PROLOGUE TO THE PERFORMING ARTS

DAUGHTER OF THE COPPER SHIELD
2 Actors

Fusion of Creation Stories in Contemporary Musical Theatre format Including Fabulous Soundtrack, Live Drums, Shakers.
“"We have lived upon this land far past any living memory, deep into the time of legend. Come with Mother Earth and Raven as they bring to life some of the wondrous Creation stories and songs of First Nations people, as seen through the eyes of Noo Halidzoks (Mother Earth) who explains how the world was created and organized."

There was a time when Mother Earth lived in perfect peace with her mate Father Sky until the day they noticed a beautiful copper ball (Earth) rotating slowly around them. Their hearts went out to this lonely place and it was decided that Mother Earth would leave her mate and make the Copper Shield her new home. She describes in song and spoken word how she brings it to life albeit chaotically. Raucous Culture Hero, Raven comes along to explain and brag a bit about his role in helping Mother Earth organize her new home and how his beautiful white feathers burned to magical black. (60 minutes, including Q & A, Grade 4 up)

Daughter of the Copper Shield is a musical adaptation sung live to a professionally recorded 'full orchestra' sound track (recorded at Little Bear Recording Studio in Guelph, ON).

Thunderbird plays the role of: Noo Halidzoks (Mother Earth-Daughter of the Copper Shield); Sandy Horne plays the often hilarious role of Pacific Northwest Coast Culture Hero, Raven. The music is a variety pack to satisfy everyone's taste: pop, jazz, rap, semi-classical and shows how the ancient stories are as relevant today as they were sixty thousand years ago; they work seamlessly with contemporary musical styles. There is also live traditional drumming and chanting which satisfies the needs of the performers to be connected to the Earth and the audiences desire to hear it.

Daughter of the Copper Shield enhances the First Nations educational programming experience and fulfills a variety of Canadian Native Studies requirements, including both Character Education and Environmental issues. It provide an important link because it is told from an Indigenous point of view which is vital for an accurate understanding of who we are as Turtle Island's (North America) Original People.

EXPECTATIONS OF THE SHOW

First Nations Creation stories speak to the world as being a circular Copper Shield out of which Noo Halidzoks (Mother Earth) created the present world and Raven helped organize it.
Introduces students to basic Environmental Medicine Wheel teachings that govern most Native Nations. These teachings include: the Great Circle, meaning of four directions, four colours of human, Four groups of plants, four groups of animals, balance/harmony built into the original world, and so on.......
Addresses positive topics that include: Emphasis on the themes of harmony, balance, humility, courage, wisdom, love, respect, self-esteem, sharing, caring, generosity, honour and acceptance of racial and human diversity which were built into the original world.
Addresses negative topics that include: bullying, racial discord, hate, lack of self-esteem, jealousy, power over mentalities, serious environmental changes.
The show will seek to re-engage the audience with these teachings and help create dialogue in classes which, in turn, emphasizes character education and the importance of keeping our environmental healthy and strong. The show helps elevate the spirit by de-escalating bullying, jealousy and other angry attitudes in schools.
Breaks down stereotypical attitudes about Canada's First Nations with a reminder that we continue to play a powerful role on all levels: the arts, politically, socially and economically.
Continues to fulfill curriculum focus and expectations listed in the current Prologue calendar.

“

"Wonderful show. I learned so much about First Nations people. It just took my breath away. Thank you for sharing the stories.”
(M. Hopkins, Trail, B.C.)

NOTE 1: Audience maximum of 300 is strictly adhered to
Note 2:   A STAGE is REQUIRED
Note 3:   Show suitable for grades 4-12
Note 4:   Video-taping, photography and recording are not permitted

This new show has been produced with grant support from the Ontario Arts Council. Thunderbird thanks them profusely for seeing the value in this very important presentation.

Thanks also, to Prologue to the Performing Arts. Thunderbird was the recipient of a 2007 Paula Award to assist with the production.

They are simply the best!

"Wow, the show was really great. The music was so rich and it was amazing how well your beautiful voices blended together. The kids got a lot out of it. Our students are sometimes a bit rambunctious but you held their attention with the stories, music and the question and answer period at the end. They really loved your costumes. Thank you for coming."
(Teacher, Halton Region Catholic School Board)

In its first full year (2008-2009), Daughter of the Copper Shield toured the following Ontario School Boards for a total of over fifty shows!

