Faculty of Arts & Science

Indigenous Visual Culture

Alexis Nanibush Pamajewong

our existence (kobade)

our existence (kobade), 2022, a short video performance that acknowledges the Anishinaabe concept of kobade while existing as a self-portrait of reclaiming my indigeneity and curating my self-representation.Exhibited at Nigig Diving the Depths: 10 Years of Indigenous Visual Culture Shot by Ethan Verroen

“The concept of kobade refers to intergenerational connections, grandparents' open arms to their grandchildren, and so on and on. Acknowledging that we are all a link in a chain or a vital part of a spiral. We are all of our relations. My ancestor's resistance is why I am present today. I have a future where I exist and where my people will carry on. Our existence is shared. My existence becomes their existence. Acknowledges that my Indigenous presence and body are the key to Indigenous futures. That my existence is resistance and the stories, traditions, and love from my ancestors travel through my spirit and circulate through my blood. I am breathing because of their survivance and resurgence. I am reclaiming, protecting, and building. I am capable-- of a journey of decolonial, unconditional self-love, healing, and care.(B.Simpson 2013) (Dillon 2021) ”