Campfire Chats: A Celebration of Indigenous Music and Culture

Craig is a citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (formerly the Métis Nation of Alberta) and serves as the Director of the International Indigenous Studies Program at the University of Calgary. A musician-scholar, Craig composes songs that acknowledge Indigenous histories and worldviews. He received the inaugural Excellence in the Arts Award at the 2023 Métis Recognition Awards in Calgary for the Songs of Justice Project, a collection of songs that highlight both current and historical relations between Indigenous peoples and governments in Canada and explore the political and spiritual significance of Louis Riel. Craig's most recent work, the Animal Kinship Project, features songs that reflect on the impact and presence of animals. Both projects offer open-access educational resources designed to advance the Indigenization of curriculum.  

Shadow Devereaux, also known by his stage name Foreshadow, is a Salish and Blackfeet hip-hop artist, audio engineer, and community advocate. Born and raised on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Dixon, Montana, Shadow uses his music as a powerful tool to inspire and uplift Indigenous youth while advocating for cultural preservation and social justice. 

A passionate storyteller, Shadow's work blends personal reflection with themes of resilience, overcoming adversity, and pride in his Indigenous roots. His debut album, Perfect Timing, features a mix of motivational anthems and introspective tracks that resonate with listeners from all walks of life. Shadow's artistry has earned him recognition, including a Native American Music Award for Best Narrative in Video in 2022 for his song "Protect Your People." 

Beyond music, Shadow is deeply committed to empowering his community. He has partnered with Colter Olmstead to teach film and music classes, reaching youth and adults alike and using art as a tool for expression and creation. In 2024, Shadow contributed to the documentary Bring Them Home, which tells the story of the Blackfeet tribe's successful efforts to return bison to their traditional lands. Shadow’s involvement reflects his ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting Indigenous culture. 

As a father, artist, and role model, Shadow Devereaux is more than just a musician—he’s a symbol of strength and resilience, using his talents to inspire positive change within his community and beyond

Dustin Walter, whose Blackfoot name is Ksk'staak'iinna (Beaver Chief), is Ampskapii Pikunii (South Peigan), one of the four tribes of the Blackfoot Confederacy, located in Montana, USA. He holds a B.Sc. in Nursing and a Masters in Educational Research from the University of Calgary, where he focused on Blackfoot wellness practices. He is currently a fourth-year Doctoral student in Community Health Sciences, specializing in Population/Public Health at the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary.

Dustin’s research is centred on Indigenous healing, with a focus on Indigenous trauma strategies and the implementation of these strategies to support whole individual wellness. In addition to his academic work, he is a singer/songwriter, SAG-AFTRA actor, and filmmaker. The songs he experienced while growing up on the reservation—and throughout his life—have taught him to be in touch to his Blackfeet world. As a passionate storyteller, he is honoured to share his musical teachings with the next generation.