BC. This is where Leanne’s grandfather, Carl Whitehead, bought some land after he and his wife decided to move west from the BC Interior. The land had a small cottage on it, but Carl needed a larger place to accommodate a growing family. This marked his venture into building the main heritage home from the ground up. This was back in 1922-23. You can hear more details about this by going to the 2:25 time code in the April 2020 video interview.

Community Acknowledgement and Achievements

The Whitehead Property gained historic status in 2015. It is also important to mention that it resides on the unceded shared territory of Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations. More recently, a hundred years later in 2023, Leanne and James won the BC’s Heritage Award for Conservation for the unprecedented effort to bring it to net zero while maintaining its heritage status. As well, the Maple Ridge Climate Hub awarded Hammond Forever House, their Climate Champion Award in 2022.

Some Updates…

In this current update, James briefly outlines how they built a heat recapture system in the basement. This system utilizes the heat that the home generates to keep it warm in the winter. Speaking of heat generation, they recently invested in a heat pump condensing dryer to help contribute to this. One of my favorite early ventures was the “penny floor” that they installed in the upstairs bathroom. He goes into detail about this on his BLOG. Meanwhile, on the YouTube Channel, he takes viewers through the processes of each project.

Here was the question I posed: “It’s hard to believe, but it’s exactly 5 years since we talked about Hammond Forever House. Can you give a brief synopsis of the changes since that last conversation?” Watch the following video for his responses.

Published May 2nd, 2025

So go check out the HAMMOND FOREVER HOUSE BLOG and YouTube Channel. James creates engaging, informative, and sometimes comical video updates on the adventures of being an eco-warrior.

April 5, 2025May 3, 2025

Upcycled Fashion; Art or Function?

Ever since I was a teenager, I have loved thrifting. During my high school years, I was taught how to sew. So, when I became a parent, my love of thrifting, mixed with my sewing abilities, started my interest in constructing costumes for my daughters. It was exciting to see how thrift store items could be recreated and reshaped into magical costumes for play. Staying with this theme of upcycled fashion, this is the focus for April’s Earth Month installment.

NEW: INTERVIEW with PATTERN NATION’S Cyd Eva

Upcycled Fashions from Beaumont Studios – Images courtesy of Danielle Diamond and Theresa K. Howell

Recently, I met some incredible local artists from Vancouver, BC, who share this same love of upcycling. Of course, I noticed the clothing they are producing was not only utilitarian, but it was art. I also noticed these wearable art pieces found their way into galleries such as Beaumont Studios. Check out Pattern Nations‘ latest contributions featured until April 6th.

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A post shared by Qwear Fashion (@qwearfashion)

Upcycled Fashion in the 20th Century

In 1994, the term “upcycling” found its way into the North American vocabulary. It referenced the idea of taking old items and giving them a new life. This repurposing involved anything from building materials to art projects. However, this idea is as old as when humankind bridged into existing as homo sapiens.

In the 1970s, we saw how upcycled clothing became fashionable. New jeans became passé, as reinvented patchworked jeans became “all the rage”. The more patterns and variety of reusable fabrics that resembled curtains or other linens, the better. The motivations were based on counterculture and climate activism.

Make, Do and Mend Slogan for fashion found at www.warhistoryonline.com

Now, let’s harken back to the early 1900s to 1945 during the depression, including the two world wars. Upcycled fashion was common. Economics was the impetus for repurposing in this era. For instance, a main slogan, “Make, Do and Mend”, was conceived by the British Ministry in 1943 during World War II. This ad campaign was in support of “a culture of frugality and resourcefulness.”

Upcycled Fashion: Back to Beginnings

In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, it was common for women to hand down silks for repurposing due to the costs of the fabric. During the 18^th century, the robe à la française or sack-back dress was born. This dress was full of reusable fabric, and it was one of the primary pieces in most women’s wardrobes. Many garments would be passed on from generation to generation as high-quality silk fabrics were difficult to find.

