Teya Peya Productions

"Power of Purpose Lies in  Recognizing that Inner Strength Relies on Living Fearlessly"

MEET THE TEAM

Proudly in Service to Indigenous Cultures since 1991

MANDATE

Teya Peya Productions provides a world platform for the celebration of the richness of First Nations cultural diversity. We are an educational and cultural bridge between Native and non-Native people, while at the same time shining a warm, welcoming spotlight on North America's First Nations people.

How we travel our earthwalks can often be explored in unique and practical ways through time-honoured First Nations Medicine Wheel teachings. Our programmes bring people from different cultural, social and economic backgrounds together in a spirit of Hanta Ho (Clearing the Way). Our presentations are informative, inspiring, relaxing and often hilarious.

MEDICINE WHEEL: The Power of Purpose. The Original Social and Business Media for Positive Interaction!

The beauty and wisdom of the Medicine Wheel, when combined with vocals and drum rhythms, bridges the cultural divide in positive ways; they raise our awareness of right action through Hope, Intelligence and thoughtful contemplation, fuelled by Inspiration and Imagination.

Choosing to live honourably in the world by making intelligent choices, counteracts racism with teamwork, jealousy with self-respective, general bias with acceptance, greed with fulfillment.  Not only does the Medicine Wheel comfort us by making sense of the world, but it challenges us to do better.

For over thirty years, I've been counselling and coaching corporate executives, managers, staff, students, educators and clients. I've developed a unique approach based on my Indigenous medicine wheel teachings and many years as a senior manager in a multi-cultural organization.

My interactive approach empowers all participants to give to themselves a strong sense of self-confidence and fearlessness by broadening personal goals.  The Medicine Wheel is a tangible mechanism upon which the power of clear, positive communication among individuals, families, business associates, communities and nations can be focused; it is an opportunity for people to be connected in a positive, circular chain of understanding.

Authentic and transparent interpersonal communication -- Knowing the difference between information and communication -- Building intercultural understanding -- Recognizing non-verbal signals -- Courageous communication - Creating solid teamwork -- Promoting Leadership -- Focusing on ideas and not just facts increases possibilities -- Alleviating stress -- Concentration -- Good Listening -- Environment (workplace, home) -- Perception -- Adapting to change -- Conflict Resolution -- Enhance performance.

COMMENTS FROM THUNDERBIRD

The Covenant and Power of the Matriarchy Lies in Our Humanity & Resonant Connection to the Earth 

I carry the name Thunderbird for a reason (yes, it really is my last name!) In my world, Thunderbird is a  great communicator and protector, unafraid to bring changes to the world and to speak the truth when something needs to be said.

It took years for me to grow into the sheer enormity of the many teachings that my name embodies. I have walked through many fires; eventually I found the courage to step away from the comfort of my western job and return to my Indigenous roots. I was boosted along the way by six very persistent female Ancestors and one male guardian.  Seven souls that embraced the seven sacred directions who have been with me since I was four years of age.

I was time, they said, to tell the truth about my people from a Native perspective. I embraced the spirit of Hanta Ho (clearing the way), and, in so doing, the remainder of my life's work is to help put fractured people, families, communities and nations back together.

I created a unique Canadian Indigenous company that celebrates the world's people through a synchronicity of inspirit speeches,  Medicine Wheel workshops, meditations, arts, education and dynamic entertainment. I am fortunate to have two wonderful sisters, one by blood (Kate Dickson), the other two by heart (Sandy Horne) who jumped on board with me, no questions asked. We laugh, we cry, we inspire, we imagine, we create and we believe.

In case you are wondering, TEYA PEYA means "Women Who Run With the North Wind." That is us, Thunderbird brings the wind that brings changes, we embrace all of them, they make us stronger and wiser for the experiences, and, in turn, we share it all with you.

Spiritual and emotional wellness crosses ALL cultural, social, and professional boundaries, The responsibility of  ALL humanity is to live lives of deep meaning, seeking always to be mindful and in service to others through a synchronization of energy, unity and common purpose. 

Remember,  Courage/Mindfulness + Hope + "Heart Speak" + Accountability = Physical, Spiritual, Emotional + Mental Resilience!

SHANNON THUNDERBIRD, M.A., IS:

--An internationally celebrated First Nations Speaker, Artist/Educator. A captivating post-secondary lecturer.

