TEYA PEYA PRODUCTIONS
 

 I was given the name Thunderbird for a reason. 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 so, I created what I think is a unique Canadian Indigenous company that celebrates all the world's people through a synchronicity of speeches, workshops, arts, education and dynamic entertainment. I am fortunate to have two wonderful sisters, one by blood (Kate), the other by heart (Sandy) who eagerly jumped on board with me. We laugh, we cry, we inspire, we imagine, we create and we believe.

 In case you are wondering what 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, change makes us stronger and wiser for the experiences, and, in turn, we share it all with you.

I bring my many years of entertainment and senior management expertise in providing a vehicle for offering compelling presentations that have a profound effect on contemporary life across the globe: stories, theatrical performances, music, workshops and educational/academic talks that breathe the songs of the Ancestors and hum with rhythms of the wisdom of the ages – indeed, stories that remind us how we ALL can face an uncertain future together in an inclusive, holistic, kind and determined way.

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

 

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO 

Teya Peya is dedicated to feeding the soul, healing the heart and elevating the human spirit.

  • 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 in service to others through a synchronization of energy, unity and common purpose. 

  • Elevating awareness of the rich diversity of Turtle Island's Indigenous People is a very, very good thing.

  • Discussing with women the Importance of leadership and what it means to stand in your own truth is a very, very good thing.

  • The Importance of Self-Awareness, Being Authentic and Accountable makes you a whole-hearted person.

  • Why do we do the things we do to each other for good and challenging.

  • Looking for serenity. Guess what! It's in the same place as despair.

  • Elevating your spirit raises your personal consciousness.

  • Understanding the richness and diversity of another culture and the Importance of its preservation is a very, very good thing.

  •  There are communication skills, and then there are Really Good communication skills. We Talk, Perform, Laugh, Sing and Dance.

  • The positive can really replace negative on a consistent basis.

  • We need to balance the four realms of human existence: mind, spirit, emotions, body.

  • We assist with personal/professional development.

  • We help to ease stress by calming the heart  and gentling the mind, empowering the spirit and moving the body.

  • Helping you realize you have the ability to be a creative and innovative thinker is a very, very good thing.

  • Introducing adults to Play Time and Play Fair is a very, very, very good thing - Yes, you need to play too! Teya Peya really knows how to do this!

  • Good Gender Communication will balance the world: Understanding the Roles of Women, Men, Elders, Children Within the Context of the Modern Tribe.

  • Youth and Leadership are our future; Elevating the Spirit of our Youth.

  • Rest and Contemplation are Essential Life and Business Skills.

  • You are never alone.

  • The meaning of the Circle, Drum & Medicine Wheel teachings, the magic #4 creates harmony on all levels of human existence.

  • Negative Memory and Self-Defeating Messages staggers the soul.

Through unique and refreshing presentations, keynote addresses, seminars, and workshops, Teya Peya elevates the spirit, honours and promotes human effectiveness, social justice and social intelligence.  

Email: 
 voice@shannonthunderbird.com

 

Most of Teya Peya's programs can be adapted to the specific
needs of the event

MORE REASONS WHY WE LOVE WHAT WE DO! 

  • Raise self-esteem, pride and strengthen personal identity for everyone.

  • Release long-held fears and phobias.

  • Understand that freedom is a basic human right, not a privilege.

  • Gives voice to the words of the Ancestors.

  • Gives voice to the exquisite magic of Cultural and Human diversity.

  • Discuss Human Development - Strengths and Weaknesses by giving relevance to Medicine Wheel teachings as Character Education. They include the following attributes that make great people: trust, humility, honour, courage, honesty, wisdom, love, respect, sharing, caring, generosity .

  • Offers a world of possibilities and connections in a unrelenting, fast-paced modern world.

  • Move audiences with the dynamism of Raven Magic.

  • Sing with the power of Orca. In other words, sing like there's no one listening.

  • Howl with the teachings of Wolf.

  • Identify and understand the meanings of symbols.

  • Educate about First Nations history, culture.

  • Break down stereotypical attitudes towards Canada's First Nations People.

  • Laugh, laugh and laugh loudly.

We are busy, because what we do strikes a cord in the minds, hearts, bodies and spirits of most people. We work hard to keep our presentations hugely entertaining and often hilarious (I am after all a frustrated stand up comedienne, at times). They are ideal for absolutely everyone in any Business, Educational and Social Organization! 

 

We regularly perform and speak at Conferences, Conventions, Corporate and other Special Organizations, Art Galleries, Museums, After Dinner Shows, Festivals, Theatres, Educational institutions of all kinds, and other group and public events.

 

CORPORATE EVENTS 

Teya Peya emphasizes that team building is essential in helping organizations develop their workforces and ensure they  recognize the
 strengths of the people they work with on a day-to-day basis.

Teya Peya offers dynamic Team-building Events 

  • Inspirational, educational, often humorous Keynote addresses which explore the principals of living well and in a courageous manner.

