Weaving Language & Culture through the Arts
1^st Annual Indigenous Arts Summerfest

Friday, June 3, 2005 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. David Lam Auditorium (MAC A-144) University of Victoria

 

Barb Cranmer – ‘Namgis First Nation

Barb Cranmer was born in Alert Bay and a quick video course in 1980 by an educational camera crew from Chicago, found her life's work.   The quick video course allowed Cranmer and others to learn how to edit on a basic level. What resulted was a library of some 200 tapes, oral histories presented by the band elders, many of whom have since died.  Initially, she worked on other people's films as a researcher, project manager, production manager, until she felt ready to go out on her own.  All of Cranmer's future stories emerge through the vehicle of Nimpkish Wind Productions, a company she formed in 1994 with producer Cari Green, following their successful collaboration on the documentary The Washing of Tears. The company, now an established force in the Canadian television scene, is venturing into multimedia, with a CD-ROM series mixing local fishing lore and ongoing political issues.

Loretta Todd – Métis/Cree

Loretta Todd, born in Edmonton, Alberta, is an internationally acclaimed director and a writer of scholarly articles. In addition to having curated film programs at such prestigious film festivals as the Yamagata Documentary Festival, she has worked as a producer and researcher on many film and video projects. Through her films she endeavours to reach people emotionally, spiritually, physically, intellectually and mentally. Her love of her people and love of the land have motivated her filmmaking, in which she strives to convey that love to others. She believes that the role of the Aboriginal storyteller, film- and video maker continues to be defined.

Wikitoria Cultural Group

The Wikitoria Cultural Group takes its name from the Maori translation of Victoria, the Vancouver Island city the group is based in. It’s kaupapa / aim is to promote and celebrate the culture of Aotearoa New Zealand, our homeland across the Pacific, through waiata / song. Under the guidance of Bo Beauchamp and Alec Hawke the group have created a program that consists of a song of welcome / Haere mai; a medley of songs composed around the Maori Battalion serving in wars overseas; love songs, karakia / prayer and the haka – a challenge made famous around the world by the All Black rugby team.

T'iis Nideeshgiizh Bitsooke

The Newcomb High School Dine Club Dance Group is also known as the "T'iis Nideeshgiizh Bitsooke", meaning "Newcomb's grandchildren". They dance (ribbon dance; basket dance; sash belt dance; gourd dance; bow and arrow dance; corn dance) and sing (solo, duet, group) using their native language, Navajo.  In addition, some members have also developed personal skills in reading, writing and speaking the Navajo Language.  These students take pride in exhibiting their Native language in anyway possible, whether it be in dancing, singing, speaking, writing or reading.  They have performed for other schools, competed in several competitions, performed for nursing home patients, performed at several conferences, luncheons, and banquets.  They also participated in several Navajo Nation parades and traditional performances held at the fairs.  These students are very motivated and "enjoy" what they do.

Okanagan Singers

Led by Jeanette Armstrong, this traditional drum and singing group has shared their treasure at cultural gatherings and festivals.  Demonstrating their true multidisciplinary lives, the group are also educators with the E’nowkin Centre in Penticton, British Columbia.