Art Napoleon
Hailing from Saulteau First Nations, and splitting his time between his Northern home community and Victoria, Art is as comfortable in a big city board room as he his skinning a moose with a pocketknife in a hailstorm.
Art is best known as the host and co-producer of APTN’s international food series Moosemeat & Marmalade, which showcases Indigenous foods, traditional knowledge, and outdoor cooking techniques. Art holds an MA in Language Revitalization, is an advocate of Indigenous food sovereignty, a decolonizing thought leader, and multi-talented entertainer.
He’s the former chief of Saulteau FN where he grew up in the boreal forests and mountains of Northern BC, learning how to hunt, to cooperate with the land through seasonal subsistence practices, and to approach the world through a Cree/Dene lens. He specializes in Indigenous thought systems, such as those contained in traditional languages. Art has extensive experience in working with communities for cultural revitalization, be that through entertainment, workshops, program development, strategic planning, or consulting.
Speaking topics
- Living with the Land
Art holds an MA degree from the University of Victoria in Indigenous Language Revitalization, where one of his goals is to help communities revitalize endangered languages and in the wisdom imbedded in these ancient languages.
He has spent much of his life learning to interpret traditional Indigenous tribal principles and philosophies and translate these holistic worldviews and paradigms for practical applications to modern realities.
Unlike motivational speakers who advise people to follow their dreams and work harder, Napoleon uses his wry, self-deprecating wit and folksy wisdom to invite people to find their individual callings, work smarter, and tap into holistic worldviews to face the realities of a rapidly changing world.
With a reputation for being able to bring diverse people together, Art is available for keynotes, workshops, moderation, conference emceeing and youth mentorship.
Presentation Topics:
- Indigenous Governance: Nation Building & Solidarity
- Dances with Cosmology: The Spiritual Nature of Cree Language
- An Indigenous Approach to Economics & Value-based Business
- Freedom from Victim-hood & the Colonial Mind-set
- Cultural Maintenance for the Urban Tribe
- Cree Proverbs & Life-way Teachings
- Leadership Strategies from the Smokehouse
- Miyopimâtisowin: Ancient Steps for Personal Transformation
- Rewriting the History Curriculum
- What Indigenous People Gave to the World
- Indigenous Hunting, Foraging & Food
- Moose Nose Soup & Comfort Foods from Mother Earth
Video clips
Speaker testimonials
Innovative, provokes thoughtful discussion and positive change. Represents the spirit and essence of our teachings.
From music, keynotes, comedy, and moderating, Mr.Napoleon’s offerings are diverse. He always shows up in top form, never disappointing and always willing to work behind the scenes to ensure a successful event. He is reliable, honest and walks with integrity. He is a seasoned presenter who has earned his place on stage.
…Art brings a humour that makes people comfortable, excited and keeps them happy and in their seats…
…an intelligent & engaging man who easily bridges diversity in any audience with his wit and charm, Art takes time to understand the context of gatherings and consistently delivers an appropriate presentation. Art is an inspirational speaker with class and integrity…
…he is funny, versatile & innovative but brings something even more important to the stage–an ability to inspire through his love of culture, land & community–songs & words that move the spirit and cut to the core…
…has a way of bringing any crowd to life by melting hearts and grounding folks in a reality that is authentic. Art is the definition of integrity and he can make any event a success…
…as stage producer & MC on large-scale productions in northern BC, Art continues to crack up the crowds, run a professional stage, draw the audience & understand the needs of his clients. Art is one of the best producers we have worked with & plan on using him for years to come…
We really enjoyed Art Napoleon, his personal stories and how he mentioned the First Nations were affected not only by the Residential Schools but Colonization as well. This was an excellent session…came away inspired and learned a lot, he is a very good speaker.
Art is a bright intellectual with a dynamic sense of humour. We love how he uses the local language and encourages participants of all ages to open up and share throughout the entire process. Our event would not have been the same without him. Crystal Harwood Lake Babine Nation