Bluewater; Halton Catholic; Barrie; Kirkland lake; Kawartha; Limestone

WISDOM OF THE AGES: GREAT CIRCLE DRUMMING & STORIES
Message from the drum: “I am Mother Earth’s universal heartbeat and the sacred gift of Creation; I speak to all people equally and peacefully; I create spiritual, mental, emotional and physical wellness; I am a powerful non-verbal form of calm communication; I am the ancient wisdom of the Ancestors.” Students sing and learn drum rhythms in the truly interactive manner of a Native social gathering using authentic Native hand drums and shakers. ‘Show and Tell’: Students handle and hear mesmerizing stories that explain a variety of artifacts and sacred objects (i.e., medicine wheel, medicine shield, dreamcatcher, turtle, animal furs). The show is exhilarating, fun and highly educational.

Note 1: Audience maximum of 70 is strictly adhered to
Note 2: A LARGE OPEN SPACE (such as a Gym) is the preferred space
Note 3: Show suitable for grades 4-12

Click on Fire for adult version of this show

"We always are deeply moved by your words of wisdom, your stories and your songs. You enrich, inspire and enlighten wherever you go! Many thanks for honouring us today. The students had a great time."
(A. Wilde, Drama Teacher/Librarian)

"It was a pleasure having Sandy and yourself perform and work with the students over the past two days. The feedback has been nothing but positive. Everyone learned a ton and enjoyed the wealth of talent that both of you brought to our school community. I want to thank you both so much for making this such an excellent experience for our school. All the best to you both! (M. Menheere, Principal)

WISDOM OF THE AGES: MEDICINE WHEEL, CHARACTER EDUCATION & THE ENVIRONMENT
(2 Facilitators)

DAY LONG WORKSHOP FOR Grades 7 - 12

IMPORTANT NOTE:
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY TO BOOK THIS WORKSHOPSHOW: VOICE@SHANNONTHUNDERBIRD.COM

“How do I please my parents with good social choices and grades in order to get into a good university? How do I keep my friends happy while trying to figure out who to trust and who to keep away from? How can I be accepted by everyone and maintain my self-esteem? How do I maintain a relationship with a boy while trying to be myself and not give in to peer pressure?” (Teen Blog, Internet)

“Young people cannot learn if they are tired, hungry, frightened, feel unloved and/or if they’ve been abused both in their personal lives and in school yards.” (Thunderbird)

A TEACHING TO OUR YOUTH,
from Coast Tsimshian Elder, Shannon Thunderbird

What the Ministry of Education calls 'Character Education', First Nations People call 'Medicine Wheel Teachings'. There is nothing new under Grandfather Sun. Indigenous teachings are as relevant today as when they were first told thousands of years ago. Students spent the day learning about and creating a Character Education Environmentally-friendly Medicine.

As I explained to a recent group: “the wheel provides a tangible mechanism upon which the healing of individuals, families, communities and nations can be focused. It creates a safe, holistic foundation for character building that speaks to us at every level of human experience (love, courage, humility, respect, truth, honour, generosity, dreams, security). The Medicine Wheel increases self-esteem and just simply makes you feel good about yourself; it grounds you in the truth of who you are as someone who matters in the world. To be a Warrior of Peace requires courage, personal leadership, determination and effort.”

Within a framework of trust, respect, fairness, and responsibility, students find out what Character Education & Environmental Issues are all about!

YOUR ANCESTORS ARE WATCHING !!!!

IT IS NOT OKAY FOR YOU TO BE

Living in fear while in school or at home.
On the receiving end of jealousy and resentment of any kind.
Physically touched in a way that you do not want, including unwanted sexual advances.
Isolated, hit, pushed, bitten or on the receiving end of any form of physical violence.
Victimized by racial slurs or because you are mentally or physically challenged. Cultural and Human Diversity are strengths not weaknesses.
To engage in any hazing activities that morally blackmails or humiliates you as a way of being part of the so-called "IN" crowd.

IT IS NOT OKAY FOR YOU TO BE THE AGGRESSOR AND

Engage in any intimidating behavior (i.e., verbal/physical threats, constant criticism) that makes someone feel victimized, controlled or fearful.
Make someone feel that everything they do or say is wrong (this includes hazing activities.).
Humiliate or bully anyone to make them feel inferior.
Communicate hateful messages by hiding behind, text-messaging, email, Facebook, Twitter or any other electronic means. The Ancestors are watching!
Force someone to drink, take drugs or engage in any activity that is unlawful.
Lie, cheat and/or steal and then blame your actions on another person.

Spending peaceful time together and creating a Character Building Medicine Wheel empowers our youth to develop creative, fulfilling, and spiritually grounded relationships and lives. The Medicine Wheel provides a framework in terms of achieving an integrated non-linear, non-judgmental approach to spiritual, mental physical, emotional health and wellness. Change is always possible, to be a Warrior of Peace requires, courage, personal leadership, determination and effort.

