An incantation for peace. Reflecting on the effects of displacement by colonization. Blood memory threads interwoven like braids. Manifesting the poetry to cultivate calm through a wind that uproots. Raging storms. Cedar copper ceremony unfolding.
Written, created, and performed by Olivia C. Davies (Anishinaabe) and Melissa Frost (Vuntut Gwichin), this interdisciplinary work combines spoken word, soundscape, and dance to speak about the reality of being stripped of cultural identity and the reassertion of language, protocol and ceremony.
30min duet
zaagidaashi = tossed out by whirlwind (Anishinaabemowin ~ translated by Elder Jacob Wemigwans from Wiikwemkoong First Nation)
Concept, Choreography, Performer: Olivia C. Davies
Co-Creator, Poet: Melissa Frost
Artistic Mentor: Raïna Von Waldenburg
Sound Design: Olivia C. Davies with music samples from Brescia Reid, Derek Lyndon, and Michael Red, with field recordings of Melissa Frost and Olivia C. Davies in conversation.
Premiere: March 14, 2019 at the Vancouver International Dance Festival – Roundhouse Community Arts Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Development support for work-in-progress showings and excerpts has been graciously received from the Dance Centre’s Artist in Residence Program 2018-2019, Vancouver International Dance Festival 2019, Centre Création O’Vertigo Échange Émergentes 2019, Matriarchs Uprising Festival 2019, and Springboard Performance Fluid Fest 2019.
Biography for Co-Creator, Poet: Nagoohiindaak / Melissa Frost
Nagoohiindaak / Melissa Frost is the daughter of Shirlee Frost, granddaughter of Alice Frost, and great-granddaughter of Joanne Njootli. She comes from Wolf clan/Chʼichyàa from the Vuntut Gwichin First Nation of Old Crow, Yukon. Frost is an aunty and a cousin who works for mother earth and our future generations. She has forged a career out of her passion for the arts and community work with youth. Frost tries to channel traditional teachings and positive, hopeful messages when writing or performing her spoken word poetry.
Create your own ceremonies based on the traces Mother Nature makes.
