By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
Venables Theatre will be the place to secure a seat on Nov. 12 when an Indigenous dance troupe will present an unforgettable show.
The Dancers of Damelahamid bring Minowin, an exquisite, contemporary work that balances movement, song, and new multimedia design to reflect on Indigenous identity.
There was a dark point in history when Canada enacted the Potlatch Ban (1884) that abolished First Nations ceremonies and cultural practices. Under the ban, any “Indian” who took part in these ceremonies was guilty and liable to imprisonment. And anyone who encouraged such festivals or dances was likewise as guilty.
After nearly 70 years, the ban was lifted and this cultural artform (dancing) was revitalized.
The Dancers of Damelahamid emerged in the 1960s out of an urgency to ensure that these artistic practices were not lost. The performers draw from origin stories and explore ways to translate these perspectives through a contemporary lens.
“Indigenous dance is synonymous with who we are, who we have been, and who we will always be,” said artistic director/choreographer Margaret Grenier. “It is a tangible reflection of language, story, and the land that defines us.”
She noted that Minowin brings together interactive multimedia elements, intricate regalia and set elements to tell a story of transformation and healing. She added that it illuminates the process of finding direction and connecting with one another.
Grenier said the dancers have accumulated more than five decades of extensive work in song and dance restoration.
The Dancers of Damelahamid.
Anna Springate-Floch photo
“Dance, song and story have provided a protective environment to address the limitations placed on Indigenous peoples and to create a healing space,” she pointed out. “In our performances we are not only turning to our ancestral knowledge for our own reconciliation, but we are sharing and supporting others through our art.”
Grenier told the Times Chronicle that Minowin is a complex and intricate dance piece that brings the dancers together as a family.
“Dance is connected to all aspects of our lives and reflects the love that our parents had for us, to dedicate their efforts so that we have song and dance today.”
Grenier added that this work ensures that dance is there for their children’s children.
Minowin plays at Venables Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets visit venablestheatre.ca or visit the box office at 6100 Gala Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, or call 250-498-1626.
