Following the Atmospheric River which brought torrential rains with subsequent mudslides and floods that have cut the Lower Mainland off from the rest of Canada by road and rail, there is a potentially catastrophic situation playing out in Abbotsford tonight.
7:30pm Tuesday, November 16, 2021: The City of Abbotsford issued an immediate and urgent notice to all residents that did not evacuate the Sumas Prairie earlier today to evacuate immediately.
DanceHouse, in partnership with SFU Woodward’s Cultural Programs, presents the Vancouver premiere of Red Sky Performance’s highly kinetic contemporary dance work Trace, on stage November 24 to 27 at SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts.
Red Sky Performance TRACE Photo by Rob DiVito
Red Sky Performance’s Trace
When: November 24 to 27 at 8:00pm and November 27, 2021 at 2:00pm
Where: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (149 W Hastings, Vancouver)
Under the direction of Executive and Artistic Director Sandra Laronde, Trace is inspired by the ancestral celestial legends of the Anishinaabe people, which hold within them an Indigenous worldview of the interconnectedness of all creation. Closing out a six-week, 15-city tour across Canada and the U.S., Trace features a live percussive score infused with Indigenous motifs from composer Eliot Britton and athletically-charged choreography by Red Sky Performance Associate Artist Jera Wolfe.
Trace made its world premiere in Toronto at Canadian Stage in November 2018, followed by its international premiere at the iconic Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in the US in 2019.
The work is Red Sky Performance’s ode to the origin stories of the Anishinaabe people and the mythological figure of Geezhigo-Quae (Sky Woman), who fell to earth, bringing with her the beginnings of life. Lauded by The Globe and Mail for its “physically demanding sequences that rely on the dancers’ swiftness and vigour,” Trace is the recipient of two Dora Mavor Moore Awards in 2019, for Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Sound Design & Composition.
Featuring a backdrop of graphic projections designed by Marcella Grimaux, tracing humanity’s existence from single atom to expansive cosmos, the work offers a glimpse into an Indigenous perspective of the origin of humanity as well as its future evolution. An inventive, acrobatic work choreographed by Wolfe, a renowned Toronto-based choreographer and dancer of Métis heritage, for an ensemble of six dancers, Trace underscores Red Sky Performance’s athleticism and versatility. The work swiftly moves from fast-paced, synchronized choreography and athletic throws to slow, graceful lines and meditative movement.
Trace features an original, percussive score composed by Britton, a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation and an inventive composer who integrates electronic, audiovisual, and instrumental elements into his body of work and, performed live by three musicians, interspersed with the recorded throat-singing vocals of Orla Barlow-Tukaki and Nelson Tagoona and the dancers’ own rhythmic breathing.
Red Sky Performance is one of Canada’s leading contemporary Indigenous performance companies, led by Artistic Director Sandra Laronde of the Teme-Augama Anishinaabe (People of the Deep Water). With a mission to create inspiring experiences of contemporary Indigenous arts and culture that transform society, Red Sky Performance is in its 21st year of creating and producing original, interdisciplinary works of dance, theatre, music, and media.
Win Tickets
I have a pair of tickets to give away, for the closing night performance on November 27th at 8:00pm. Here’s how you can enter to win:
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[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to TRACE by @redskyperform @dancehouse_van http://ow.ly/RyYk50GPq9O” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. Update: The winner is mary ann!
A campaign to provide vital housing to women fleeing violence, refugees, seniors and others in need has reached its fundraising goal thanks in part to a donation from a group of maritime employer companies.
Women of Options Campaign Reaches Its Goal
I was a part of the 50 Women of Options campaign for affordable housing which launched in February, 2021.
The group of waterfront companies largely operating south of the Fraser River, informally called South of the Fraser Maritime Employers, will donate $36,000 toward the new affordable housing project, capping an impressive fundraising effort steered by women leaders in the community. The group is comprised of Ceres Terminals Canada, DP World Fraser Surrey, Global Container Terminals Canada, Western Group, and BC Maritime Employers Association.
