A couple of nights ago I was riding the streetcar across the city when I had the great honour of meeting Inuit artist, Manasie Akpaliapik. He was sitting across from me and asked me if I was going very far. He said that he needed someone to talk to. We talked about art, drumming, the tragic death of a friend of his, and his life here in Toronto in the space of a 20 minute ride. We exchanged information, and I stepped off the car with a mixture of feelings that ran from humility and gratitude to sadness.

From our conversation, I would say that Manasie has been going through a difficult time, and I hope that his troubles are resolved soon. He's clearly a gifted artist, and from talking with him briefly he also possesses a gentle, accepting soul and a wildly passionate creativity. When I got home, I noticed that a range of his works were on auction on Kijiji with prices listed from $440 to $2800. I wondered if the person auctioning such works off would consider sending a portion of the proceeds to Manasie himself? I emailed the auctioneer about it, but haven't heard back yet. Stay tuned.

He could use it. He really could. Imagine the irony I felt today when I heard on the radio that VANOC is in hot water over it's "authentic aboriginal products" that are manufactured in China. I wasn't surprised. Sickened, angry, embarrassed, ashamed, yes. Surprised, no. What the hell, Canada?