Issues addressed: bullying, jealousy, hate, despair, abandonment, lack of self-esteem, peer pressure, how technology changes things. Building a Medicine Wheel shows students that good thoughts and ‘right’ action can balance the scales by using the powers of: joy, love, respect, acceptance of self and others, inner peace, humility, wisdom, honour, courage, human diversity, honesty by standing in one’s own truth. At the same time, it is also healing to have a good laugh at our own expense.

Each participant becomes an individual teaching on the Wheel, after reading it aloud, the student is directed to a particular chair in the direction that corresponds to the teaching. The process continues until both inner and outer circles have been created. A discussion on the process and understandings of the teachings then takes place. It is magical, uplifting, energizing and creates deep insight and understandings on how students are currently living their individual earth walks.

Drumming and Singing Circle is a powerful part of the day. It includes: Hand drums, Shakers and Moonstone Women’s Big Drum. Depending on time, Students will have the opportunity to create their own song. It will be translated into Sm'algyax so that students can perform it in an original language.

And that is what Character Education is all about!

"I wanted to tell you that your presentation had a great impression on me, and I think you are an incredible and inspirational woman. I learned a lot about Native beliefs and customs, and felt you really taught what we lack in class....You brought a sense of humility and understanding...and I was deeply touched by the messages. You are an amazing woman, and I think you are doing a great thing to help non-aboriginals understand your people. I would love to meet you and see you perform again. I feel privileged to have met you even once. Thank you so much. You have had a lasting impression on me and my classmates." (CC, Madill High School, Wingham, ON)

Grade 12 students from School of Liberal Arts, Toronto, with their Teacher, Kate in the role of Mother Earth

Grade 12 students from the following high schools: Wingham, Goderich, Mitchell

Note 1: Maximum participants: 60
Note 2: Price is negotiated in consultation with Thunderbird
Note 3: Where applicable, fee does not include travel, per diem, accommodation (outside GTA)
Note 4: Video-taping, photography and recording are permitted

CLICK HERE FOR MEDICINE WHEEL MAGIC AT
C.E. WEBSTER PUBLIC SCHOOL (TDSB)

SONGS OF THE AGES MUSIC WORKSHOP
(2 Facilitators Thunderbird and Horne)

The workshop is for adventurous students who want to learn something new and different and expand their appreciation of Canada’s original people and for educators who are interested in integrating indigenous music into their programs.

Workshop is minimum two hours. Students first learn about Indigenous music and its importance to the grounding of Native cultures. They then create their own song using the methods that have stood Native people in good stead for thousands of years. I refer to it as "Indigenous soundscaping in four part harmony!” Once students have created the tune and describe what they were feeling at the time, words and a title are added and I subsequently translate it into Sm’algyax (Tsimshian language). The students then perform the song in the original language to drums, shakers, Moonstone and K'oolgyet Na Hool Big Drums.

Note 1: Maximum participants 40
Note 2: Price negotiated in consultation with Prologue and Performer
Note 3: Where applicable, fee does not include travel, per diem & accommodation (outside GTA)
Note 4: Video-taping, photography and recording are permitted

Thunderbird's exciting new production: "Rolling Thunder" with the Thunderbird Native Theatre is also available for special educational events (Evenings and Weekends). It is a variety pack of live theatre, traditional and contemporary music, stories, drums and dance presented by the
Click here for more details: Thunderbird Native Theatre

THUNDER ROLLING IN THE MOUNTAINS
(2 Actors)

IMPORTANT NOTE:
CONTACT ME DIRECTLY TO BOOK THIS SHOW: VOICE@SHANNONTHUNDERBIRD.COM

Their Story (briefly)

In-who-Lise and Chief Joseph

Joseph's people are more commonly known as Nez Percé (meaning "pierced nose"). This name was given to them by a French Canadian Interpreter who was travelling with the famed Lewis and Clarke Expedition in 1805. The new name was always confusing to the Nimi-ipuu because this cultural practice was not common among their people. Their preference, as is the case with all Native people, is to be known by their original name and not something imposed by others - Nimi-ipuu (People of the Hearts Blood).

ELDER IN-WHO-LISE SPEAKS: "Horses galloping, guns firing, women wailing, freezing winds blowing are just some of the dramatic sound effects that punctuate the drama of the historic flight of my people, the Nez Percé. In 1877, led by our great spiritual leader, Chief Joseph and his Warrior Chief brother, Oolikut, we embarked on an 1800 mile race for freedom as we tried to escape the United States cavalry. We were desperately trying to seek refuge in Grandmother's Land (Canada). Come and listen as I visit the grave of one of my people's greatest leaders to tell my story about the immense courage of my people who, in the face of overwhelming odds, kept our spirits strong and fought hard for our freedom. Perhaps if you listen closely, you will hear the voice of Chief Joseph....."

