Events and News
Nestuita'si means "I recollect" in Mi'kmaw, and is the root of shalan's performance arts and ecology company, which is based out of L's+tkuk, Mi'kma'ki (Bear River First Nation, NS)
Nestuita'si Storytelling's first short film
We are beyond thrilled that our short, welima'q, will have its world premiere at TIFF and then head to AIFF.
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For more information on this short and the screenings, follow us on IG or check for updates on our page here.
MAWITA’NEJ AQQ AMALKALTINEJ
(LET’S GATHER AND DANCE)
SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING INDIGENOUS MOVEMENT ARTISTS
This research project is about helping to figure out what kinds of supports and initiatives Indigenous dancers/movers need in Atlantic Canada.
From online sessions, in-person conversations and a survey: we are listening. A report will be made up and shared in various ways as we look to the future!
The project guides are:
Chris Sanipass, Possesom Paul and Meagan Musseau
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This project is made possible with funding from the Canada Council for the Arts SEED Funding and the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Heritage and Tourism. We are supported by community guides, with administrative support from Mocean Dance and Nestuita’si Storytelling.
Other partners include Raven Spirit Dance and Mawi’Art.
Are you a movement-based Indigenous artist based in the East Coast? We want to hear from you!
Or contact us to set up a conversation
Email: admin@nestuitasi.com
Phone: Mocean Dance (902)-425-4908
KOQM returns! August 13-17 at the Ross Creek Centre for the Arts
as part of Two Planks and a Passion's 33rd season (August 2024)
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KOQM is a journey through time and land to experience the voices of 5 fictional L'nu (Mi'kmaw) women. Throughout the course of the play, we hear and meet the women who might have spoken and walked through one area of forest over centuries. Guided by the strength of an ancient tree ("koqm"), the women's voices share with us their personal stories of grief, humour and resiliency.
Image by Kiwnik Joudry-Martel
The original production of KOQM was nominated for the Merritt Award for Outstanding Production in 2023 and shalan joudry won the award for Outstanding New Play.
* more dates and locations will be announced soon *
Documentary Series is now Available on CBC Gem!
Women of this Land (by director Stephanie Joline)
Women of This Land is a documentary series spotlighting the resilience and cultural richness of Indigenous women in Atlantic Canada as they share their stories of connection to land and heritage.
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Produced by Peep Media and
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Episode featuring shalan is found here!
CHŒUR(S)/CHORUS Multi-media installation
Opening reception, Aberdeen Cultural Centre March 19 6pm
Free and open to public
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“In the center of a black room stand a number of people. By going around the room, it is possible to count six that appeal to the visitor:
“Come here”
“Psst, psst”
They are poets. Six deferred poetic presences.
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shalan's poem as a 3D video? Come check out this amazing new installation!
Now on instagram!
Follow shalan for news on books, poetry/story events, and other arts news!
Follow shalan's company, Nestuita'si, for news on theatre/dance performances, eco-cultural workshops, and more.
new book: The Art of Mi’kmaw Basketry
shalan facilitated/edited a book celebrating Mi'kmaw basketry
Book introduction by Catherine Anne Martin
Photos by Holly Brown Bear
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Featured artists:
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Peter J Clair, Elsipogtog First Nation, NB
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Virick Francis, Eskasoni First Nation, NS
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Stephen Jerome, Gesgapegiag, Quebec.
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Della Maguire, Glooscap First Nation, NS
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Frank Meuse, L's+tkuk First Nation, NS
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Margaret Pelletier, We'koqma'q First Nation, NS
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Sandra Racine, Elsipogtog First Nation, NB
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Nora Richard, Lennox Island, PEI
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Ashley Sanipass, Indian Island, NB
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More information on book launch events coming soon!
To order: formaclorimerbooks.ca/product/the-art-of-mikmaw-basketry/
shalan named Artist-in-Residence for the Pier 21 Museum of Immigration
Kjipuktuk (Halifax), NS
shalan will work with Mocean Dance and Sarah Prosper, among others, to explore embodiment, music, and public connections at the museum
(December 2023-May 2024)
Stay tuned for more information!
You can find shalan's announcement conversation on CBC's Halifax Mainstreet
Listen to shalan's podcast featuring the 13 languages of the poem, Km+tkinu