DAUGHTER OF THE COPPER SHIELD 
2 Actors

Fusion of  Creation Stories in contemporary Musical Theatre format Including singing live to a fabulous soundtrack;

there is also live drums, shakers.

“"Native people have lived upon this land far past any living memory, deep into the time of legend. Come with Mother Earth and Raven as they chronicle the beginning of the world through wondrous Creation narratives and songs.

This musical stage show is a mesmerizing creation story on how the Earth was formed, as seen through the eyes of Aboriginal people. It tells of a time when Mother Earth lived in perfect peace with her mate, Father Sky. One day they noticed a beautiful copper ball (Earth) rotating slowly around them. Eventually Mother Earth left her mate to bring the Copper Shield to life with the aid of raucous Culture Hero, Raven who explains why his beautiful white feathers turned mystical black. This humorous and dramatic musical incorporates a sound track that includes traditional Native, jazz, rap and pop music.

It is a story about:

•  The beauty, sacredness and importance of keeping the Earth clean and safe.

• Good Character: respect, personal leadership, integrity, caring, honour and equality among all the world's people.

• Not asserting dominion over or to rise above the rest, but to make a contribution WITH the rest.

I play 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 musical tastes: pop, jazz, rap, semi-classical, and shows how the ancient stories work seamlessly with contemporary musical styles and are as relevant today as they were sixty thousand years ago. 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.

 (60 minutes, including Q & A, Grade 4 up)

Presentation Copyrighted

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 provides 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

• Introduces students to basic Medicine Wheel and Environmental 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 environment healthy and strong.

• 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.

  

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"This was a great show that taught me a lot about the magic of First Nations people and their cultures . I think everyone would benefit from it.  It was beautifully sung, fun, dramatic, the whole package, in other words. I loved it." (Teacher, Mississauga)

"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

NOTE:  For a special price you can book both "Daughter of the Copper Shield" and a 75-minute version of "Songs of the Ages Songwriting & Vocal Workshop" - TALK TO PROLOGUE. 

THUNDER WOLF: BIG DRUM CHANT/VOCAL AND SONG-WRITING WORKSHOP

(2 Facilitators)

The workshop can be combined with Daughter of the Copper Shield and is for adventurous students and educators who want to learn something new and different and expand their appreciation of Canada’s original people and the importance  of the arts to the cultural grounding of Native cultures.  It is also for Educators who are interested in integrating indigenous music and the arts into their programs.

Workshop is minimum two and a half hours. Participants create original songs 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 tunes and described 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 35.

Note 2:   Grade 7-12.
Note 3:  Price negotiated in consultation with Prologue and Performer.
Note  4:  Where applicable, fee does not include travel, per diem & accommodation (outside GTA).
Note 5:   Video-taping, photography and recording are permitted.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There is a special price when this workshop is combined with "Daughter of the Copper Shield." Talk to Prologue.

Presentation Copyrighted

THUNDER WOLF TESTIMONIAL

"The opportunity for students to learn how First Nations music was originally created, and then to actually write a song, that you translated into your language so they could sing it, was invaluable to their overall music education. I very appreciated your kindness and inclusivity."  (Music Teacher, Private School)

GUEST ARTISTS - TORONTO'S ULTIMATE BLOCK PARTY

 I also create other special presentations should a school or other venue have a particular Indigenous theme they wish addressed. (Photo: Speaking at the International Drama Educators Conference)

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

CLICK FIRE FOR "SWEET THUNDER MEDICINE WHEEL"

PROLOGUE ARTISTS, SHANNON THUNDERBIRD AND JUNO NOMINEE, CHRIS MCKHOOL HAVE TEAMED UP FOR A TWO PLUS DAY PROJECT-BASED MUSICAL EXPERIENCE

Grades 3-12

"Shannon Thunderbird and Chris McKhool have modeled passion for music and building strong community spirit, inspiring our students to reflect about their personal understanding of respect and responsibility. Such earnestness and thoughtfulness from the children astounded the teachers. The Artists, cleverly put each group of student's words to music that was distinct but easy to learn. So, Chris and Shannon created a venue for all children to feel safe and valued while performing. Teachers noted that shy students responded more confidently. The hardest to teach students were engaged. Best of all, we can recall these songs to enjoy again and again."
 (C. Watts, Teacher/Co-Ordinator, C.E. Webster)

cLICK fIRE

IMPORTANT NOTE - IMPORTANT NOTE

The following are sold where I am performing:

• Book, "Medicine Wheel & Character Education in the 21st Century" 

• CDs, "Wind Centre", "May Your Spirit Be Strong"  and "Medicine Wheel Dreams" Meditation