  • Wisdom of the Ages: Great Circle Drumming and Twenty-First Century Character Building/Medicine Wheel Teachings.

  • After Dinner Entertainment (West Wind and the Woodland Sisters)

  • Workshops and Seminars geared to the specific requirements of the event.

Our Programmes Accomplish a Variety of Goals:

  • Energize and empower people.

  • Put competition in its place by offering more balanced and fair relationships among colleagues.

  • Bring back humour and perspective.

  • Everything Old is New Again: Teamwork, consensus - the hallmarks of Indigenous cultures.

  • Increase leadership and productivity.

  • Build bridges and improve the art of conversation.

  • Move beyond the fear factor into insight, good thoughts, 'right' action.

  • Come into the light; no-one wants to be invisible.

  • Accountability and Responsibility are good things.

  • 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.

 

 

 SHANNON THUNDERBIRD, M.A., IS:

  • Founder and Artistic Director, Teya Peya Productions.

  • An internationally celebrated First Nations Storyteller and Speaker/Educator.

  • Principal Performer for all Teya Peya productions.

  • Singer/Songwriter whose classically-trained voice moves audiences to tears.

  • A skilled, knowledgeable and highly effective Facilitator.

  • A captivating and compelling Speaker & Post-secondary lecturer.

  • A First Nations Traditional Teacher.

  • Playwright, Writer and Recording Artist.

  • Former Senior Manager of a large, unionized culturally-diverse workforce.

  • A staunch supported of Women's Leadership roles in the world, (Business, Social and Political forums).

  • Extensively experienced within local, national and international forums.

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

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

  • Main areas of Interest: Women and Leadership, Women, Justice & Indigenous Rights, "Men Rock", Indigenous Culture/Spirituality and History, Managing the Mind, Leading with the Heart.

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

 

 

SANDY HORNE IS:

  • Principal Performer for Teya Peya Productions and my Creative Performance Partner.

  • Road Manager for most of Teya Peya's Productions.

  • Owner of Little Bear Recording Studio .

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

  • First Rate Musician and one of Canada's premier electric bass players.

  • Founding member of the Canadian rock band, The Spoons. They still perform from time to time.

  • Gold records and Juno nominations to The Spoons' credit.

  • Assistant Workshop Facilitator.

  • Talented Songwriter.

  • A staunch supporter of Women's Leadership roles in the world (Business, Social and Political forums).

  • She is also proudly "Second" Nations.

  • Her gentle humour balances me when we are working together.

 

 

KATE DICKSON IS:

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

  • Skilled Theatrical Director  (Directs  a number of Teya Peya's Major Productions).

  • Costume designer.

  • A staunch supporter of Women's Leadership roles in the world (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.

  • These are my words: "She's also really, really funny - we mean REALLY funny - She's Tsimshian she has to be."

 

 PRODUCTIONS

 

 EDUCATION

SOME NICE THINGS HAVE BEEN SAID 

"Thank you so much for the performance at our Canadian Symposium for Arts and Learning this week. The audience was just wowed by your performance, and we so appreciate it!"
(S. Robertson, Canadian Network for Arts and Learning)

"I would like to thank for you an outstanding luncheon keynote presentation at the Human Resources Conference: Connect, Collaborate, Build Human Capacity. You engaged the hearts and minds of our attending delegates and opened them to embracing change and connectedness on a meaningful level."
(E. Lengyel, Conference Board of Canada)

"Shannon's workshop gave employees a sense of value and safety.  Her years of experience have given her profound insight into the world of work and the human coping factor (or lack of) in a fast paced world. Using her traditional Native teachings and extraordinary communication skills she offered very inspiring messages and in such a relevant and entertaining way!" (B. J. L., Motorola Canada, Toronto)

 "Thank you for agreeing to be a speaker at Wilfrid Laurier's first Aboriginal Awareness Conference. Your voice is strong and reaches many.  Your participation and support means so much." 
(S. Rose, Wilfrid Laurier University, ON)

"I would like to extend our appreciation and thank you for your time as the "in-residence" Elder.  Your wonderful teachings, one on one appointments, the open teachings, and the workshop forum has not gone without notice. Your time and effort has been greatly appreciated.  We certainly look forward to having you back."   
(D.S., 'Dodem Kanonhsa',  Department of Indian and Northern Affairs)

"Your sense of the spiritual and regard for our Ancestors was particularly moving. The young people I talked with following your presentation were very appreciative. They will benefit much for your message as they go on to further life experiences."
(G. Hammons, Northwest Network for Youth, Seattle, WA)

"Shannon kept the audience mesmerized with her stories and the emotional power of her singing voice.  It was an enthralling evening."
(G. C., Resorts Ontario)

"Your expertise and passion influences our teachers and reaches our students, ultimately. Thanks again." (K. Makon, Aboriginal Education Summer Academy, Ontario Teacher's Federation)