Two robes à la Française, front and back views, 1750-75

Finally, it is common knowledge that the earliest humans used furs and plants for clothing. After a day of hunting and foraging, the clan’s people would utilize every part of an animal they caught. These items included skins, bones, and shells. The items would be used to protect and embellish clothing for clanspeople.

Finding and Making Upcycled Fashion

UpcycleCo follows the creative platform of taking secondhand pieces and recreating them into fashion wear. They are situated in the Fraser Valley, and their “brand is dedicated to giving new life to secondhand denim and textiles.”

Lennon and Lime specializes in kid designs. This company was started when a former hairstylist mother wanted to design fun and unique clothing for her children. Many people began asking where they could find similar items. Recognizing her passion was in creating fun pieces for kids, the brand was born.

Pattern Nation offers clothing and workshops on how to upcycle. Cyd Eva and Brianna Mend Klassen will host a two-hour creative fashion design workshop at The Slice of Life on Venables. The next workshop will be coming up in May. Click here to find out more.

Other great resources can be found here:

https://www.sustainablejungle.com/upcycled-clothing-brands

February 17, 2025April 22, 2025

Invictus Games Vancouver 2025

Interview with Lil’wat Medal designer, Levi Nelson

During the opening ceremony, I witnessed beautiful black and yellow designs on center stage. These designs plus the endeavor to showcase the Invictus Games in Vancouver was thanks largely in part to four Coast Salish Nations: the Lil̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱_wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh). So, what are these games about? And why was holding it in British Columbia a breakthrough for the games?

VANCOUVER, CANADA – FEBRUARY 8: The parade of nations featuring Team Canada during the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 at BC Place on February 8, 2025 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images for Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025)

Invictus Game’s 10^th Anniversary

February 16^th, 2025 marks the end of the Invictus Games here in Vancouver. This year celebrates the 10^th anniversary of its beginnings. Prince Happy initiated the games shortly after his return from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. In 2013, a visit to the Warrior Games moved him to create something for the service men and women globally. The “Foundation offers a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women (WIS). We collaborate to provide opportunities for post-traumatic growth: enabling those involved to reclaim their purpose, identity, and future, beyond injury.”[1]

[1] https://www.invictusgamesfoundation.org/aims-and-origins

Adria Brochu – Competitor – Team Canada

This year was monumental in many ways. Not only being a decade old but B.C., has been close to the young royal’s heart since he departed from Britain. Vancouver Island was a refuge for Prince Harry and his wife, Megan Markle. They took time away from their duties tumultuous time shortly after marriage. Another monumental move was banding together with four Indigenous communities, whose land the games would take place on. The Invictus Games Committee partnered with the four host nations of Whistler starting in 2023.

The Four Artists

Initially, the Invictus Games Committee made a call for an artist designer but this was revisited. Instead, the committee reframed the artist submission to include all four host nations remembering Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, . As a result, Levi Nelson – Lil’wat Nation; Olivia George – Tsleil-Waututh Nation; Mack Paul – Musqueam Nation; and Ray Natraoro – Squamish Nation were selected from the submissions in fall 2023. The design team started meeting immediately via Zoom. They started to brainstorm how they would depict the design utilizing Indigenous symbols. They resolved to utilize the symbolism of the paddle as it represented “the central symbolic figure in which to speak about healing the warrior spirit.” says Levi Nelson in an interview with Adrenalin Magazine.

VANCOUVER, CANADA – JANUARY 23: Invictus Games artists press conference at the VAG on January 23, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Invictus Games)

Lil̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat) Artist and Designer, Levi Nelson

Levi Nelson was raised in the mountainous region of Mount Currie northeast of Whistler. Nelson establishes that the land moves in and out of his artwork much like the waters his great-grandfather used to set traplines on. For Nelson’s master’s project from Columbia University, an iteration of fractured strips of cultural symbolism are pieced back together. The influence on these artworks is referenced by his auntie’s discussion about “the indigenous languages being a shattered mirror that was broken into pieces.” Now through language revitalization, many nations are breathing new life into their hidden languages after “being interrupted” says Nelson. As a contemporary artist, Nelson establishes that he pulls from all references both Indigenous and non-Indigenous to tell his stories.

