TEYA PEYA SOUL SPEAK & EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS ARE......

inspiring, fun, high energy, entertaining, informative & relaxing 

Suitable for Corporate/Executive, Business, Public, Private Organizations, Groups, Conferences, Conventions, Festivals, Boards of Education, Universities, Colleges and Schools. 

Theatrical Performances, Music, Workshops, Storytelling and Educational/Academic talks that breathe the wisdom of the ages and remind us how we ALL can face an uncertain future in an inclusive, holistic, kind and determined way.

 

 

WHY TEYA PEYA DOES IT  

"We are not here merely to make a living. We are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with finer spirit of hope and achievement. We are here to enrich the world. We impoverish ourselves if we forget our errand."
(Woodrow Wilson)

 

There is a growing need to re-humanize. To re-examine, question and repair our values about our place in the wider world. Self-examination includes concerns for our families, communities, work. The world is fractured and we are in search of more complementary practices and beliefs that will enhance our lives by rejecting fear and embracing Hope. Hope dwells at a primal level in the mists of our ancient brains. It is essential life. A lack of Hope occurs when we feel that our voices are unheard, when there is no sense of ownership, when we feel powerless instead of empowered.

My Workshops, Keynote Speeches, Performances celebrate Hope and embrace rest, contemplation and reflection as important life and business skills.  They are critical ingredients to rediscovering the Essential Self. Team building and individual self-awareness are the benefits of feeling and hearing  the universal rhythms of peaceful and supportive communication. The result is more contented home lives, workplaces and communities.

It is no secret that contented humans encourage relationships that cross cultural, political, social and professional boundaries.

 Workshops/Seminars can be adapted as Keynote Addresses

 

 

\TO BOOK ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SHOWS, CONTACT: VOICE@SHANNONTHUNDERBIRD.COM

TO BOOK WORKSHOPS, SPEECHES, LECTURES AND SEMINARS,
SEE BELOW

 

 

In My Words are the Powers Inherited From My Ancestors

SWEET THUNDER MEDICINE WHEEL TEACHINGS IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY

Public, Private, Corporate, Associations, Groups, Government, Elementary & Secondary Schools, Post-Secondary Institutions 

What the Contemporary World calls "Character Education" I know as "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.

Medicine Wheel teachings create holistic foundations for human behaviour and interaction, for individuals, communities, nations, and the world. The teachings speak to you at every level of human experience. It is your responsibility to care for each other in a manner that allows you to walk your earth walk in emotional, spiritual, mental and physical balance; in other words, as the Old People say, in a good way.

The Medicine Wheel assists in helping to seek Healthy Bodies (East); Strong Spirits (South), Balanced Emotions (West), Healthy Minds (North). A Medicine Wheel can best be described as a mirror within which everything about you is reflected back and in these troubled times, our days are filled with challenges and meeting them is often difficult. So, how do we combat depression, despair, anger, burn-out? Every negative thought and action that goes out shatters our earthly foundation just that much more. Do you really want to feed the negative energy that stress induces and damage your immune systems so that it manifests itself in not being able to combat disease?

There IS another way to think about our lives & the Environment.

Spend a day with me, Sandy or Kate and together  we will build a Personal Development & Environmental Medicine Wheel.  The process shows that good thoughts and right action 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.  It is magical, uplifting, fun, energizing and not to be missed.!

Drumming and Sing are powerful parts of the day: Hand drums, Shakers, Moonstone & K'oolgyet Na Hool Big Drums. Depending on time, participants will have the opportunity to create their own song.

"Thanks for the day! Building the Medicine Wheel using us as the 'stones' really opened my eyes to what it is to being a good person. I will take what I've learned into my job. You are also pretty cool, and funny." (P.A., Student, Police Foundations Course, University Ontario Institute of Technology."

  "What a fabulous day. I can't think of a better way to bring us all together than building a human medicine wheel. I laughed, cried, you were wonderful, your energy and compassion is simply inspiring." (M.E., Canada Employment & Immigration Union, Conference held in Niagara Falls, ON)

Note: Self-Empowerment Issues include: Women and Leadership, What it means for Men to be Warriors of Peace - how the two combine in a good way.