 

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 PRODUCTIONS

 


 EDUCATION

International Drama Educations Conference-Ottawa

SOME PREVIOUS EVENTS 

Wisdom of the Ages: Drumming and Teachings

  • “In Honour of Women”, Delta Kappa Gamma Conference, Oakville, ON

  • “Wisdom of the Ages: Medicine Wheel & the Art of Storytelling”, Fanshawe College Annual Conference, London, ON

  • “Lifting the Spirits” Interactive Workshop with Staff/Management, Lambton College, Sarnia, ON

  • “Wisdom of the Ages: Medicine Wheel Teachings in the Twenty-First Century”, Canada Employment & Immigration Union of Ontario Regional Conference, Niagara Fall, ON

  • “From Kalavala to Rap”, Annual Conference of Theatre Arts, Sunne, Sweden

  • "Manage The Mind, Lead With the Heart", Brock University students and employees; Motorola Canada Workshop for employees; Northwest Network for Youth Conference, Seattle, WA

  • Wisdom of the Ages Drumming: Resorts Ontario Annual Conference

  • "Wisdom of the Ages: Introduction to North America's Indigenous People", CODE Conference (Ontario Drama Educators), Toronto, ON

West Wind & the Woodland Sisters (after dinner entertainment)

  • Conference for Ontario Community College Staff, Kempenfelt Centre, Barrie, ON

  • Canada Employment & Immigration Union of Ontario Conference, Niagara Falls, ON

  • Aboriginal Awareness Conference, Univesity of Guelph.

  •  

Wisdom of the Ages Teachings and Keynote Speeches

  • Conference Board of Canada

  • "SevenSteps to the Colonization of First Nations People", Canada Employment * Immigration Union of Ontario Conference, Niagara Falls, ON

  • "Walking the Good Red Road in an Alabaster World", Accountability, Governance-Empowered nations, Aboriginal Employees Network Conference, Regina, SK

  • "Wisdomof the Ages' Cultural Bridging, University of Windsor, ON, Wilfrid Laurier University

  • Equity Network Conference, University of Windsor, ON

  • "Wisdom of the Ages: Art of Indigenous Storytelling", IDEA Conference (International Drama Educators Association), Ottawa, ON

Academic Workshops and Lectures

  • Race and Diversity in Higher Education; Finding Strength in Difference.", 2008 National CAPDHHE-QUEEEN Conference, Hosted by: Carleton University, Ottawa.

  • "From 'Houses' to 'Monsters': The Naming Practices of the Coast Tsimshian First Nation", 23rd Annual Congress of Onomastic Sciences, York University.

  • "Wisdom of the Ages: Introduction to North America's Indigenous People", University of Marburg, Germany; 4th year History, York University' Ontario Elementary Teacher's Federation; Upper Thames Elementary Teacher's Board of Education

  • "Seven Steps to the Colonization of North America's First Nation's People", Ryerson university (Sociology)

SOME NICE THINGS HAVE BEEN SAID 

 

"I would like to thank for you an outstanding luncheon keynote presentation at the Human Resources Conference: Connect, Collaborate, Build Human Capacity. You engaged the hearts and minds of our attending delegates and opened them to embracing change and connectedness on a meaningful level." (E. Lengyel, Conference Board of Canada)

"Shannon's workshop gave employees a sense of value and safety.  Her years of experience have given her profound insight into the world of work and the human coping factor (or lack of) in a fast paced world. Using her traditional Native teachings and extraordinary communication skills she offered very inspiring messages and in such a relevant and entertaining way!"
(B. J. L., Motorola Canada, Toronto)

 "Thank you for agreeing to be a speaker at Wilfrid Laurier's first Aboriginal Awareness Conference. Your voice is strong and reaches many.  Your participation and support means so much." (S. Rose, Wilfrid Laurier University, ON)

"I would like to extend our appreciation and thank you for your time as the "in-residence" Elder.  Your wonderful teachings, one on one appointments, the open teachings, and the workshop forum has not gone without notice. Your time and effort has been greatly appreciated.  We certainly look forward to having you back."   (D.S., 'Dodem Kanonhsa',  Department of Indian and Northern Affairs)

"Your sense of the spiritual and regard for our Ancestors was particularly moving. The young people I talked with following your presentation were very appreciative. They will benefit much for your message as they go on to further life experiences." (G. Hammons, Northwest Network for Youth, Seattle, WA)

"Shannon kept the audience mesmerized with her stories and the emotional power of her singing voice.  It was an enthralling evening." (G. C., Resorts Ontario)

HOME PAGE

 

Return to Indigenous Culture Main Page

   VOICE@SHANNONTHUNDERBIRD.COM
Note to Gentle Readers: Due to the almost mythical number of SPAM emails  (average: 3,000/mo),  anti-spam software has been installed - be patient and answer the question from IPermitmail;. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Click Disco Ball to go to Testimonial Page

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