The National Arts Centre Orchestra’s performance piece, I Lost My Talk, is based on the poem of the same name by Rita Joe. She penned her poem to express not only the pain and suffering she experienced at Schubenacadie Residential School in Nova Scotia, but also her hope and conviction that her words could guide and inspire Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples across Canada in journeying to a place of strength and healing.

The orchestra performs John Estacio’s score to a film shot on the shores of Georgian Bay. The film features 10 First Nations dancers moving in choreography created by Santee Smith Tekaronhiáhkhwa. Rita Joe’s poem is narrated by Guna and Rappahannock actor Monique Mojica.

Discover the creative genius of Canadian throat singer Tanya Tagaq, winner of the 2014 Polaris Music Prize, in the performance of Qiksaaktuq where she improvises the lament for murdered and missing Indigenous women.