 High School version, Click Fire     

For more on the Medicine Wheel      

 

"No one can take your personal power without your permission."

FOR DETAILS ON "SWEET THUNDER MEDICINE WHEEL" FOR YOUTH

South Huron Grade 9Within a framework of trust, respect, fairness, and responsibility, you will find out what Character Education & Environmental Issues are all about and what it to be valued and respected for exactly who you are!

 

"SPIRIT THUNDER" - DRUMS, VOCAL AND HEALING CIRCLES 

People from many different backgrounds are get together with me to create peaceful connections through the sheer joy of vocals and drum rhythms.  Drumming circles are the ultimate stress reducer, the prozac of the natural world if you will.  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.  Adults, in particular, re-learn how to play and have fun because remember, the drum has the  heartbeat of Mother Earth and the ear of your Ancestors.

Moreover, the beauty and wisdom of First Nations stories when combined with the music and rhythm bridges the cultural divide in a way that allows for the magic of all Turtle Island's Native people to be celebrated and understood in a positive and uplifting way. Peace on earth becomes a reality. So drum for the Earth, Community, Family, Yourself.

Since the beginning of civilization, Drums were one of the main universal signals for calling people together in a good way. Nothing has changed in this regard, the drums are humanity's common pulse. In other words, Drums do not know about race, racism, jealousy, hate, resentment, greed, language, genders, gender choice, human diversity. None of that matters, what matters is the magic of inclusivity and the joyful sound of one heart beating.

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 with drumming, reconnections made that elevate individuals and their places of work. Come with me and do it, it works! So, come along and sing like there's no one listening!

Participants find the drum circles exhilarating and learn a tremendous amount about themselves and other cultures. Fortunately, I am very, very good at packing sixty thousand years of Indigenous teachings into minimum 90-120 minutes and making it fun and relevant in the 21st century. I'm a professional, don't try it at home!

 Canada Employment & Immigration Union, Conference held in Niagara Falls, ON 

 

"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."
(C. Simpson, Vice-President, Georgian Community College)

"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."
(A. Wilde, Drama Teacher/Librarian)

  Elementary and High School versions

 More on the Teachings from the Drum

 

 

KEYNOTES, LECTURES, SEMINARS

Less Stress, More Balance, Love of Self, Spiritual Grounding and Personal Value - cornerstones of living wise and well. Globally we must recognized that we are "One People" and integral parts of an harmonious universe. I present relevant, original, high energy, humorous, loaded in content program. They contain pragmatic bear medicine in finding ways to get in touch with the art of just living and working wise. After many years as a Senior Director in a large unionized, culturally-diverse company, I have seen how easy it is for individuals to lose their focus under the pressure of performance, longer hours and increased stress. My messages are conveyed combining a variety of elements.

  • Keynote Addresses, Talks, Workshops and Healing Drumming Circles are focused on topics that speak to the importance of being authentic; learning to recognize individual value, time-honoured traditional teachings set in contemporary contexts ("We matter. We so often feel that we don't"). 

  • Through Medicine Wheel Teachings, participants learn to access and understand the freedom and responsibility that owning their personal power brings to the dance of life; understand the 'tricky' laws of the mind, which includes recognizing self-defeating messages and negative attitudes.

    Note 1: I am an Educator on many things First Nations.

    Note 2: My performances and teachings are geared to the specific requirements of the event.

    "Shannon Thunderbird's ability to reach people with her 'soul speak' messages from all walks of life is truly amazing." (A. Michaels, Engineer) 

    MORE ON TEYA PEYA WORKSHOPS
          

 

"THUNDER ROLLING IN THE MOUNTAINS"



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 Niimipuu (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....."

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)

Click Fire for more Details

 

"WEST WIND & THE WOODLAND SISTER" CONCERT

First Nations stories, teachings, music and rhythm can bridge the cultural divide in a way that allows for the culture and magic of all Turtle Island’s people to be celebrated and understood in a positive, uplifting and often hilarious way.   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. "West Wind and the Woodland Sisters" concert has the audience laughing from beginning to end.

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. 

 This show is for all of you  who want to feed your soul, elevate your spirit, participate and laugh your head off!

