Water is Life: Creative Approaches To Activism with Layla Staats

Building off of her work as part of Work in Progress about the 2022 fight for 1492 Land Back Lane, Layla Staats returns to WAHC this June to facilitate an artist talk and workshop exploring the creative possibilities at the heart of defending the land.

Central to Layla’s work as an artist and activist is the fact that water is life. This workshop will open the door to discover a true and meaningful relationship with the water and consider activism in new ways by combining indigenous knowledge and science backed research. Layla will unpack the role that land defenders play in giving a voice to this essential element. Not just at rallies and protests but by using your voice as an artist.

Layla’s own creative approaches in activism have taken the form of documentary film (2023’s Boil Alert) and music.

Join us on the afternoon of June 13th to take action by turning new knowledge into change. RSVP today to save your spot.

Co-Presented with our friends at Environment Hamilton.

Layla Staats

Layla Staats is Mohawk Turtle Clan from the Six Nations of Grand River. Her work stems from her Red Road to reclaim her Mohawk identity as a generational survivor of residential schools. Layla is a Filmmaker and Storyteller who premiered her second documentary “Boil Alert” at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023. She recently launched her musical career with her first single “White Pine” which tells the story of her work as a land defender and water protector, bringing awareness to Indigenous issues across Turtle Island.