The facility, which will be operated by Habitat Housing Society, a sister organization of Options Community Services, will be constructed at King George Hwy. and 81st Ave. in Surrey. Once complete, 70 per cent of the complex will offer below-market housing rentals, starting at $375 per month, targeted to those with the greatest needs.
“Options Community Services is one of the most respected not-for-profit organizations in the South Fraser region. We couldn’t be prouder to answer their call and support their critical work building affordable housing for women, youth and others at risk of homelessness in our communities,” said Jennifer Perih of Global Container Terminals on behalf of the group.
The fundraising campaign, called Women of Options, raised more than $1.5 million through the efforts of 50 women in the community. The campaign was supported by Penny Priddy, a dedicated community leader in Surrey and former board member of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority who recalled the great corporate citizens in the waterfront community and reached out to them.
“For more than fifty years, Options has been working hard to help the residents of Surrey, Delta, White Rock and Langley, and it became the obvious choice for our five organizations to come together to support more meaningfully,” said Perih. “In making this donation, we hope to encourage others to consider ways they can support those who may be struggling in their communities.”
From left to right: Marissa Chan-Kent (BCMEA), Kathy deLisser (Ceres Terminals Canada), Christine Mohr (Options Community Services CEO), Kim Stegeman-Lowe (Western Group), Penny Priddy (Women of Options), Jennifer Perih (Global Container Terminals Canada), Angela Kirkham (DP World Fraser Surrey), Kamaljit Lehal (Options Community Services Chair of the Board).
According to the 2020 Metro Vancouver Homeless Count, Surrey had the second largest number of people impacted by homelessness in the region. The new housing complex will cater to women fleeing violence, refugees, seniors, at-risk youth and others facing barriers in finding decent, affordable homes.
“What a wonderful way to wrap up our campaign to raise $1.5 million to build affordable homes for Surrey women and others in need of support,” said Christine Mohr, CEO of Options Community Services and Habitat Housing Society, its sister company managing the project. “Thanks to Penny Priddy, we have forged new relationships within our waterfront industry. Together, we are making a big difference.”
Women of Options Gala
On April 8, 2022, Women of Options is hosting a fundraising gala to raise additional funds to support Options Community Services. The gala will feature international entertainment, dinner and dancing along with live and silent auctions. For more information about how you can support Options Community Services, visit the website.
Vancouver-based vegan makeup brand SAPPHO New Paradigm has launched a Give Back campaignfeaturing a limited-edition lip gloss. Net proceeds from the Speak Volumes Lip Gloss will be donated to Kílala Lelum, an urban Indigenous health and healing cooperative located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
Speak Volumes Lip Gloss Supports Kílala Lelum
The limited edition lip gloss is available for purchase online now and SAPPHO New Paradigm is hoping to raise $10,000 by the end of the year.
“Here is an opportunity for a small but growing company like ours to give back to our community and support Indigenous health and healing” says JoAnn Fowler, an Emmy-nominated makeup artist who in 2016, launched SAPPHO New Paradigm, a consciously created vegan and organic makeup brand. “Formulated for diversity, performance and sustainability, SAPPHO is, in essence, my apology to the next generation.”
The lip gloss is vegan, organic, cruelty-free and a deep shade of red “to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, 2 Spirited, Boys and Men while also taking actionable, tangible steps to directly impact the people in a positive way”, says Alexis Fisher (MSW RSW), a Social Navigator working for Kílala Lelum in the DTES and SAPPHO’s model for this campaign.
Fisher hails from the ʾakisq̓nuk First Nation in Windermere, BC and was raised on St. Mary’s Reservation. In addition to her work with Kílala Lelum in the DTES, she opening her own private Indigenous counselling practice and is continuing to explore modelling.