Two-Spirited Medicine Man Named Old Doctor. Acrylic, silkscreen, and collage on canvas, 2020.

Journey to Invictus

Nelson is a passionate and motivated artist. He never expected to be where he is today. But as circumstances can be during an extremely low point in his life, he decided to apply to Emily Carr College of the Arts on a whim. Even though, his portfolio consisted of a few pieces and one being a charcoal drawing on a pizza box, the school saw potential. They were not wrong and during graduation year, he won the prestigious IDEA Art Award.

But he didn’t stop there, soon after he applied to the MFA program at Columbia University in New York. He was accepted. In 2022, he won a mid-career scholarship to assist him in his final project. Nelson has been unstoppable. While at Columbia he heard about the Gondola Gallery Project at Whistler Blackcomb. He applied and won. His painting “RED” can be seen wrapping one of the gondolas there. Inevitably when the call out for artists arose for Invictus, it stood to reason he would apply again. Success!

Sky’s the Limit

Nelson’s design featured on the Gondola at Whistler Blackcomb, was such a proud moment for him and his nation. Where once his people were being hidden away, now, they are being raised to the sky. For this Indigenous artist contributing to the Invictus’ Games main design was just the beginning. He also crafted the medal designs. As well, he was invited to create a painting to bridge the games from Canada to Birmingham, the next host city. The painting resulted from his trip to Birmingham sponsored by Air Canada. The painting titled “Journey” seems fitting.

So, what new journey can we anticipate seeing for this amazing artist?

February 2, 2025February 17, 2025

Discovering Tentacle Tribe: A Journey Through Dance

My first exposure to the dance company, Tentacle Tribe, was during their acclaimed performance “Prism”. They reconvened at The Cultch after sold-out shows of Ghost in 2020. Once again, they received rave reviews including one by SeeChangeMakers. The dance company has toured globally throughout its over 10 years of existence. The two artistic directors of the company have brought a whole new meaning to street dance. Meanwhile, they are making an impact on the world around them.

Courtesy of TENTACLE TRIBE website *Photo: Juan Llaguno*

Who is Tentacle Tribe?

20 years ago, Emmanuelle Le Phan and Elon Höglund met while working with Cirque du Soleil. The two dancers recognized a mutual love of a contemporary exploration into hip hop and breaking. Each of these artists had an extensive background in dance. This history finally brought them together. Höglund had worked with Cirkus Cirkör which eventually lead him to Cirque. Meanwhile, Le Phan was working in Rubberband Dance Company, when a Cirque director spotted her. Both worked the Cirque show “Love” in Las Vegas for two years before returning to Canada.

Upon arrival, they both started working within the Rubberband Dance Company. “Lê Phan and Höglund did just one Rubberband Dance show together before going out on their own.”[1] In 2012, Tentacle Tribe was born. The new dance company focused on their unique styles of dance influences of techniques seen in hip hop, break, ballet, martial arts, etc. However, they created a contemporary genre all of its own. Le Phan and Höglund establish in the Vimeo bio. It was a mission to create work that transcends boundaries separating movement and expressing the embodiment of music beyond techniques.

Where to next?

Not surprisingly, they have achieved great success. Forever growing, this Canadian-Swedish partnership has expanded the company to include a variety of dancers and outside collaborators. With a love of their roots, they are always supporting the expansion of street dance. In a recent collaboration, Le Phan and Victoria Côté Péléja, initiated Corocasse, a Quebec City Street Dance Festival born in 2023.

PRELIMS – The # is 3 VS Charlie/Juliette/Flowcam _CoroCasseBattle2023 Coutesy of TENTACLE TRIBE
Channel

It will be presented again in the summer of 2025. As well, in the Spring of 2025, DIRT will debut. DIRT is a theatrical dance “reflection on our primal connection to the earth, to dirt and the source of all life”. The Höglund steered production will premiere, on April 9th 2025 at Agora de la danse, Montréal.