Of course, by now you know that Sandy Horne is a founding member of the iconic Canadian fusion band, The Spoons. Audience participation is a hallmark of our popular performance. We highly recommend dancing in the aisles, joining us on the drums and singing as though no one is listening!


 

“Thunderbird is the first headlining First Nations performer to appear at the Imperial Theatre. We are really pleased to have someone of her calibre. Finding ways to educate people through music and theatre is what makes this inspirational woman tick.” 
(Telegraph-Journal, Saint John, NB) 

“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.” (J. Costos)  

 

 

"ROLLING THUNDER" i
With the TNT - THUNDERBIRD NATIVE THEATRE

 

Dynamic and Fun show with TNT (4-6 Performers) is  available for special events (Primarily Evenings and Weekends). It is a variety pack of live theatre, traditional and contemporary music, stories, drums and dance.

Cast Foto from Left: Sandy Horne, Christine Pohlkamp, Tsimshians: Thunderbird, Erin Dickson, Kate Dickson & invited four-legged guest!

Click Fire for TNT's page: 


 

TO BOOK ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SHOWS EMAIL PROLOGUE TO THE PERFORMING ARTS:
INFO@PROLOGUE.ORG

 

 DAUGHTER OF THE COPPER SHIELD
2 Actors

Daughter of the Copper Shield is a musical fusion of a variety of Indigenous Creation Stories sung live to a professionally recorded sound track.

II 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 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 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.

 

 

WISDOM OF THE AGES: GREAT CIRCLE DRUMMING & STORIES
  1-2 Facilitators

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 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:  LARGE OPEN SPACE (such as a Gym) is the preferred space
Note 3:   Show suitable for grades 4-12

 

 

SONGS OF THE AGES MUSIC WORKSHOP
(2 Facilitators)  

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  describe what they were feeling while composing the tune, lyrics are added which I 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. 

Combine this Workshop with Daughter of the Copper Shield for a special price!

Click Fire for more Details

 

GENERAL THEMES THAT RUN THROUGH PRESENTATIONS INCLUDE :

  • Address issues of cultural and human diversity.

  • Assist in educating Educators: Politics, Social Studies, Justice, History, Music, Dramatic Arts, Native Studies. 

  • Address Women and Leadership issues.

  • Help raise the level of personal consciousness to influence health and well-being.

  • Help centre the mind and embrace the positive messages that true self-empowerment brings.

  • Help understand the importance of achieving personal goals, developing positive attitudes, improving relationships and generally 'lightening up'.

  • Help understand  the 'tricky' laws of the mind by recognizing the challenges of self-defeating messages and negative thoughts .

  • Finding humour, yes even in the workplace - for humour is an important binding that ties people together .

    •

  • Memory and Self-Defeating Messages

  • Rest and Contemplation: Essential Life and Business Skills

  • Gender Communication

  • The Importance of Being Authentic

    • and Accountable

  • Why we do the things we do to each other

  • Looking for serenity in the same place as despair

  • Can positive really replace negative on a consistent basis?

  • Teamwork, consensus - the hallmarks of Indigenous cultures

  • How to balance the four realms of human existence: mind, spirit, emotions, body

  • Who Heals the Healer?

    •

  • Self-Empowerment Using the Twin Elements of Wisdom and Courage

  • We are never alone

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  • The meaning of the circle, drum teachings, the magic #4

    •

  • We Are One People:  All Humans are Connected.

  • Understanding the Roles of Women, Men, Elders, Children Within the Context of the Modern Tribe

  • Ontario Native Studies Curriculum (Grades 4-High School).

  • Importance of the preservation of culture

  • Digital and New Media Technologies: The Importance of the Oral Tradition as a Force for Cultural Grounding in the Digital Age

    •

  • Understanding that 'Traditional' Thinking is not Old-Fashioned Thinking

  • Youth and Leadership; Elevating the Spirit of our Youth

 

TESTIMONIALS:

"Shannon, I hardly have the words to thank you and Sandy adequately. I've received lots of positive e-mails about the event, and verbal 'enthusiasms' too.I'm not sure how you'd follow up on such an amazing day, but many have suggested bringing you back next year ( works for me! ), I knew we were going to have a wonderful day together, but who could predict that it would turn out the way it did. It is the single best example of team building that I have ever seen.  Your personal power is awesome, and your ability to read the people in front of you is truly a gift. (M.Lee, Education and Learning Centre)