-Artistic Director of Teya Peya Productions.

--Accomplished Speaker and Workshop Facilitator. From elementary schools to universities and corporations, she challenges people to connect the power of the human spirit with the issues in today's high tech world. "She is a voice of clarity in a cluttered world."

--Principal Performer and Director of all Teya Peya productions.

--Professional Singer, Songwriter, Recording Artist.

--Playwright, Published Author.

--First Nations Elder.

--Former Senior Director of a large, unionized, culturally-diverse post-secondary workforce.

--A staunch supporter of Women's Leadership roles (Business, Social and Political Forums).

--Extensive experience working with children, youth, at risk and incarcerated youth.

--Masters and Honours Degrees in Political Science, Fine Arts and Humanities.

--Main areas of interest: Medicine Wheel Indigenous Culture/Spirituality, Women, Leadership, Youth, Justice & Indigenous Rights, History, music, theatre and drums, drums drums.

--These aren't her words.  "She's absolutely hilarious, we mean rolling in the aisles, hysterical -- no audience member is safe when she's in the house!"

--CV below.

SANDY HORNE, IS:

--Principal performer and Thunderbird's Creative Performance partner.

--Associate Workshop Facilitator and Road/Touring Manager.

--Recording Artist, Songwriter.

--Co-producer of all Teya Peya's recordings.

--First rate musician and one of Canada's premier female bass players.

--Founding member of the iconic Canadian band, Spoons.

--Gold records and Juno nominations to the Spoons' credit.

--A staunch support of Women's leadership roles (business, social and political forums).

--Proudly "Second" nations.

--Her gentle humour balances Thunderbird.

--Named "Woman of the Year" for the City of Guelph, ON.

KATE DICKSON IS:

--Compelling Speaker/Educator, Writer (Native Studies, Justice issues, World Religions, Dramatic Arts, Philosophy).

--Retired Secondary School Teacher for twenty-seven years (Native Studies, Dramatic Arts, English and more).

--Teya Peya's Life Coach/Guidance Counsellor/Tutor for Youth.

--Chief Editor of Thunderbird's books.

--Theatrical Director for most of Teya Peya's major productions.

--Costume Designer/Maker.

--A staunch support of Women's Leadership roles in (Business, Social and Political forums).

--Main areas of interest: Indigenous Rights, Justice, Law and Politics, women.

--Occasionally performs with Thunderbird and Horne.

--Degrees in Humanities and Philosophy.

--Not her words:  "She's really funny - we mean REALLY funny. She's Tsimshian, she has to be."

--Winner of an award for being a super parent/volunteer, City of Mississauga, ON

Dynamic Team-Building Events

--Inspirational, educational, often humorous Keynote addresses exploring the principals of living fearlessly.
--Sweet Thunder and Eagle Thunder Medicine Wheel in the 21st Century.
--Mindfulness meditations, big drums, oral narratives, theatrical, performances.
--Conference, Conventions entertainment.
--Workshops and seminars geared to the specific requirements of the event.

Programmes Accomplish a Variety of Goals:

--Energize and empower.
--Put competition in its place by offering a more balanced and fair relationship world view.
--Bring back humour and perspective.
--Everything old is new again: Teamwork, consensus building -- the hallmarks of Indigenous cultures.
--Build bridges and improve the art of conversation.
--Move beyond the fear factor into insight, good thoughts and right action.
--Accountability and Responsibility - Medicine Wheel teachings.
--If you have hidden agendas you've hidden yourself.
--Self-Empowerment using the twin elements of Wisdom and Courage.
--Understanding that "Traditional" thinking is not "Old-Fashioned" thinking.

(Photo left: Shannon and Kate presiding at a Wedding Ceremony). We are busy, because what we do strikes a positive, connective cord in the minds, hearts, bodies and spirits of those who seek us out. We work hard to keep our presentations uplifting and entertaining.

They are ideal for absolutely everyone in any business, educational and social organization! (Photo below right: Shannon & Kate presiding at a Naming Ceremony).

We regularly perform and speak at Conferences, Educational Institutions,  Conventions, Corporate, Business, Public and Private organizations, Art Galleries, Museums, After Dinner shows, Festivals, Theatres, and other public events.

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