FULL INTERVIEW in 3 PARTS Featured now in PEOPLE

Theresa K. Howell

[1] https://www.vancouverballetsociety.com/2017/08/kindred-hip-hop-spirits/

January 1, 2025February 2, 2025

Future Influencers: Transforming Lives in 2025

Title image — New Year’s Firework’s courtesy of Rakicevic Nenad

What a wonderful time of year. 2024 is about to wave goodbye and 2025 is on our doorstep. The anticipation of what this year will bring fills me with anticipation and a little angst. How can I create an inspiring read for others while keeping the topic grounded? Suddenly, I realized a common thread while researching trending do-good influencers. It was their backstories.

In SeeChangemakers’ last post, Zachery Dereniowski, alias MDMotivator, discussed his battle with depression. This finally determined his career redirection. Similarly, this article looks at influencers who hit psychological walls that redefined their career paths. More and more backstories of adversity are shaping popular opinion about who we can trust to walk their talk.

YouTube Influencer Explodes

YouTube influencer, Mel Robbins brought herself up and out of a life filled with anxiety. Mel Robbins is a dominant personality in social media’s life coaching industry. Her recently released book, “The Let Them Theory” has already ranked #1 on Amazon and Audible. She is also a powerhouse when it comes to media influence. The Mel Robbins YouTube Channel has 3.25 million subscribers and almost 250 million views of the over 2500 posted videos. She is active on most major social media platforms. She has a robust number of followers on them as well. Additionally, she has two websites. One is for herself, and another is for her recent publication. She also hosts a hugely popular podcast.

Walking Her Talk

However, this wasn’t Robbins initial career. She originally received her doctorate degree in law in 1994. She was working as a criminal lawyer for the Legal Aid Society in New York in 1996. The same year she met her husband and partner in life. Years later in 2013, she would be seen as the go-to legal analyst for CNN during the George Zimmerman Trial. However, years earlier, she started down another path. In 2011, she published her first book, “Stop Saying You’re Fine: Discover a More Powerful You”. This publication was her response to a critical turning point in her life.

So how did Robbins life coaching career find its beginnings? Well, she states on her website, “I hit rock bottom and nearly lost everything I cared about in life. My anxiety was so bad, I could barely drag myself out of bed.” Starting in 2008, her and husband, Christopher Robbins, were drowning in debt and she was drinking more than usual. One of her Facebook posts talks about why it is important to reach out to friends. It so happened that she “was barely holding on and too ashamed to reach out for help.” Robbins suffers from anxiety, dyslexia, and ADHD. Yet, she finds ways to heal herself and shares her insight with others.

“Today is my 52nd birthday. And honestly, I feel lost… | Mel Robbins”

Rich Man, Reformed Man

The next influencer is the founder of Norrsken Foundation, a non-profit, non-partisan and non-religious foundation. Swedish-born, Niklas Adalberth, came to Norrsken from a place of privilege and newly attained wealth. In 2010, his dream of becoming a successful millionaire became a reality. Klarna, “a buy now, pay later” service provider, created by himself and two others took flight. Suddenly, they went from a localized Nordic financial service provider to Europe’s top 100 young tech companies. With a cash injection from a US investor, their revenue increased by 80% overnight. Yet, one evening in Las Vegas, caused Adalberth to question everything.

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A post shared by Founders Connect (@foundersconnect_)

Now, he runs an organization that supports entrepreneurs who create positive change for global challenges. The foundation page states: “Our work stems from a belief in entrepreneurship. We also believe in new technology as forces that can positively impact the world.”

The Unicorn Entrepreneur

Much like Upworthy’s founders, who we discussed earlier in this influencer series, Adalberth’s position, with Klarna, created an avenue. His newly attained wealth allowed him to contribute 125 million to get Norrsken up and running in 2016. The World Economic forum refers to Adalberth as a unicorn entrepreneur. Adalberth is unlike other global unicorn entrepreneurs. These include Space X’s founder, Elon Musk, and Uber’s, Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp. Alternatively, Adalberth strives to better global communities.

