Biography
I am a Nehiyaw Iskwew (Cree Woman) from the Bigstone Cree Nation in Northern Alberta and married into the Piikani Nation in Southern Alberta. I received my B.A. in Native American Studies from the University of Lethbridge in 2007. Currently I am completing my Master of Arts Degree at Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario in Indigenous Studies; my thesis is titled “Nitona Miyo Pimadisiwin (Seeking a Good Life) Through Indigenous Dance” which examines Indigenous Dance as a Social Determinant of Health and Well Being. Through my own life experiences and my research with Indigenous choreographers, artists and dancers from around the world I have found that Indigenous performance can be used as a way to create spiritual, physical, emotional and mental well being.
I have over fifteen years of experience in ten international styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary, hip hop and powwow styles, and the hoop dance. I have gained most recognition as a Hoop Dancer which I began learning in 2005 and have been showcased and performed internationally.
I am also a professional contemporary dancer and emerging choreographer. My mentors include internationally celebrated Indigenous artists Marrie Mumford, Artistic Director of Nozhem: First Peoples Performance Space and Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal Arts and Literature; Daystar/ Rosalie Jones the founder of Modern Native Dance; and Rulan Tangen, founder and artistic director of Dancing Earth: Contemporary Indigenous Dance Creations. I have trained and performed as a soloist and in a group with Indigenous choreographers from around the world.
My experience as a scholar and dancer has gained my the recognition of the International Dance Council (CID), the United Nations of Dance, which is the highest authority for dance in the world. I was nominated to be a member of CID by the president of CID himself, Dr. Alkis Raftis, in June 2013 and I am proud to represent Indigenous dance on an international level. I look forward to the opportunities this position brings, as well as, the many responsibilities.
Photo by Leanne Echum
I am a Nehiyaw Iskwew (Cree Woman) from the Bigstone Cree Nation in Northern Alberta and married into the Piikani Nation in Southern Alberta. I received my B.A. in Native American Studies from the University of Lethbridge in 2007. Currently I am completing my Master of Arts Degree at Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario in Indigenous Studies; my thesis is titled “Nitona Miyo Pimadisiwin (Seeking a Good Life) Through Indigenous Dance” which examines Indigenous Dance as a Social Determinant of Health and Well Being. Through my own life experiences and my research with Indigenous choreographers, artists and dancers from around the world I have found that Indigenous performance can be used as a way to create spiritual, physical, emotional and mental well being.
I have over fifteen years of experience in ten international styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary, hip hop and powwow styles, and the hoop dance. I have gained most recognition as a Hoop Dancer which I began learning in 2005 and have been showcased and performed internationally.
I am also a professional contemporary dancer and emerging choreographer. My mentors include internationally celebrated Indigenous artists Marrie Mumford, Artistic Director of Nozhem: First Peoples Performance Space and Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal Arts and Literature; Daystar/ Rosalie Jones the founder of Modern Native Dance; and Rulan Tangen, founder and artistic director of Dancing Earth: Contemporary Indigenous Dance Creations. I have trained and performed as a soloist and in a group with Indigenous choreographers from around the world.
My experience as a scholar and dancer has gained my the recognition of the International Dance Council (CID), the United Nations of Dance, which is the highest authority for dance in the world. I was nominated to be a member of CID by the president of CID himself, Dr. Alkis Raftis, in June 2013 and I am proud to represent Indigenous dance on an international level. I look forward to the opportunities this position brings, as well as, the many responsibilities.
Photo by Leanne Echum
