CBC – Jesse Wente, a prominent advocate for an increased presence of Indigenous voices in Canada’s cultural landscape, has been appointed chairperson of the Canada Council for the Arts, for a five-year term.
Wente, an Anishinaabe writer, broadcaster and speaker, has held high-profile roles in Canada’s arts communities, including executive director of the industry-led Indigenous Screen Office.
Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault says Wente is the first Indigenous chairperson of an organization within his federal portfolio.
Globe and Mail – His appointment, Mr. Wente said, is an example of the Canada Council for the Arts doing what other arts organizations must: elevate Indigenous voices.
Arts and culture are meant to help shape national identity and the national discourse, he said, and can play a role in achieving more inclusion and equity throughout the country.
“All my work comes down to how to achieve those things,” he said.