Norrsken Stands Up to Stand Out

Norrsken has “House Hubs” in Stockholm, Kigali and Barcelona. These hubs work to help globally conscious (impact) startups. They provide access to investor connections. Impact startups can use facilities like co-sharing spaces. They also get access to an 8-week accelerator series. Kigali is the flagship in this array of housing hubs. It supports a circular economy approach. The building uses repurposed materials, a solar photovoltaic system, and a thermal labyrinth to reduce energy use.

In less than 10 years, Adalberth has co-opted and facilitated the rise of a globally conscious ‘ecosystem’. This includes thousands of founders, investors, and portfolio companies. To learn more, go to https://www.norrsken.org/about

LAST WORDS

describes paragraph — Image courtesy of AIM website

A Humanitarian Passes

While writing this article, a philanthropic legend passed on Sunday, December 29^th, 2024. Jimmy Carter, the 39^th American President, left this world after turning 100 on October 1^st. Carter was a lifelong changemaker long after his duties and service to the United States Presidency ended.

Jimmy Carter’s Presidential Term

After his inauguration, he began his presidency by giving amnesty to all the Vietnam War draft evaders. A war still talked about as a “well-intentioned mistake” thrust Americans into mistrust of their government. Carter was constantly mending wounds. Alongside other activities, he advocated for the environment. For example, he approved the Love Canal Superfund. This move aided displaced inhabitants of the nuclear waste sites in New York. Also, he was the first president to actively support alternative energy use. In 1979, he approved a move to install solar panels on the White House. Decades later, in 2002, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work.

The Carter’s Influences

I became an admirer of Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter back in the early 1990’s. When I lived in Calgary, Alberta, my partner and I bought our first home together. Because of this, I was looking for reasonable ways to upgrade our kitchen. Since I was a great purveyor and promoter of thrift and secondhand goods, I soon found Habitat for Humanity’s Restore. Restore was a used construction goods warehouse. My partner and I bought various pieces. These included a dual convection oven and a countertop stove for the kitchen renovation. We bought them all at a deeply reduced price. Even though, the prices were amazing the foundational values of the not-for-profit are what sold me. All the money made by Habitat for Humanity’s Restore goes back into building homes for families who couldn’t afford one. This was where the Carters came to the forefront for me. I realized they had an affiliation with Habitat for Humanity through the Carter Work Project. Throughout their years, they contributed money, time, and influence to help less fortunate families.

close to article — Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, their 35th work project with Habitat for Humanity, on Monday, Aug. 27, 2018, in Mishawaka, Ind. IMAGE courtesy of Robert Franklin, South Bend Tribune Via AP

The Carter Work Project

“The Carters and their example have rallied thousands of volunteers, supporters and celebrities to take part in our mission, helping Habitat for Humanity become internationally recognized for our work to build decent and affordable housing. They’ve touched the lives of thousands of Habitat homeowners and volunteers and inspired millions across the globe.”[1]

Since 1984, the Carter Work Project has helped to build 4,447 homes. These homes span across 14 countries. The project received aid from 108,000 volunteers. The Carters will never be forgotten. Their legacy lives on in the generations of people they have helped. They have reached many with their acts of kindness.

Wrapping Up

As you have read, these three Change Makers are both living and now passed. They are part of the global trend of change for the better. Stay tuned for upcoming interviews with other Change Makers, who are preparing to make a world of difference in 2025.

Theresa K. Howell

[1] https://www.habitat.org/carter-work-project

December 14, 2024January 1, 2025

Meet the Influencers Changing Lives with Kindness

Foundational Image Courtesy of @yvrswiftie

So that’s it, Taylor Swift’s ERAS tour has ended after two years of being on the road. Please do not mistake me for a SWIFTIE. Saying this made me ponder. Is it that bad to be considered one these days? My roommate is a SWIFTIE. Over our time together, I have gleaned some insight into the philosophy of this collective. A few important points that resonate with me are the underlying themes of kindness, sharing, and inclusivity. These values seem to be what this next “ERA” will be focused on. All are aligned with humanity’s best practices.

