Trent University Presents Nishinaabemowin Naakgonigewin January 23 to 25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Connections Between Indigenous Language, Culture and Performance Explored Through Series of Workshops and Events

Wednesday, January 21, 2009, Peterborough

Indigenous Performance Initiatives (IPI) and the Department of Indigenous Studies at Trent University will present a gathering about Indigenous languages, culture and performance entitled Nishinaabemowin Naakgonigewin from Friday, January 23 to Sunday, January 25 at the Nozhem First Peoples Performance Space.

Led by Trent’s Professor Marrie Mumford, Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal Arts and Literature, this event addresses Indigenous community issues of transformation and nation building, with Indigenous performance practice as a strategy for the transference of Indigenous knowledge, language and culture to future generations. Nishinaabemowin Naakgonigewin celebrates the work of Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe) and Kaienkehaka (Mohawk) professional artists, cultural workers, youth and language and performance specialists who are working together to perpetuate and retain Indigenous languages and culture in our communities.

Renowned dancer and choreographer Santee Smith of Kaha:wi Dance Theatre will be among the featured artists participating in this event. Ms. Smith will be presenting a new piece entitled TransMigration that was inspired by the paintings of famous Ojibwe shaman-artist Norval Morrisseau.

All events will take place in Nozhem: First Peoples Performance Space, located in Gzowski College on the east bank of Trent University at 2510 Pioneer Road. A complete listing of events follows:

Friday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m. – TransMigration
Open rehearsal of a workshop presentation, in partnership with Kaha:wi Dance Theatre (KDT), featuring Santee Smith, artistic director and choreographer of KDT, Barbara Croall, composer/musician, and dancers Emily Law, Brian Solomon, Robert Halley and Mariana Medellin-Meinke. Admission is by donation. Please call (705) 748-1011, ext. 7906 to reserve a seat.

Saturday, January 24 – Artist Talks
Traditional and Contemporary Artist presentations around bringing Indigenous language and culture into performance.

11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Margaret Peters and members of Kontiwennenha:wi… Carriers of the Words (Ahkwesahsne Women Singers)

12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Santee Smith, Barbara Croall, ElizaBeth Hill and Liz Osawamick

Saturday, January 24 at 7:00 p.m. – TEWATATE:KEN…Brothers and Sisters
An evening of Indigenous language-based performances hosted by the Unity singers featuring members of Kontiwennenha:wi…Carriers of the Words (Ahkwesahsne Women Singers), KDT with excerpts of the workshop presentation TransMigration, Unity, ElizaBeth Hill and Edna Manitowabi, Sugar Island Singers and Dancers Youth Drum and Dance Group and Medicine Women Singers. There will be a post-performance reception with the artists. Admission is by donation. Please call (705) 748-1011, ext. 7906 to reserve a seat.

Sunday, January 25 at 11:00 a.m. – Brunch and Visioning for Indigenous Languages in our Communities
An open community dialogue and celebration of Indigenous languages, exploring culture-based approaches and resources, featuring Niiwin Megwaansag and Wshkiigamaang.

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For further information, please contact Hilary Wear at (705) 748-1011, ext. 7906.