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to TEYA PEYA PRODUCTIONS Come Back to K'ool First Nations K'ool Gyet (One People) Inspirit, Stage Shows, Drumming Circles, Concerts The Power of Purpose Allows You to Become What You Believe About Yourself  Proudly
in Business Since 1991 |
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ARTS
EDUCATION & OUR COMMITMENT TO THE ARTS
"Always
among the highest expression of every culture, the arts teach us much
about every historical period through its literature, visual arts,
music, dance, and drama. Today it is recognized that to be truly well
educated one must not only learn to appreciate the arts, but must have
rich opportunities to actively participate in creative work. The arts
are languages that most people speak, cutting through individual
differences in culture, educational background, and ability. They can
bring every subject to life and turn abstractions into concrete reality.
Learning through the arts often results in greater academic achievement
and higher test scores."
(www.newhorizons.org)
No one can participate in human conversation/experience or have a true understanding of human history without engaging in the study of the arts. They are as integral to an enlightened citizenship as the understanding of history, numbers, science, spoken word, and technology.
Through my work with organizations that include: Prologue to the Performing Arts, Arts for Children and Youth (AFCY), ArtsSmarts, Aboriginal Education Centre (TDSB) and my own production company, I have brought Aboriginal arts education that includes culture, history and spirituality to thousands of students across Canada. the United States and Internationally. Such education is vital to quell misunderstandings, deliberate or otherwise, of North America's First People that undermines us and underestimates our continued immense contributions to the common good.
That is why I resist situations where Indigenous people, as long as we remain in the background, are viewed as "legally permissible and barely tolerated". My shows are formulated for good minds open to reason, hearts open to love, and to those who value our true identity as valuable contributors to Canada's rich cultural mosaic. Like all good, generous, mindful citizens, Native people do not exist for ourselves alone, but for the sake of humanity. Our fundamental motivations as Indigenous people has always been to be in service to others by proclaiming the truth of our existence in a way that teaches and elevates.
What better way to celebrate this than to offer medicine wheel-based presentations that educate, entertain and inspire. Wilwilaayst, All My Relations.
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Why
tell the story at all? A Chat with Shannon Thunderbird
Question: One of your presentations, "Thunder Rolling in the Mountains" is very dramatic and serious. Is that necessary?
Answer: Yes. Not everything can be couched in humour; this performance is for audiences who are, for the most part, unfamiliar with 'real' Native History and wish to be educated without embellishment.
Question: Is it important to change perceptions about Native people?
Answer: Absolutely. Books, text books, movies, television, often with their stereotypical images of Native life, do not speak of Native reality. To do so would humanize a people upon whose backs, with often tragic results, North America (Turtle Island) was settled. It is far easier to objectify so that the imposition of manifest destiny, disease, fall of the matriarchy, lack of food, land appropriation, residential school, the imposition of Christianity and the Indian Act could all be justified.
Shows like, "Thunder Rolling in the Mountains" (see below) offer an unflinching look at one story of hundreds of such stories that have defined the post-European contact history of Native people. It is meant to be a teaching aid and is performed using a combination of historical fact and artistic expression. It 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 fundamentally re-defined them through oppression, massacres and loss of culture? Of course not, why, then should Native people's seven-hundred year holocaust be treated any differently? It takes courage to want to know the real story.
Question: Why do they need to be told?
Answer: We NEED to come to grips with the fact that greed, bullying, cowardice, jealousy and power-over mentalities whether they be in boardrooms, on the battlefield, or in school yards exact unbelievable human cost. It continues today on a global basis as the misery continues to haunt us (Haiti, Iraq, Rawanda, Spain, Israel, Palestine, Serbia, Bosnia, South America, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mexico and on and on.....). Chief Joseph's story is as relevant today as when it first happened in 1877. No one wins, because no good can ever come from mindless aggression.
Last word to Thunderbird: Indigenous oral narratives are for anyone who believes that freedom is a basic human right AND NOT a privilege. Wilwilaask, All My Relations.
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THUNDER WOLF: MEDICINE WHEEL -- BIG DRUMS, CHANT/VOCALS & SONGWRITING
ADULTS - 2-3 hours or full day
Here are some Positives:
--People from many different
backgrounds come together to create peaceful connections through --Chant/Drumming circles are the ultimate stress reducer. It is a time for everyone to 'just be'. --Natural biochemicals in the body are released which help boost the immune system, among other things. --Inner chatter is instantly quieted, and a peaceful meditative state is often the result, as the drum connects with your own heartbeat. --The beauty and wisdom of First Nations narratives when combined with music and rhythm bridges the cultural divide in a way that allows for the magic of re-connection to be celebrated and understood in positive and uplifting ways. -Peace on earth becomes a reality. So drum for the Earth, Community, Family, Yourself and sing because everyone's listening! --Participants learn a tremendous amount about themselves and other cultures. --Healing the heart by writing an original song, and singing it an original Native language is part of the fun of this experience. --It is a proven fact that drumming circles in businesses improves productivity and teamwork while reducing absenteeism. --It dramatically reduces stress through a synchronicity of group 'right' action. --Disputes are healed, reconnections made that elevate individuals and simply them feel better about themselves.
More Teachings from the Drum.. Presentation Copyrighted |
 Thunder
Wolf Testimonials"You and Sandy were fabulous. The staff haven't stopped talking about the drums, your words, and all the laughter. The afternoon put us all back in balance. Please come back. Thank you!!!!!" (Lambton College, Sarnia)
"You were the highlight of our Women in Leadership Conference! What was to have been simply "entertainment" was educational, and connected people emotionally - a powerful combination. You have an amazing gift - thank you for sharing it with us." (Georgian Community College) |
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DAUGHTER
OF THE COPPER SHIELD Fusion of Creation
Stories in contemporary Musical Theatre format singing live
to a fabulous
soundtrack;
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:
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)
EXPECTATIONS OF THE SHOW
NOTE 1:
Audience
maximum of 350 is strictly adhered to
Presentation Copyrighted |
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Daughter
of the Copper Shield" Testimonials
"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.”
"The balance between humour and drama was performed to perfection. The students were kept engaged, in part because of the variety of musical genre's. I was impressed with the questions they asked at the end, the patience and good humour of the actors in answering them. Also, their singing voices were amazing." (Teacher, TDSB) |
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ROLLING THUNDER
It is bigger and includes a variety pack of live theatre, traditional and contemporary music, stories, drums and dance.
Click here for more details: Thunderbird Native Theatre
Presentation Copyrighted |
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"Your show was really magical, the grand entry through the student body had them standing and clapping. It was fabulous. The big drum and the stories were really great. You all have fabulous voices. It was a great end to the school year" (Teacher, Mississauga) |
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WEST
WIND & THE WOODLAND SISTER
HILARIOUS ADULT CONCERT OF MUSIC, STORIES & AUDIENCE INTERACTION
Sandy and I always have a rollicking good time when we are in concert. We use the dynamic combination of live theatre, music and storytelling. The concert has the audience laughing from beginning to end. Enthusiastic audience participation is one of the hallmarks of this very popular show.
The concert is for adults, University, Community College students. It is an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary music, stories with modern twists, political and social humour, accompanied by authentic Native hand drums, Moonstone and K'oolgyet Na Hool Big Drums (occasionally), shakers and Sandy's fabulous bass and acoustic guitars and flute. The show is great for Conferences (i.e., after dinner entertainment).
Presentation Copyrighted |
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West
Wind & the Woodland Sister Testimonials "This show is for all of you who want to feed your soul, elevate your spirit, participate and laugh your head off & sing. as Thunderbird encouraged, like everyone is listening!" (M. Anderson, U of Regina)
“I haven’t laughed this hard in years. I felt
welcome in your world. The passion of your words and music had a
profound impact on me. Thanks for a great evening.” |
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THUNDER
ROLLING IN THE MOUNTAINS (Drama)
(2 Actors) 
 In-Who-Lise (White Feather) Visionary Chief Joseph Warrior Chief, Oolikut |
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Chief Joseph's people are more commonly & incorrectly 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 the story of 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. 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 and not a privilege. Hear my story."
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Thunder
Rolling in the Mountains Testimonials "Oh my, words fail me. I had no idea of the hardship of the Nez Perce, and this was only one tribe! My students were very quiet in class as they tried to process the story. Your performance was mesmerizing and the soundtrack really dramatic. Thank you for educating my students on what we don't teach and should. It was awesome." (Teacher, Toronto, ON) |
TEYA PEYA`S ROGUE`S GALLERY
 