Maybe Taylor Swift is so popular because humankind desires a sea change in the collective mindset. With that, these next blog posts will look at some recent social media influencers who practice these values regularly.

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER #1

@MDMotivator image of SELF- Zachery Dereniowski

It wasn’t easy to know where to start on my search. So I created a social media call-out request for contributions. Noticing this my sister suggested a recent social media influencer whose name will resonate with some of you. @MDMotivator on Instagram, who is Zachery Dereniowski. He has 11 million subscribers collectively over the three major platforms: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. His motto is “Kindness is cool.” This mantra was at the top of a crowdfunding link on Instagram which supports individuals who spread kind acts. He states, “Kindness is not just a choice; it’s a lifestyle. Every act, big or small, creates a ripple effect of positivity. Join us in making the world a brighter place.”

Pre-Med Student Takes a 180 Degrees

Like many influencers, his fate was determined by an initial post on YouTube. In September 2021, from his parent’s basement, he uploaded a video. Overnight, it received 20 million views. The question I had was where did it begin? Dereniowski was in medical school in Sydney, Australia when COVID struck. In short order, he injured his leg and lost his girlfriend of six years. He was alone and suffering from depression. Fortunately, he sought help and was advised to journal his feelings. After some reflection, he decided to take a year off from medical school and fly home to Ontario to live with his parents. From that first viral video post, he never looked back.

What motivated Dereniowski to attend medical school and now to be a content creator is a desire a to help people. Initially, he struggled with the thought of leaving medical school due to societal expectations. But he started asking those hard questions like: “Is this the path for me? What’s my purpose?” This was the beginning of his transformation. While in medical school he was doing social media posts off and on based on his feelings of vulnerability. These part-time mental health “PSAs” gave a new meaning to helping others when realizing the effect it had. Unfortunately, he hadn’t recognized the change and plodded forward on his university track.

Seeing the Light Again

Suddenly, the wall of depression hit him hard. It was then that things needed to shift. Finally, the move home mixed with the content creation created this “right” path. Everyone has a point that creates the essential “why” that turns their life around and gives them purpose. In SeeChangeMaker’s recent blog article and interview with Kathy Harms, some considerations for those life-changing moments are covered.

Once, he was on track an abundance of opportunities arose such as collaborations with celebrities and organizations. But it isn’t the fame that is most important but the giving and connection to others. It is the lifting up of others that really brings richness to @MDMotivator’s life. During his interview with Otter PR , Dereniowski related one of his initial videos about the idea of “those that have the least give the most.” In this narrative, he explains:

“Well, the first time I saw someone, I see it every day now, those who have the least give the most. It was I think October of 2021 I just started making videos. I had a sign that said who do you wish you were with right now this guy comes up to me he blurts out, my ex…

YouTube.com @MDMotivator Posted October 2021

…the idea that someone gave up their home gave their last few bucks or changed because there was someone who’s more in need and not because it was a video just so nonchalantly it blew my mind to see it in real time because I know you hear it or maybe you see it on social media but seeing it in real life and then that just repeated hundreds of times”.

A True Sense of Purpose

These are the moments that created a true sense of purpose and hope says Dereniowski. Similarly, his response to this idea is that “I truly believe humanity is good and people are good and there’s a lot of good out there and when you are good you draw in a lot more good in you.”

https://youtu.be/K0wFbUVMOvE?si=hDBn1zQGU9I1q5fo

Homeless mom gives stranger last $1 @MDMotivator Posted December 12th, 2024

His humility and overall belief in the goodness of humanity resonates through every video posted, action taken, and human helped. In the Otter interview, the suggestion that all this is about him brings a response of “no” with an addendum. Dereniowski reminds us that throughout the process there are so many contributors. For instance, the man on the street who chose to talk to him, the crowd-funding contributors, and the prop donors, all are links in one big chain; a chain of kindness.

