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)

DAUGHTER OF THE COPPER SHIELD  - 2 Actors

A mesmerizing creation story in contemporary musical stage show format. 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 features turned mystical black.

The show is about: (a) the beginning of the world; (b) the beauty, sacredness and importance of keeping the Earth clean and safe; (c) Good Character: respect, personal leadership, integrity, caring, honour and equality among all the world's people. (d) Not asserting dominion over or to rise above the rest, but to make a contribution WITH the rest.

Shannon 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 musical tastes: pop, jazz, rap, semi-classical. The music shows how ancient stories work seamlessly with contemporary musical styles.  There is also live traditional drumming and chanting which satisfies the needs of the Artists to be connected to their culture, and the audience's desire to hear it.

NOTES:

1. Breaks down stereotypical attitudes about Canada's First Nations with a reminder that we continue to play a powerful role on all levels of the social, artistic, economic and political spectrum.

2. Show enhances First Nations educational curricula and supports a variety of Canadian Native Studies requirements, including: Character Education, Mindfulness, Environmental issues.

3. It provides and important link because it is told from an Indigenous perspective which is vital for an accurate understanding of who we are as Turtle Islands Original people.

4. The show introduces audiences to basic Medicine Wheel and Environmental teachings that govern most Native nations. These teachings include: the great Circle, importance of the #4 -  four directions, four colours of human, for seasons, and so on....

5. Anti-Bullying Topics including the themes of harmony, balance, humility, courage, embracing racial and human diversity. Bullying, racial discord, hate, lack of self-esteem, jealousy, power-over mentalities, serious environmental changes all combine to fracture our delicate world.

6.  The shows seeks to re-engage audiences with these teachings and help create dialogue and projects that promote peaceful interaction among students, teachers and the administration.

Show Details

Presentation Copyrighted

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."