Music the Earth's Heartbeat

Jared Tailfeathers continues his cultural journey with Music of the Earth's Heartbeat: Blackfoot Legacy Volume 2, expanding on the themes of history, medicine, legacy connections, music, and art. Building on the foundation of The Art of Making: Rediscovering the Blackfoot Legacy, this second volume offers deeper insights into Blackfoot heritage and cultural reclamation. Accompanied by his family and loyal dogs, Tailfeathers explores the evolution of the Blackfoot Confederacy, examining its trade routes, resources, and interactions pre- and post-1800s. The book provides intricate details of Blackfoot connections with nature, neighboring First Nations Peoples, and their rich legacy in tool-making, textiles, and artistic expression. Tailfeathers' quest, which began in 2019, is driven by a deep desire to reacquaint himself with his cultural and historical identity as a Blackfoot man navigating a post-colonial world. Tailfeathers has broadened his range upon the land, venturing further out to more undocumented locations, uncovering hidden connections and forgotten histories. This volume delves further into the significance of music and art as integral aspects of the Blackfoot legacy, incorporating stories based on oral traditions and offering readers a profound understanding of Indigenous resilience and creativity.

Jared Tailfeathers is a distinguished Indigenous multidisciplinary artist whose creative pursuits include art, music, literature, curation, and invention. His work primarily explores the art, history, and sustainability of the Blackfoot and other Treaty 7 Nations, safeguarding their rich cultural heritage. A graduate of the Alberta University of the Arts, Jared has collaborated with numerous prominent cultural institutions and festivals. His commitment to culture and community is further demonstrated through his involvement with the Calgary Arts Development Authority, where he has facilitated a range of performance events and educational programming. He is the author of the best-selling book The Art of Making: Rediscovering the Blackfoot Legacy and co-editor of Secrets of the Forsaken.