On February 4, 2022, Lyndon Tootoosis shared stories with the Sask Polytech community. This is a recording of the live event (which was held in person at our Prince Albert campus library).
Lyndon has been a working artist for 27 years. His journey started long before he created his first piece. As a child Lyndon was taught traditional ways of making Cree ceremonial pipes. His late father was a traditional person, partaking in ceremonies. As he grew, Lyndon was brought into the circle, learning the teachings that have sustained his People. These life lessons are a part of what he does. For 11 years he has worked with the Allen Sapp gallery as the cultural lead in the development of shows and programs. Lyndon’s job includes getting Elders to come and share their memories, which are used to tell the story of reservation life as they grew up. These elders have encouraged him to share what he has learned. They emphasized that it is through sharing that understanding is fostered. By using traditional games, he started to share their beliefs in respect, cooperation, and survival. These were delivered to guests and students who came through the gallery for programs.
In 1993, when he returned to high school, Lyndon started creating art. During art class he was introduced to soapstone. He has combined the stories of his People with stone. What he shares he does with permission from his Elders. He does the proper protocol as he has been taught.
Lyndon’s work is held in private and corporate collections.