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER #2

In this next autobiographical narrative, we look at a young millennial teacher. Ms. Natalie Ringold caught my eye while I was scrolling around on Instagram. Her moniker is: always.upper.elementary . Her teaching style has brought ongoing kindness, mindfulness and passion into and outside of her classroom.

While social media influencing probably wasn’t on her radar, it became a way for her messages to spread around the globe. The “30 Second or Less” rule Instagram reel got her the most traction. Now, it’s being shared using various language translations as well.

This viral video discusses how words matter. For instance, when a person is about to say something to someone about changing something about themselves, she says” remember your words have power”. So, if that something can’t be changed in 30 seconds or less, refrain from saying it. As you can see from the post, she gives easy and relatable examples for the fourth graders to understand.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8DYqZzxblg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Beginnings

Growing up in Minnesota, USA, she always desired to be a teacher. So in her interview with PopSugar they ask about her educator influences. Ringold mentions that Kate Lutgen and Blake Christiansen were the two she remembered the most. She establishes that Lutgen saw potential in her and ultimately “changed the trajectory of her life.” These are those moments in people’s lives where relationships decide pathways forward.

Displays of compassion and kindness have translated into her career. When reflecting on her teaching, she says it’s “the heart-to-heart conversations, the relationships, the connections we make together as a class and all of the learning” that’s what really sticks. These are some of the joys and rewards that keep her on this path of sharing and caring.

Final Thoughts

Kindness and empathy taught in the early years should be an essential part of school curriculum. Ringold has managed to incorporate these elements onto social media platforms where all others can access it. So, wherever people are in their teaching career or in their lifelong learning process, this young sage is there. During an interview with People Magazine she comments that “… there were so many other people who weren’t even teachers commenting on the post, saying like, ‘Adults need to hear this message.”

With these two social media influencers we can see how “KINDNESS IS COOL”. Who wouldn’t want to send these vibes into the global universe? Stay tuned for the next upcoming post where we delve deep into some mindful influencers, who really didn’t need a platform.

The Traveling Didgeridoo

The Didgeridoo comes to Paris, France

The Didgeridoos Body

The Didgeridoos Voice

The Didgeridoos Healing Spirit

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Introduction

RECENT: Jodi Proznick’s interview

Photographic Inspirations for SeeChangemakers.ca

Tunde Valiszka: A Lens into the Metaverse

Recent Endeavors

Accomplishments

Challenges and Triumphs

Musical Inspirations for SeeChangemakers.ca

Jodi Proznick: Master of the Upright Bass

Accomplishments

Challenges and Triumph

Conclusion

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Jaime Black-Morsette, a visionary Metis Artist

She Lights the Fire

REDress Project Globally

Artistic Influences and Pathways

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Jaime Leigh Gianopoulos (Beijaflor); Filmmaker; Producer; Director

“Her Stories” Historical Record

Personally Speaking

IMPORTANT LINKS:

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Hammond House History…

Community Acknowledgement and Achievements

Some Updates…

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Upcycled Fashion in the 20th Century

Upcycled Fashion: Back to Beginnings

Finding and Making Upcycled Fashion

Other great resources can be found here:

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Invictus Game’s 10th Anniversary

The Four Artists

Lil̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat) Artist and Designer, Levi Nelson

Journey to Invictus

Sky’s the Limit

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Who is Tentacle Tribe?

Where to next?

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YouTube Influencer Explodes

Walking Her Talk

Rich Man, Reformed Man

The Unicorn Entrepreneur

Norrsken Stands Up to Stand Out

LAST WORDS

A Humanitarian Passes

Jimmy Carter’s Presidential Term

The Carter’s Influences

The Carter Work Project

Wrapping Up

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SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER #1

Pre-Med Student Takes a 180 Degrees

Seeing the Light Again

A True Sense of Purpose

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER #2

Beginnings

Final Thoughts

OTHER REFERENCE LINKS:

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EARLY BEGINNINGS

RECENT HISTORY

WHAT’s HAPPENING NOW

Invictus Game’s 10^th Anniversary