aabaakwad  (it clears after a storm) is a singular, annual Indigenous-led conversation on Indigenous arts by those who create, curate, and write about it. aabaakwad is devoted to the dissemination and development of international Indigenous arts, and accomplishes this by hosting yearly gatherings of Indigenous curators, artists, scholars, and authors. Founded by curator and artist Wanda Nanibush, this gathering highlights and celebrates Indigenous excellence within the arts on a national and international level. 

In December of 2024, members of the CERC research team and graduate student RAs attended aabaakwad in Toronto, Canada. From Thursday, December 5th to Saturday, December 7th, we attended a myriad of discussions and panels which featured leading Indigenous and other BIPOC experts in their fields (including some members of CERC leadership), who generously shared their knowledge and wisdom with all those in attendance. aabaakwad also showcased musicians, performance art, poetry, and film screenings throughout the 3-day event, adding to the immersion of the experience.