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| Toronto's First Annual Ultimate Block party, held at Fort York | ||
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 Shannon,
McKhool & other Guests - Christmas Concert |
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| Shannon & McKhool & other guests, Christmas Concert 2010 | Shannon & Ridgway SS Students | |
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| Shannon & McKhool & other guests, Christmas Concert 2011 | ||
 
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| "Rolling Thunder" - Thunderbird Native Theatre (TNT) | ||
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Sandy & Shannon , Conference, Canadian Immigration, Niagara Falls, ON |
Shannon, Moose Factor, James Bay, ON |
Grand Entry of "Rolling Thunder" Grandview Resort, |
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Sandy & Shannon, MicMichael Canadian Art Gallery |
Shannon, Ottawa | Shannon, Sandy, James Gordon Rock Folk Festival, Red Rock, ON |
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| Daughter of the Copper Shield, Musical - Here and There | ||
 
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| Sweet Thunder Medicine Wheel at, Holy Cross SS, Kingston, ON & Northwestern SS, Stratford, Wingham SS | Kate in her ongoing role as Goddess of Ceremonies, | |
 
 
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| "Thunder Rolling in the Mountains" Drama with a soundtrack - 2 actors | ||
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| Representing Canada at EXPO 2005, Nagoya, Japan | ||
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| Shannon as Performer and Workshop Facilitator, Nordic Arts Conference, Sunne Sweden | Sandy, West Wind & the Woodland Sister, Don`t Ask! | |
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| Shannon leading Vocal workshop, Kate as Leade Drummer on Moonstone, Vision Fair, Stratford, ON | Sandy & Shannon, West Wind & the Woodland Sister, Imperial Theatre, New Brunswick | |
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| Kate, Sandy & Shannon, CD Launch of `May Your Spirit be Strong` | Shannon, Vocal Workshop. Resorts Ontario Conference | |
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| Durham College | Kate, Shannon, Erin, York University | Dodem Kanon'sha in Toronto with K'ool Gyet Nah Hool Big Drum |
 
 
 
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Shannon, McKhool, Laura Bird, Richard Knechtel partner with ARTSCAN CIRCLE for shows and workshops in Labrador with the Innu on the Natuashish and Sheshatshiu Reservices and Mishkeegogamang Reserve, Pickle Lake, ON |
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Contemporary & Traditional First Nations music by Coast Tsimshian First Nations Singer/Songwriter, Shannon Thunderbird & Singer/Songwriter, Sandy Horne (The Spoons) Sold wherever we are performing; To order a copy of the CD, email voice@shannonthunderbird.com
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BOOK A SHOW FOR YOUR CONFERENCE, CONVENTION, MEETING, SEMINAR, FESTIVAL OR OTHER SPECIAL EVENT voice@shannonthunderbird.com(Fees do not include, (where applicable), mileage, airfare, hotel accommodation, per diem)
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ABOUT TEYA PEYA
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