NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF COLLINGWOOD
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Yonnhe’ón:we Indigenous Arts Series returns May 30 to the Simcoe Street Theatre, a unique evening of storytelling weaving video, dance, and music celebrating Kenkwite’:ne.
Kenkwite’:ne the Kanien’kehaka word for spring, a time of new life and beginnings, builds on storytelling shared as part of the Yonnhe’ón:we Indigenous Art Series which launched last November.
Dancers Kean Buffalo and Jaeili Rae will delight audiences with a mix of pow-wow and hip-hop creating a unique experience of dance performance. Set against the backdrop of music videos by contemporary Indigenous musicians STOIK, DJ Shub, Prolific the Rapper, and Halluci Nation (A Tribe Called Red), it will be an evening to remember.
Blended through the performance will be a video discussion featuring award-winning filmmaker, actor, and showrunner, Jennifer Podemski that looks at her evolution as a storyteller, starting as an actor to set up the first Indigenous-owned production company in the country. The common thread through her career is her passion to bring Indigenous representation to Canadian screens. Led by Jillian Morris the discussion dives into Podemski’s career as a mixed Anishinaabe-Ashkenazi storyteller, and her advocacy to build safer spaces for diverse storytellers within the film and television industry.
The series is curated and hosted by the town’s poet laureate, Jillian Morris, and continues her commitment to bringing contemporary Indigenous storytelling to Collingwood.
“Spring serves up many reminders about the cyclical nature of life, interconnection, renewal, and growth. Hope for goodness ahead follows a harsh season. Our upcoming event will celebrate and honour the life-promoting teachings of this time,” says Jillian.
Come early or stay after for conversation, a strawberry drink, and an Indigenous art exhibit curated by Shorelane Arts.
Get your tickets now at Eventbrite
Yonnhe’ón:we continues through Fall 2024, bringing a diverse celebration of Indigenous arts to Collingwood. This series is possible through the support of Shorelane Arts, the series sponsor, as well as a dedicated team of partners including Collingwood’s Poet Laureate, Indigenous 150+, Elephant Thoughts, and the Town of Collingwood.
To learn more visit simcoestreettheatre.ca.
Kean Buffalo, Dancer
Kean Buffalo, also known as Winterhawk, is a 25-year-old Indigenous hip-hop & freestyle dancer from Ermineskin Cree Nation (Maskwasic, Alberta). Winterhawk enjoys inspiring youth to strive for their goals and is a big believer that we can make our dreams into reality. He loves putting a smile on people's faces and is a big believer that laughter is medicine. His love of dance has been with him since he was born, and he has been dancing hip-hop for over 13 years. Winterhawk is grateful for every opportunity to share the love of dance with others.
Jaeili Rae, Dancer
Jaeili Rae is an Indigenous dancer from Onion Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan, Treaty 6. She is a freestyler who continues to expand her style. She has been dancing pow-wow since she was 8 as fancy but then turned to jingle at 12 years old. She is currently studying theatre at the Centre for Indigenous Theatre in Toronto, Ontario.
Jennifer Podemski, Actor / Director / Producer / Showrunner
Jennifer is an actor, producer, director, and CEO of Redcloud Studios. As a result of her recognition in the Canadian film and television industry, Jennifer shifted her career to focus on producing in her attempt to address the lack of Indigenous representation in the industry. She co-founded Big Soul Productions, Canada’s first Indigenous-owned and operated production company, and later launched her current company, Redcloud Studios. In combination with her personal story and motivational words, Jennifer Podemski empowers her audience through a lens of advocacy and stories.
Jillian Morris, Collingwood Poet Laureate & Event Host
Jillian Morris is Kanien’kehaka and a band member of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, currently living in Collingwood. She has established her presence in the community as a writer with local media, publishing pieces that contribute to fostering a healthier Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationship. She believes that art is an impactful medium to build bridges between cultures and worldviews. Jillian’s poetry layers traditional teachings and interconnection with the natural world to explore identity, redress untruths, and foster connection.
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