“Modelling is my newest venture”, says Fisher. “My reasons for doing this are similar to my reasons for doing anything – to raise awareness and representation of Indigenous people. As a little brown girl who grew up in a sea of white faces, I never saw my culture or myself positively reflected in mainstream media. It is time to change all that.”
Model Alexis Fisher, Makeup Artist Jaylene Tyme, Hair Paul Edwards, Photographer & Director Kharen Hill.
Kilala Lelum Urban Indigenous Health & Healing Cooperative
Kilala Lelum is a place where one can recognize themselves in others and can connect to Indigenous teachings and cultural activities, as well as have medical issues addressed in a non-judgmental way.
Kilala Lelum consists of a multi-disciplinary team that goes beyond traditional clinical methods to provide holistic and culturally based care for residents in Vancouver’s DTES.
Elders work alongside physicians to provide culturally safe, trauma informed services guided by the values of equity, wellness, respect, love & kindness.
Kilala Lelum provides medical services with an emphasis on cultural safety as well as relational and social care to honour mental, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Their team serves Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, guided by Elders and their traditional, Indigenous ways of being when appropriate.
Kilala Lelum participates in research that aims to promote health equality and Indigenous Peoples health and wellness, establishing measurable goals to identify and close the gaps in health outcomes for Indigenous peoples and to recognize, respect, and address the distinct health needs of the Métis, Inuit, First Nations, and off-reserve Aboriginal peoples. Relevant studies are published on their site.
Kilala Lelum’s outreach support includes medication visits with members, food security deliveries, as well as case management. The latter involves assessment, planning, facilitation, evaluation and advocating for services to meet an individual’s holistic healthcare needs.
The Planted Expo in Vancouver is happening November 20-21, 2021 with two days of speakers and over 200 plant-based brands exhibiting their edible and lifestyle products. This is an opportunity for all to learn more about veganiasm and what a plant-based life means.
Planted Expo in Vancouver
When: Saturday, November 20 & Sunday, November 21 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place)
Tickets: Available via Showpass $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, free for kids
For the health and safety of attendees, staff, and exhibitors, Planted Expo will be requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all aged 12 and up.
Planted Expo Vancouver attendees will hear from inspirational speakers, leading vegan product creators, sustainability drivers and plant-based cookbook authors as they explore over 200 edible and lifestyle vegan brands during the event.
Plant-based lifestyles continue to enter mainstream conversations with an increased amount of people talking about veganism following its steady rise of recognition since the latter 2010s. The Economist declared 2019 “the Year of the Vegan”, solidifying its place in public acceptance. During 2020 and 2021, the world endured a global lockdown and impacted individuals took the time to learn more about the plant-based movement and its impact on sustainability and climate change.
With awareness of how a plant-based lifestyle can positively impact lives, the Planted Expo has gathered leading voices in the culinary, naturopathic and fitness world to speak on the importance of veganism:
Praised as one of the “25 fittest men in the world”, Ultraman World Championship athlete Rich Roll will share his lifestyle journey at the Expo. For those interested in a personal recount of his transformation and his plant-based lifestyle, join An Evening with Rich Rollon November 20th. This special event is a live podcast recording and includes a meet and greet.
Motivational and passionate, renowned fitness expert John Lewis, the Badass Vegan, will share his thoughts on plant-based food and social justice.
Vegan cookbook author, Dreena Burton, with six published cookbooks including her most recent book titled “Dreena’s Kind Kitchen”, will talk on plant-based cooking.
Plant-based Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Matthew Nagra, an advocate for plant-based nutrition as medicine, explains how to improve your own health.
Motivated by a 280-pound weight loss, Exam Room podcaster Chuck Carroll will educate new vegans and plant-powered lifers with tales from his plant-based podcast.
Plant-based nutrition, wellness, and regeneration expert Nicolette Richer will share transformational health experiences through nutrition and detoxification.
Craig McIntosh and Joel Harrison from Trendi will speak on the future of food waste and the impact we can make in society by rescuing and upcycling our food waste into products.