YOUNG IN-WHO-LISE SPEAKS: "My story is an accurate historical record of the flight of my people and is representative of many such stories suffered by virtually all Indigenous people who, after the Battle of 1812, were seen as impediments to progress and harshly and tragically moved aside. As a result, there was a relatively quick "changing of the guard" as the supremacy of European colonialism regarding ownership, racism and conquering took hold in North America. I fought hard, my people fought hard for their freedom, we never gave up. My story is a vital component to the understanding of North America's post-European Indigenous history. It is also for anyone who believes that freedom is a basic human right not a privilege. Come and listen to the story."

SHOW PERFORMED TO A DYNAMIC SOUNDTRACK !!

"You kept an audience of nine hundred students mesmerized with your portrayal as White feather." (M. Moore, Imperial Theatre, Saint John, NB)

WHY TELL THE STORY AT ALL?

The show has been written for audiences who are for the most part unfamiliar with 'real' Native History and wish to be educated. Books, text books, movies, television, often with their stereotypical images of Native life, do not speak of such stories, for to do so would humanize a people upon whose backs, with often tragic results, Turtle Island was settled. It is far easier to objectify Native people so that the imposition of disease, fall of the matriarchy, lack of food, land appropriation, residential school, the imposition of Christianity and the Indian Act could all be justified in unconscionable ways.

The show offers an unflinching look at one story of thousands of such stories that have defined the post-European contact history of Native people. The show is meant to be a teaching aid and is performed using a combination of artistic expression and historical fact.

The show does not pose questions, offer counterpoint or new insight, this is not the intention. Revisionist history has no place in the telling of a factual story about an actual historical event.

Moreover, the intention is not to exacerbate stereotypical images of Natives as victims and Whites as antagonists, but rather to shed a light upon important actual events that have been relegated to the back burners of North American history.

Question: Do we really need to revisit these old stories?
Answer: Should we tell the Jews, Stalin's Russians and the Rawandans that they have to move on and not revisit a history that has fundamentally re-defined them through oppression, massacres and loss of culture? Of course not, why, then should Native people's six-hundred year holocaust be treated any differently? It takes courage to want to know the real story.

We NEED to come to grips with the fact that greed, bullying, cowardice, jeolousy and power-over mentalities whether they be in boardrooms, on the battlefield, or in school yards exact unbelievable human cost. We, as a global people continue to do this today as the misery taking place all over Mother Earth continues to haunt us (Haiti, Iraq, Rawanda, Spain, Israel, Palestine, Serbia, Bosnia, South America, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mexico and on and on.....). Joseph's story is as relevant today as when it first happened in 1877. No one wins, no good can ever come from mindless aggression. (Right: Sandy as the Spirit of Chief Joseph)

Finally, this story is for anyone who believes that freedom is a basic human right AND NOT a privilege. All My Relations.

OLIKUT

WHY A DRAMATIC MONOLOGUE?

Thunderbird is first and foremost a Singer and Storyteller. The manner in which it is performed is based on her heritage. That is, the story/music/dance dramas of the Feast tradition of the Northwest coast. With no written language, and from ages past to the present, these dramas sought to ground the people in their history. The performances were hugely successful in combining history, music and theatre into one dramatic production. Thunderbird seeks to continue this honour-bound tradition with a modern addition of a soundtrack.

The show is performed live to a dramatic soundtrack.

"THUNDER" has been wonderfully received in the theatres, schools and a variety of festivals and conferences. Thunderbird applauds the bravery of those individuals and organizations who enhanced their events by wanting to know more about a grievous time in American Indigenous history. (65 minute show)

Note 1: Audience maximum of 250 is strictly adhered to
Note 2:   A STAGE is REQUIRED for this show
Note 3: Show suitable for grades 6-12
Note 4:   Video-taping, photography and recording are not permitted

Thunderbird also creates special presentations should a school or other venue have a particular Indigenous theme they wish addressed. (Photo is Thunderbird speaking to the International Drama Educators Conference)

Thunderbird is a Speaker and Educator on most things First Nations. Her performances more than meet Canadian curriculum requirements for Native Studies. As a result, she is a much in demand speaker and performer at educational institutions all across Canada.

WORKSHOPS FOR EDUCATORS

IMPORTANT NOTE - IMPORTANT NOTE

Thunderbird's wonderful CD, "May Your Spirit Be Strong" and her 'Medicine Wheel Dream' Meditation CD are sold wherever she is performing