"Thank you for your beautiful demonstration and words of wisdom. It was very much appreciated." (Crime Stoppers Committee, AB Lucas High School, London)

 

 

\TO BOOK WORKSHOPS, SPEECHES, LECTURES AND SEMINARS CONTACT:

VOICE@SHANNONTHUNDERBIRD.COM

 

HEALTH AND WELLNESS WORKSHOPS 

Click Fire

 

EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS 

 Suitable for Grades 3 to 12 - Universities - Community Colleges  

I am an Educator on most things First Nations. My performances meet provincial curriculum requirements for Native Studies, World Religions and a host of other subject. I travel widely and speak at educational institutions all across Canada. 

My performances and teachings are geared to the specific grade requested (Grade 3 to University and Community Colleges). I use a combination of lively interaction with my audience, the dynamics of live theatre, storytelling, songs, drums and shakers. 

My teachings include correct definitions, correct historical information and facts, contemporary social and political issues all illustrated by dramatic and humorous stories. Students of all ages have a lot of fun learning to drum on authentic Native hand drums and shakers as well as learning songs some of which are in the original Indigenous languages including: Smalgyax, Seneca and Ojibwa.

More Information on Thunderbird

 

I'd be honoured to be part of your Professional Development Day, other Teacher Training Events or Educational Conference

My culture is my life and I have an abiding interest in how the history, culture, spirituality and the contemporary lives of Native peoples are portrayed and conveyed to the rest of the world. For far too long, the information has been relayed, often inaccurately, with a decidedly NON-Native interpretation.  

I seek always to debunk many of the myths and outright inaccuracies that are still taught in the educational system.  For example, the Bering Strait Theory - there is not a shred of proof that indicates Turtle Island's Indigenous people migrated from central Asia.  At the time, there was a huge wall of ice that spread across the top of the world making such travel completely impossible.  The Indigenous people already on Turtle Island, knew about the wall of ice and none of our creation stories back up this theory. Let us just put this notion to rest shall we? LISTEN TO THE ELDERS!

For more Facts and Fantasy

Much Indigenous education continues to be taught in isolation. For example, in Ontario, the new Grade 10 Native Studies course, Aboriginal Peoples in Canada, asks the following question: Describe the key aspects of the Indian Act and the impact they have on the lives of Aboriginal peoples. 

  • How is this to be answered when the student has had no previous introduction to a subject as comprehensive as this? Do students know the state of the Nations prior to contact?

  • Why only the key aspects of the Indian Act?  

  • The Indian Act is the most racist documents ever written by a western democracy -- what parts would be considered KEY when the entire Act was designed to control and oppress every aspect of Native Life, by taking away rights enjoyed by every other 'free' Canadian.

  • This approach does not require thoughtful discourse, but merely a subjective answer by students with little preparation and understanding of previous history and the devastating impact the Indian Act had on Native societies in the last hundred and twenty-nine years.

 

  CLICK WATERFALL FOR A MORE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL SHOWS

 

 Click on Fire to view the Schools who have hosted SWEET THUNDER MEDICINE WHEEL WORKSHOPS

"Thank you so much for your presentation to the Elementary Teacher's Federation of Ontario Aboriginal Education Summer Academy. Your expertise and passion influences our teachers and reaches our students, ultimately. Thanks again." (K. Makon)

"Thanks for being a presenter at our Workshop today. You were wonderful." (Elementary Teacher's Federation, Thames Valley, London, ON)

"What joy you bring!  The Limestone Board has been so enriched by your talents, humour and wisdom! You have started us on a journey that will be never-ending. How wonderful. Thank you. (M. McLeod, Limestone Board of Education)

 
 

STAGE AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCES THAT  ENHANCE EVENTS OF ALL KINDS - AFTER DINNER ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE......

 

INFORMATION ON SCHOOL VISITS

 

BOOK A WORKSHOP OR SPEECH FOR YOUR CONFERENCE, CONVENTION,  FESTIVAL OR OTHER SPECIAL EVENT

voice@shannonthunderbird.com
 (Fees do not include, (where applicable), mileage, airfare, 
hotel accommodation, per diem)

 

 

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