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There is a growing need to re-humanize. To re-examine, question and repair our values about our place in the wider world. Self-examination includes concerns for our families, communities, work. The world is fractured and we are in search of more complementary practices and beliefs that will enhance our lives by rejecting fear and embracing Hope. Hope dwells at a primal level in the mists of our ancient brains. It is essential life. A lack of Hope occurs when we feel that our voices are unheard, when there is no sense of ownership, when we feel powerless instead of empowered. My Workshops, Keynote Speeches, Performances celebrate Hope and embrace rest, contemplation and reflection as important life and business skills. They are critical ingredients to rediscovering the Essential Self. Team building and individual self-awareness are the benefits of feeling and hearing the universal rhythms of peaceful and supportive communication. The result is more contented home lives, workplaces and communities. It is no secret that contented humans encourage relationships that cross cultural, political, social and professional boundaries. Workshops/Seminars can be adapted as Keynote Addresses
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I bring my many years in the performance arts along with
my Come with me and enter the world of Canada's Indigenous People with our rich and lasting contributions that continue to make Canada unique. I offer a rollicking, often humorous interactive experience where participants immerse themselves in Indigenous Culture by listening to stories, learning songs, drum rhythms and movement. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing. Some authentic Native Hand Drums and shakers will be available. Participants are invited to bring their own percussion instrument if they have one. We will also be creating our own story from the experiences of the participants.
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THUNDER
ROLLING IN THE MOUNTAINS
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Sandy & I perform this powerful drama at conferences, theatres, conventions, festivals, galleries, museums, and workshops as it provides a profound insight into the importance and power of cultural equality and human diversity. Its main theme is that freedom is a basic human right and not a privilege.
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Why we do the things we do to each other Looking for serenity in the same place as despair Can positive really replace negative on a consistent basis? Teamwork, consensus - the hallmarks of Indigenous cultures How to balance the four realms of human existence: mind, spirit, emotions, body Who Heals the Healer? Self-Empowerment Using the Twin Elements of Wisdom and Courage We are never alone The meaning of the circle, drum teachings, the magic #4 We Are One People: All Humans are Connected. Understanding the Roles of Women, Men, Elders, Children Within the Context of the Modern Tribe Ontario Native Studies Curriculum (Grades 4-High School). Importance of the Digital and New Media Technologies: The Importance of the Oral Tradition as a Force for Cultural Grounding in the Digital Age Understanding that 'Traditional' Thinking is not Old-Fashioned Thinking Youth and Leadership; Elevating the Spirit of our Youth
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TESTIMONIALS: "Shannon, I hardly have the words to thank you and Sandy adequately. I've received lots of positive e-mails about the event, and verbal 'enthusiasms' too.I'm not sure how you'd follow up on such an amazing day, but many have suggested bringing you back next year ( works for me! ), I knew we were going to have a wonderful day together, but who could predict that it would turn out the way it did. It is the single best example of team building that I have ever seen. Your personal power is awesome, and your ability to read the people in front of you is truly a gift. (M.Lee, Education and Learning Centre) "Thank you for your beautiful demonstration and words of wisdom. It was very much appreciated." (Crime Stoppers Committee, AB Lucas High School, London) |

EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
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Suitable for Grades 3 to 12 - Universities - Community Colleges I am an Educator on most things First Nations. My performances meet provincial curriculum requirements for Native Studies, World Religions and a host of other subject. I travel widely and speak at educational institutions all across Canada. My performances and teachings are geared to the specific grade requested (Grade 3 to University and Community Colleges). I use a combination of lively interaction with my audience, the dynamics of live theatre, storytelling, songs, drums and shakers. My teachings include correct definitions, correct historical information and facts, contemporary social and political issues all illustrated by dramatic and humorous stories. Students of all ages have a lot of fun learning to drum on authentic Native hand drums and shakers as well as learning songs some of which are in the original Indigenous languages including: Smalgyax, Seneca and Ojibwa. |
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My culture is my life and I have an abiding interest in how the history, culture, spirituality and the contemporary lives of Native peoples are portrayed and conveyed to the rest of the world. For far too long, the information has been relayed, often inaccurately, with a decidedly NON-Native interpretation. I seek always to debunk many of the myths and outright inaccuracies that are still taught in the educational system. For example, the Bering Strait Theory - there is not a shred of proof that indicates Turtle Island's Indigenous people migrated from central Asia. At the time, there was a huge wall of ice that spread across the top of the world making such travel completely impossible. The Indigenous people already on Turtle Island, knew about the wall of ice and none of our creation stories back up this theory. Let us just put this notion to rest shall we? LISTEN TO THE ELDERS! Much Indigenous education continues to be taught in isolation. For example, in Ontario, the new Grade 10 Native Studies course, Aboriginal Peoples in Canada, asks the following question: Describe the key aspects of the Indian Act and the impact they have on the lives of Aboriginal peoples.
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"Thank you so much for your presentation to the Elementary
Teacher's Federation of Ontario Aboriginal Education Summer
Academy. Your expertise and passion influences our teachers and
reaches our students, ultimately. Thanks again." (K. Makon) "Thanks for being a presenter at our Workshop today. You were wonderful." (Elementary Teacher's Federation, Thames Valley, London, ON) "What joy you bring! The Limestone Board has 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. McLeod, Limestone Board of Education)
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S TAGE AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCES THAT ENHANCE EVENTS OF ALL KINDS - AFTER DINNER ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE......
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INFORMATION ON SCHOOL VISITS
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BOOK A WORKSHOP OR SPEECH FOR YOUR CONFERENCE, CONVENTION, FESTIVAL OR OTHER SPECIAL EVENT voice@shannonthunderbird.com(Fees do not include, (where applicable), mileage, airfare, hotel accommodation, per diem)
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