Welcome to
TEYA PEYA PRODUCTIONS

Come Back to K'ool

First Nations K'ool Gyet (One People), "Power of Purpose Inspirit" Workshops, Speakers' Bureau, Entertainment, Medicine Wheel, Drumming Circles

"Power of Purpose Lies in the fact that is Okay to live Fearlessly"

MEET THE TEAM

Proudly in business since 1991

How we travel our earth walks 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!

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. It is an opportunity for all members of a group or organization to be integrated into a positive, circular chain of understanding.

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.

Authentic and transparent interpersonal communication; Knowing the difference between information and communication; building intercultural understanding; Understanding 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 was given the name Thunderbird for a reason (yes, it really is my last name!) Thunderbird is a  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 my name and find the courage to step away from the comfort of my western job and return to my Indigenous roots. It was time to tell the truth about Turtle Island's First Nations people from a Native perspective, and engage all cultures in a spirit of Hanta Ho (clearing the way), and, in so doing, putting a fractured world back together.

I created a unique Canadian Indigenous company that celebrates the world's people through a synchronicity of speeches,  Sweet Thunder 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 + Accountability = Physical, Spiritual, Emotional + Mental Resilience!

SHANNON THUNDERBIRD, M.A., IS:

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

--Over thirty years as a skilled, knowledgeable, workshop facilitator/counsellor. "She is a voice of clarity in a cluttered world.

--Principal performer and Artistic Director in 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: Women and Leadership, Youth, Justice & Indigenous Rights, Indigenous Culture/Spirituality, History. Inspirit programming.

--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.

KATE DICKSON IS:

--Vice-President, Teya Peya Productions

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

--Teach for twenty-seven years.

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

--Chief Editor of Thunderbird's books.

--First Nations Elder.

--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.

--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

SANDY HORNE, IS:

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

--Assistant Workshop Facilitator.

--Recording Artist, Songwriter.

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

--First rate Musician and one of Canada'a 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.

--Name "Women of the Year" for the City of Guelph, ON.

The beauty and wisdom of the Medicine Wheel, when combined with vocals and drum rhythms, bridges the cultural divide in positive ways by rising our awareness of right action through Hope and Contemplation, fuelled by Inspiration and Imagination. By choosing to live honourable in the world, we counteract 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.

--Raising self-awareness, thinking and acting in authentic ways.
--Responsibility and Accountability.

--Promoting human effectiveness and social justice.
--Elevating the Power of Purpose.
--Defining success and transparent communication.
--Finding and bringing to reality our highest hopes.
--Releasing long-held fears.
--Knowing that freedom is a basic human right, and not a privilege.
--Elevating the spirits of our youth.
--Adopting daily mantras of trust, humility, honours, respect, courage, honesty, love, generosity.
--Breaking down stereotypical attitudes towards Canada's First Nations people.
--Embracing the richness of diversity and cultural preservation.
--The importance of good leadership and what it means to stand in one's own truth.
--Balancing the four realms of human existence: mind, spirit, emotions, body.
--Easing stress by calming the heart, gentling the mind, empowering the spirit and moving the body.
--Each of us a creative and innovative thinker.

Dynamic Team-Building Events

--Inspirational, education, 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
--After dinner entertainment.
--Workshops and seminars geared to the specific requirements of the event.

Our 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 cord in the minds, hearts, bodies and spirits of those who seek us out. We work hard to keep our presentations hugely 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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