Theatre

Dance

Resource

Education

KEHEWIN was formed in 1991 by Melvin and Rosa John, after four successful years working alongside Alberta Native Mental Health as Four Winds Theater in Alberta, Canada.

KEHEWIN uses oral history, Native dance and the Popular Theatre techniques to bring together an all new educational experience to both Native and non-Native communities.

"We believe that only through the sharing and understanding of our culture, can damaging stereotypes be broken. We also believe that it is through our youth that culture and traditions will once again be seen as an integral and vital part of society".
 
 

The theater workshop facilitators combine physical, vocal and theme related exercises to aid groups in communication, group relations and decision-making. We provide performances and workshops dealing with social issues.

Workshops:

Storytelling and Drama: All ages

An oral history is presented and its origins are discussed. This is followed by the making of masks and a dramatization.

Community Workshops: All ages

In a participatory environment, elements of voice, movement, costume and set design and construction, mask, and puppetry are explored.

Performances:

Wonska Wisahkecahk

A look at the impact of Canada's history on Native Urban Youth. This is a performance which has been developed and workshop by the urban youth of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Reflections of a Red Dawn

A performance that invokes an awakening of mind and spirit. Through an exploration developed from elements of autobiographical stories, the realities of the urban Natives are brought to life. An all Native cast of 27 novice performers volunteered and created a distinct voice through theater.
 
 

This family dance troupe has traveled and competed throughout the U.S. and Canada. They have placed in competition Pow-Wows in Toronto, Kitchener, Ottawa, Pittsburgh and in First Nations communities throughout Ontario and Alberta, Canada. Dance styles include; Northern Style Men's Traditional, Women's Jingle Dress Men's Fancy, Women's Fancy Shawl Dancer, Tiny Tot Jingle.

Performance

- Grand Entry

- Dance Solos

- The Oral histories of the dances and outfits

- Roundance where audience members are invited to join in.

Workshop

- Short demonstrations of the dances represented by the troupe

- Dance instruction

- Oral histories pertaining to several different dances throughout North and South America.

- Video presentation of several types of dances
 
 

Inside The Circle

An educational manual that outlines aspects of various Native cultures. Pertinent social issues are discussed using oral histories and hands-on explorations that initiate active group responses.

Price: $45.00
 
 

Winds Of Change

A step by step guide to developing a community performance. It leads the reader through physical exercises, theater games, improvisation and finally, a performance.

Price: $20.00
 
 

Fancy Dancer At The Pow Wow

A children's book that looks at the Native tradition of the Pow Wow celebration from a young dancer's perspective. Bright colorful pictures and an easy to read text make this book a delight for children of all ages.

Price: $5.00
 
 

Kehewin provides Native Awareness workshops which include oral histories from several nations, and a dramatization of those histories.

Cultural Links Summer Camp:

ages 8 to 18

A six week day camp where Native youth are given the opportunity to experience various occupations . Through the expertise of Native professionals, the youth attain a clear perspective on future careers.

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