Friends United Interview Series

The Friends United Interview Series brings together artists, cultural knowledge holders, community leaders and Friends United supporters to share the stories, experiences and relationships behind their work.

Explore these longer conversations about Indigenous art, creativity, cultural knowledge, mentorship, community and the development of Friends United. You can also browse All Interviews, the Friends United Reconciliation Talks and Videos & Performances.

Together, these conversations reflect Friends United’s work in Indigenous art, cultural education, mentorship and respectful dialogue in Unama’ki, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

  • Video images open the corresponding video on YouTube. Interview titles and buttons lead to the complete Friends United interview page with further context and video information.

Eric Schweig: Art, Heritage & Healing (English, 57 min.)

Eric Schweig interview thumbnail for Art, Heritage & Healing

Eric Schweig speaks with Rolf Bouman about carving, heritage, healing and mentorship, and how art can transform painful experiences into creative expression, imagination and hope.

Rodney MacDonald on the Story Behind Friends United (English, 42 min.)

Rodney MacDonald on the story behind Friends United

Nancy Regan speaks with Rodney MacDonald about his involvement with Friends United, Rolf Bouman’s vision, support for Indigenous artists and the relationships that helped the initiative grow.

Patrick Lamey on Friends United, Art and Rotary (English, 48 min.)

Patrick Lamey in conversation with Nancy Regan about Friends United, First Nations art and community connection

Nancy Regan speaks with Patrick Lamey about Friends United, First Nations art, law, music, community connections and the journey to Rotary’s House of Friendship in Hamburg.

Jay Bell Redbird on the Seven Teachings, Nature and Indigenous Art (English, 28 min.)

Jay Bell Redbird and Rolf Bouman discuss the Seven Teachings, nature and Indigenous art at Friends United.

Jay Bell Redbird speaks with Rolf Bouman about the Seven Teachings, animal symbolism, nature, Indigenous art, mentorship and the role of creativity in cultural learning and connection.

Jay Bell Redbird & Halina Stopyra on Art and Collaboration (English, 42 min.)

Jay Bell Redbird and Halina Stopyra in conversation with Nancy Regan at Friends United

Nancy Regan speaks with Jay Bell Redbird and Halina Stopyra about collaboration, cultural connection, mentorship and how artists from different backgrounds can create and share teachings together.

Darren Julian on Mi’kmaq Art, Family and Spirit (English, 28 min.)

Darren Julian and Rolf Bouman in a Friends United interview about Mi’kmaq art, family, spirit and creativity.

Darren Julian speaks with Rolf Bouman about Mi’kmaq art, family influence, spiritual creativity, nature and how Friends United supports artists through original works, prints and lasting relationships.

Eric Schweig on Knife Making and Reclaimed Steel (English, 30 min.)

Eric Schweig discusses knife making, reclaimed steel, and craftsmanship with Rolf Bouman at Friends United.

Eric Schweig speaks with Rolf Bouman about making knives from reclaimed steel, Japanese martial arts, apprenticeship, humility and the discipline of learning through traditional hands-on craftsmanship.

Eric Schweig on Totem Pole Carving with Gerry Sheena (English, 16 min.)

Eric Schweig on learning totem pole carving with Gerry Sheena at Friends United

Eric Schweig reflects on learning totem pole carving from Gerry Sheena and discusses apprenticeship, repetition, mentorship and Friends United as a place where artists continue learning from one another.

Stephen Augustine and Wolf-Dieter Storl on Nature and Spirit (English, 19 min.)

Stephen Augustine and Wolf-Dieter Storl in conversation with Rolf Bouman at Friends United in Cape Breton

Hereditary Chief Stephen Augustine and Wolf-Dieter Storl speak with Rolf Bouman about Mother Earth, body, mind and spirit, traditional knowledge and guidance for future generations.

Dan Levy on Sacred Drums and Mother Earth (English, 22 min.)

Dan Levy and Rolf Bouman discussing sacred First Nations drums, prayer and Mother Earth at Friends United

Dan Levy speaks with Rolf Bouman about sacred drums, prayer, water, offerings, eagles and respect for Mother Earth, reflecting on responsibility, peace and cultural teachings for future generations.