A collection of animated shorts made by Indigenous creators was released on the free streaming service CBC Gem Jan. 27. How To Lose Everything is a five-episode series that explores loss.

One of the shorts, titled “Heart Like a Pow Wow,” was written by U of M alum Tara Williamson and directed by Indigenous artist and illustrator Chief Lady Bird. Williamson also composed, produced and performed the music for the episode. 

The making of “Heart Like a Pow Wow” started with series creator Christa Couture, who reached out to Williamson seeking their involvement.

“Christa had approached me about participating in this project, and was looking for grief — grief things, writing, and I have tons of grief writing,” Williamson explained.

“Heart Like a Pow Wow” tells the story of a baby coming into being and “the love that precedes grief and inevitably foreshadows it” through an Anishinaabe lens.

Williamson’s writing for the episode was influenced by their own experience with love and grief, reflecting on their son who passed away at just over six months old in 2016.

When putting together the short, Williamson thought back to the poetry they wrote during their pregnancy. They said that they wanted to look back at that time “through the filter of grief as love.” Williamson explained that Couture was very supportive of the idea.

“I knew I could ask, and I knew I’d be able to do it,” they said. 

Williamson said that being able to collaborate with the other Indigenous artists on the project was not an opportunity they took for granted.

“I think I’ve had the real privilege and joy of working with Indigenous artists,” Williamson said.

“Christa was one of my music mentors as well when I started playing music professionally. She was one of the people I would call and be like, ‘how do I book a tour, how do I book a show?’” 

Williamson added that they have been lucky enough to work with and receive mentorship from numerous Indigenous artists throughout their career, and that they look to collaborate with other Indigenous artists at every opportunity. 

When asked about the significance of their work being on television, Williamson said that they aren’t focused on whether the work finds a wide audience. 

“I don’t care if other people don’t care, or don’t like it,” they said. “We do, and we see it.”

They hope people see the beauty of powwow culture and the intricacies within it. 

“People have roles and responsibilities, and it’s family and people take care of each other,” Williamson said. 

“And it happens to look  […] beautiful with Chief Lady Bird’s art, you know? And it looks that beautiful in person too.”

 

How to Lose Everything is streaming on CBC Gem.