Biography
I have been engaged for thirty year in traditional singing, drumming from Indigenous dance theatre in New York City. In addition, I have been involved in cultural research. I enjoyed working in films, video art, live performing arts and storytelling. I have worked in front of the camera and on film sets bringing my traditional visual and performing art into contemporary practice in both English and French. In addition, I have brought Algonquin, Ojibway and Mohawk to live on film. My teachers have been Tibetan, Aztec, Maori, Pilipino, Spanish, Mexican, Mayan and elders from Northwest Coast, Swampy Cree and Mohawk.
Artist Statement
Recently I have been conducting visual art mosaic workshops working with individuals and collaborative groups. Ceramic workshops can range from three days to three months collaboratively with youth and community engagement. Over the past three years I have worked in theatre arts with the Indigenous Theatre School, Toronto and twenty years’ experience in film, video, voice overs and historical research.
My continuing artistic practice embraces live artistic and performing arts, singing and storytelling. My artistic practice involves traditional, contemporary and bridging traditional and contemporary cultural expression. I conduct workshops on art history, historical research related to hair, customs, film and oral traditions utilizing visual arts in contemporary art techniques.
Exhibitions and Shows
Performing arts, England – Marty St. James and Ann Wilson
Performing arts
Poetry video
Self portraits
The Rez Sisters, Tomson Highway, University of Toronto
Love Me, Muriel Miguel, Spider Woman Theatre Performing Arts
Forgive Us Those Who Trespass, Arturo Freslone, Toronto
Achievements
Three years – Indigenous Theatre School, Toronto
Fifteen years – Film and Theatre Arts, Toronto
Volunteer Recognition Award through Parliament for Residential School Stories, Ottawa
First People’s Choice Award for snow sculpture, Ottawa
Books and Articles
Book cover design, Book of Elders and Storytellers, submitted poetry by Natalie Fraser
Other Information
I have been featured in Laurentian Cable TV, APTN and NFB’s “Keepers of the Garden” sculpture art. In addition, I have been interviewed in French for Aboriginal Experiences for Indigenous traditional arts, storytelling and cultural practices
Over the years I have been extensively involved in collaborative art projects and workshops:
Pimisi Paddle workshops
Winterlude – National Capital Commission storytelling
Indigenous storytelling demonstration
Chelsea Quebec Cultural Exhibitions
Maple Syrup
Clan research
Maori New Zealand Rushy hosting (clans) – KZ cultural centre and Twin Elms Park, Ottawa
Toronto Zoo, “Creation Story” First Nations Art Garden
Manitou Festival Turtle Making Mosaic art workshops
Second year, “Aninatio” Aboriginal Coalition Maple Tree Mosaic Art
Community Art Workshop, National Gallery of Canada, Indigenous Summer Art School
Summer Solstice Arts Festival, Wampum Belt Art Turtles
