SMUDGE: [definition] "A practice used by many Indigenous people involving the burning of medicine plants and immersing ourselves in the smoke. It is used to cleanse, bring good energy, dispel the negative, connect with our ancestors and the Earth."
Two generations, the past and future. The strength of tradition, the isolation of the contemporary world. Joined by blood, joined by Earth. Can this connection overcome the emptiness?
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Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo is Kanienkeha:ka (Mohawk) of mixed heritage originally from Kahnawake, now living in Montreal. Barbara is currently the Artistic Director and Choreographer of A’nó:wara Dance Theatre. An award-winning choreographer and dancer for over 25 years, she specializes in creating works that highlight Indigenous themes/stories/perspectives by often combining powwow, Haudenosaunee dance, and mainstream contemporary styles to create a fusion of dance that speaks to many different populations and tastes. She has studied in many forms of dance and graduated with a BFA in theatre from Concordia University and from the Native Theatre School.
She takes great pride in regularly sharing her culture and has performed across Canada and internationally. Some of her most recent work was performed at the Banff Centre, the Montreal Olympic Stadium, the National Arts Centre, the Confederation Centre for the Arts PEI, Harbourfront Centre, Place des Arts, Prismatic Festival Halifax, and Festival Quartiers Danses. She was one of only eight dancers in North America invited to perform at Gathering of Nations (New Mexico), the world’s largest powwow, in its first-ever hoop dance competition 2015.
Barbara also works with various organizations, including La Danse sur les routes du Quebec and Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance, to educate, help create safe spaces, and support Indigenous artists across Canada. Her goals are to inspire others, encourage cultural pride, uplift the spirit, and increase education and communication.
Kanien'keha:ka territory of Tiohtià:ke (also known as Montreal)
Credits
Choreographer and dancer: Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo Director: Pepper O'Bomsawin Music: "New Women Song" by Cris Derksen featuring Jennifer Kreisberg Dancer and additional choreography: Emily Kahente Diabo "Gdazzle" Director of photography and promo photo: François Léger Savard Editor and colorist: Eric Morel
Coproduction of Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo, Pepper O'Bomsawin, and Festival Quartiers Danses
Additional support from A'no:wara Dance Theatre, Conseil des arts et lettres du Quebec, Musee McCord
Choreography and Direction
Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo
Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo is Kanien’keha:ka (Mohawk)/mixed heritage from Kahnawake and now lives in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal. An award-winning choreographer and dancer for over 30 years, she was the recipient of the prestigious Prix de la Danse de Montreal category Interprète in 2021. She specializes in creating works that highlight Indigenous themes, stories, and perspectives and takes great pride in sharing her culture. Her work has been seen across Canada and internationally.
Barbara works with various organizations, including La Danse sur les routes du Québec and Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance, helping to educate, create safe spaces, and support Indigenous artists across Canada. Her goals are to inspire others, encourage cultural pride, uplift the spirit, educate, and increase communication.
The NAC Foundation would like to thank the Faris Family for helping make the NAC a more accessible and inclusive space through their support of free summer programming.
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