How does your orchestra invite mutually enriching, reciprocal, and respectful exchanges with Indigenous artists? Not only in what’s on the program – but also in the experience of creating together.
In 2019, ten artists came together in Banff for the Canadian Indigenous Classical Music Gathering, and co-authored the Statement on Indigenous Musical Sovereignty*. It reads:
Maintaining ownership and control of our stories and artistic projects is of vital importance for Indigenous creators. […] We as Indigenous creators are best positioned to tell our stories that discuss hard truths faced by our communities.
On Wednesday, May 26, 2:00-3:30 pm Eastern Time, join Orchestras Canada for a Roundtable on Indigenous Musical Sovereignty. In this session hosted by Cris Derksen (Juno-nominated cellist and member of OC’s Equity committee), you’ll learn about some of the right questions to ask and protocols to establish in your collaborations from the first-hand experiences and reflections of eight Indigenous musicians, composers, and educators.
We invite all Orchestra musicians, board members, supporters and staff (from front of house to CEO!) to join us and take part in this learning.
Live simultaneous interpretation in English and French will be available for this event.
Speakers:
- Cris Derksen (host)
Juno nominated cellist, composer, member of OC’s Equity Committee - Andrew Balfour
composer, conductor, singer, sound designer - Ian Cusson
composer - Michelle Lafferty
mezzo-soprano - Beverley McKiver
pianist, teacher, composer - Melody McKiver
violinist/violist, drummer/percussionist, producer, composer - Jessica McMann
musician, dancer, choreographer, consultant - Sonny-Ray Day Rider
pianist, composer
*The full Statement on Indigenous Musical Sovereignty can be found in Appendix E of OC’s Re-Sounding the Orchestra report, or on the Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance website.
We hope to see you there! Please contact [email protected] with any questions.