THUNDERBIRD NATIVE THEATRE (TNT)

Music, Drumming, Storytelling and Dance are the very soul of Native people. They are connected to each other and ground us culturally in the magic of who we are as North America's proud Indigenous people.

TNT is an expansion of everything that Teya Peya Productions does. Just bigger shows with more performers which translates to more fun and enjoyment. Everyone is welcome at our shows.

As my Mother told me, and I now tell you, matriarchal energy/power is endemic to the survival of the Earth; Women's voices must be heard by whatever means if Mother Earth has any chance of survival. As the heart of the woman beats so does that of the Earth Mother. Women are the strength upon which humans walk the earth - Women are "Home" - the drum celebrates that union.

ROLLING THUNDER

A 60-90 Minute Show features 4-6 performers and brings to life the rich and vibrant cultures of First Nations people, through the presentation of funny and dramatic stories set to contemporary and traditional music, and drums, drums, drums. The show moves with the rhythms of the ages and unites the past, present and future in highly entertaining and often hilarious ways.

Available primarily Evenings and Weekends

OTHER SHOWS AVAILABLE ANYTIME: "Daughter of the Copper Shield", "Thunder Rolling in the Mountains", "Medicine Wheel Magic" and "Sweet Thunder Medicine Wheel" (Click Fire for show details)


Coast Tsimshian, Erin Dickson, Fancy Shawl	Erin, Kate, Thunderbird - Grand Entry	Sandy, TBird, Chris, Kate - "Fancy Shawl Song"	Coast Tsimshian, Kate Dickson, Narrator	TBird, Chris, Sandy singing "Mahk Jchi"

Chris, Erin, "Eyes of the Wolf"	TBird "Today"	Cast "Women's Warrior Song"	Cast "Peacemaker Song"	Cast "Wishita"

PROGRAM INCLUDES: Concerts, Plays, Storytelling with traditional & contemporary music, Songs, Dances, Drums & Drumming Circles.

Singers, Dancers (Fancy Shawl, Women's Traditional), Drummers, Moonstone Women's Big Drum, K'ool Gyet Hool Big Drum, Hand drums, Shakers, Acoustic and Bass Guitars, Flute, Stories: Wolf, Raven, Orca, Crow Chief, Grandfather Cries, Wisdom of the Elders, Dream World, Apache Tears.

Special Programs can be created for particular events.

Audience Participation is a significant part of the show.

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AT EVERY SHOW WE HONOUR OUR VETERANS

TO BOOK THE SHOW:

VOICE@SHANNONTHUNDERBIRD.COM

STORYTELLING

In the time of my Ancestors, my people did not have science to explain why the thunder rolled, or why the tides came in and out twice a day. There was no logical, scientific fact to explain, meteors, or how light came to the world. These are just a few examples of the stories told in the long winter months. It was the responsibility of the Storytellers to weave fantastic tales of supernatural beings with human attributes to explain natural phenomena and the place of my people in the natural world.

I love being able to tell stories from an Indigenous perspective using as many artistic mediums as possible while staying true to traditional Indigenous artistic integrity. The stories are TRUTH; the stories are HONOUR; the stories are RESPECT and WISDOM; the stories are COURAGE, LOVE; the stories are HUMOUR, PASSION. They are reconnections to the vital rhythms and currents of Indigenous cultures all across Turtle Island. They need you to LISTEN, UNDERSTAND, ENGAGE, FEEL and CARE ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR COMMUNITY, MOTHER EARTH.

FOR MORE ON THE MAGIC OF NATIVE STORYTELLING

COMING TO THE VOCAL - WE SING BECAUSE:

It is one of the greatest achievements we have created for ourselves.
It is the universal language of peaceful communication.
Song can be the cry of the heart, the transfiguration of the spoken word.
It is the soul's impressions that cannot be expressed in less spiritual forms.
It is beyond talent or art, it is basic human need to be able to express emotions in a way that satisfies the whole self.
For unity in communities, for freedom, to express honour and respect.
Because this is simply the way of it.
So, sing like there is nobody listening!

