b'MEDIUMS: INDIGENOUS VOICES IN MEDIAESSENTIAL READS AND MORE BY INDIGENOUS AUTHORS AND STORYTELLERS BY ASHLEY ALBERTMUSICThe Languageof Fishermen by Evan Redsky The Language of Fisherman is the sophomore album by Evan Redsky. Known for his punk-rocker / folk storyteller style, Redsky uses his latest album to reclaim the music of his childhood and the country music that often played on his grandmas car radio. Redsky credits the inspiration for this album to the late Richard Wagameses autobiography One Native Life. He was transported back to his childhood where he spent summers on the land at a fly-in fishing camp. He wrote these songs for his people and his community. The Language of Fisherman follows Redskys debut full-length solo album, Oblivion. Redsky is a songwriter from Mississaugi First Nation and was raised in Blind River, Ont. He now lives in Toronto, a place he has been drawn to since he was a youth hitchhiking to immerse himself in the punk and hardcore music scene.BOOKThe Animal People Choose a Leader by Richard Wagamese, illustrated by Bridget GeorgeThe Animal People Choose a Leader is a childrens book written by the late Richard Wagemese. The story is set in a long-ago time when all the animals could communicate with each other. The animals decide they need to choose a leader and they gather to do so. They share with each other the traits they think a leader must have, and it is decided that a race between the challengers should take place. The book demonstrates the unifying powers of wisdom, kindness and respect.Wagamese was an award-winning author and journalist from Wabaseemoong First Nation in northwestern Ontario. His work was deeply influenced by his experiences as a second-generation survivor of government-sponsored schools. The artwork for the book was done by award-winning illustrator Bridget George, who is from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. The Animal People Choose a Leader was shortlisted for the First Nations Communities READ Award for 2025-2026.Credit: Yvette Lehmann.38l I ssue2 2025/26C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'