Our dances: celebrating life and healing

Presented by: Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo

Workshop description:

I will give a workshop using First Nation’s dance to celebrate life, re-connect with the land and culture, inspire creativity, and pride. It will also have an element of exercise, as the participants will dance.

It will be 3 hours and include:

- teachings, discussions, images, and video about the beauty and origins of some of our dances

- a hoop making workshop (for the Native hoop dance)

- teaching and practice hoop dance (participants will dance)

- hoop dance performance

- regalia creativity (examples and creating designs, if time permits)

This is a fun and uplifting presentation that brings people together and helps them focus on good and creative things. Some studies suggest that engaging in creative activities help people alleviate anxiety and depression. And of course, physical activity releases endorphins, which help people boost their mood and increase positivity. I want people to feel a sense of pride and promote good health. Hopefully, it will lead them to want to explore more into our dances and continue on a road to wellness!