COMING TO THE DRUM

Message from the drum. “I am Mother Earth’s universal heartbeat & the sacred gift of Creation; I speak to all people equally & peacefully; I fulfill and create spiritual, mental, emotional and physical wellness; I am a powerful non-verbal form of calm communication. I am the pulse of the Universe and the ancient wisdom of the Ancestors. I heal disconnects as I sing the songs of all the brave tomorrows by listening for the hum between voice and drum.”

We Drum:

To hear its magic reflected in its power around us.
To hear Mother Earth's heartbeat move our consciousness into the inner worlds of vision, experience, and learning.
To go to the Dream World to meditate, rest and contemplate.
To release stress, tiredness, emotional and mental fatigue.
To hear the teachings from the Medicine Wheel.
To find our power animals, and spirit guides that will help head us in the directions of inner reflection and connection or re-connection to those things that really matter. (Photo right, "Veteran's Honour Song."
To travel to the centre of Mother Earth, where we can spread our arms and feel the strength of the four great winds who have their roots in that magic place; where our spirits, minds, emotions and bodies become one with that which is greater than ourselves.
We drum because this is simply the way of it.

The Thunderbird Native Theatre invites you to join in the ride as
our collective voices soar to the Ancestors.

The intent of these gorgeous, sacred objects Moonstone (left) & K'oolgyet Na Hool (Right) Big Drums is to provide peaceful, easy feelings and experiences to people who play them as they reconnect, heal and find their voices. My vision for the big drums is to have people from all cultures come in a loving, warm, supportive and elevating way. This is what's happening and it is utterly fantastic!

For more on Tribal Drum Teachings & Moonstone

COMING TO THE DANCE

WE DANCE:

To feel close and connected to the Earth Mother.
To the rhythms of our hearts.
So the fire of life permeates our souls.
To celebrate our connection to the land, sea, forests, animals, flyers, swimmers, crawlers through copying their movements. For they know how to move softly in the world.
For freedom; it moves us outside the confines imposed by a wider world.
To laugh, to cry, to bring dreams to reality.
Because our bodies were made to do so. Snapping fingers, tapping feet, nodding our heads to some internal rhythmic debate.
To fee empowered. to crystallize our thoughts and emotions.
We dance to simply dance. So do it like there's no one watching!

We Dance because this is simply the way of it
- Wilwilaayask, All my relations.

WEST WIND AND THE WOODLAND SISTER

A hilarious concert of laughter, music, stories and audience interaction

First Nations stories, teachings, music and rhythm can bridge the cultural divide in a way that allows for the culture and magic of all Turtle Island’s people to be celebrated and understood in a positive, uplifting and often hilarious way.

Using the dynamics of live theatre, music and storytelling, "West Wind and the Woodland Sisters" concert has the audience laughing from beginning to end. Enthusiastic audience participation is one of the hallmarks of this very popular show.

The concert is for adults, University, Community College students. It is an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary music, stories with modern twists, political and social humour, accompanied by authentic Native hand drums, Moonstone & K'oolgyet Na Hool Big Drums (when they can travel by van), shakers and Sandy's fabulous bass and acoustic guitars and Flute.

"What joy you bring. What wisdom you share! We have been so enriched by your talents, humour and wisdom! You have started us on a journey that will be never-ending. How wonderful! Thank you." (M. Macleod, Limestone Board of Education)

“Chi Miigwetch for bringing Moonstone Big Drum and sharing all your beauty.” (University of Waterloo)

“Many thanks for providing amazing educational entertainment. The audiences were thrilled with all of you.” (McMichael Canadian Art Collection)

“I haven’t laughed this much in years. You & Sandy make a great team. I loved the Fancy Shawl Dancer & the big drum was magical.” (Audience member, Canada Employment & Immigration)

“Thunderbird is the first headlining First Nations performer to appear at the Imperial Theatre. We were really pleased to have someone of her caliber. Educating audiences through music and theatre is what makes this inspirational woman tick.” (Artistic Director, Imperial Theatre, New Brunswick)

"Squawk!" White Raven calls, "Book a Show, you won't be sorry."

VOICE@SHANNONTHUNDERBIRD.COM

NOTE: TNT is available primarily Evenings and Weekends.

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