In Conversation With Duke Redbird and David Crombie

Elder Dr. Duke Redbird is an established Indigenous intellectual, poet, painter, broadcaster, filmmaker and keynote speaker, he brings his breadth of cultural knowledge and artistic practice to the benefit of a global audience.

He works as a multifaceted artist, practicing across a number of disciplines including literature, painting, theatre, cinema and most recently rap poetry. A well-known Canadian broadcaster and television personality, he is in demand as a keynote speaker in corporate, industry, and educational settings. As a poet, essayist and screenwriter, Dr. Redbird has published and performed poetry readings, theatrical productions, video and film, both locally and internationally.

In 2020 the album Refuge was released by the band, Sultans Of String and features the musical version of Elder Redbird’s poem the Power of the Land. Earlier this year Elder Redbird also published, Duke Redbird Poetry.

Since 2014, Dr. Redbird has been the Indigenous Arts Consultant for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and is the Artist in Residence at the Urban Indigenous Education Centre.

In November Elder Duke Redbird will deliver a keynote to faculty and students at MIT in Boston, where he will speak about the creative influence of the Indigenous lens and technology.

David Crombie has served as Mayor of Toronto (1972-1978), Member of Parliament (1978-1988), and federal cabinet minister. He has also served as President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute, Chair of Ontario Place, founding Chair of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, Chancellor of Ryerson University and Chair of the Toronto Lands Corporation. He is currently Chair of the Greenbelt Council, and recently chaired the Advisory Panel for the Co-ordinated Land Use Planning Review for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. He is a Member of the Order of Ontario and an Officer of the Order of Canada.