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20 Jan 2010
Pikangikum and Wikwemikong rocking out their first rehearsals!
OLI is officially underway!
I'm currently in Wikwemikong where Charlene Smith, our guest dance teacher from New York, started yesterday working with the 30+ youth. They endured their 2 hour rehearsal stretching, dancing and exercising. There were lots of smiles and laughter. We have some talented youth who have their sights set on making it to Toronto to perform. There is no doubt in my mind that the majority of these youth will make it there!
It's about 1:30pm and in a couple of hours Charlene will run them through another 2 hour rehearsal with more choreography. I've passed some students and teachers in the hallway who had to admit, their muscles were "a little sore" today!" :-)
Last week, Levi Claiborne from NYC travelled to Pikangikum to work with the 50+ youth enrolled in the programme. He's doing some martial arts/break-dancing moves with the youth, and Levi told me we have some great dancers there as well. This year, we have found even more youth are taking it seriously as this is Pikangikum's second year enrolled in the OLI programme. Youth who had dropped out of school or OLI rehearsals and did not take it seriously regretted their choices and did not make it to Toronto to perform like some of their friends did last year. But just because youth who made it last year does not mean they will make it this year. ALL youth have to meet the requirements from the start again.
Today, we are making an announcement in Pikangikum of the eligible youth who are still entitled to be in OLI. Pikangikum actually started their rehearsals earlier with the youth taking initiative and choreographing beginning in October. All youth and parents signed contracts on December 3rd saying they understood that if the youth miss a certain amount of OLI rehearsals or academic classes; or fail their school classes, that they would no longer be eligible to participate. Today we unfortunately have to announce that roughly 20 youth are no longer eligible, some of whom were in the Toronto show last year.
OLI is a prestigious programme for any community to be enrolled in, and the youth must recognize an opportunity when then see it - as life will serve some great opportunities. But if they are not explored then they are just missed opportunities. I want our youth to be able to recognize and seize the OLI opportunity and they will each have their own individual journey as a result - both making new friends and memories along the way, while increasing their confidence and esteem!
Right now, we have roughly 70 strong youth in both communities - let's watch as they endure their journey and discover which ones take it to the end - TORONTO!!
POSTED BY: tracee
02 Jan 2010
OLI ramping up in both Pikangikum and Wiki!
Well it's officially 2010!
And that means that we are getting ready to start dancing and rehearsing for the big June 2010 performances in downtown Toronto.
Youth will begin learning from their instructors in the next 2 weeks and endure daily practices from January all the way to June, perfecting their moves and doing well in school in order to succeed in the OLI program.
This year between both communities we are expecting roughly 60 youth to be performing here in downtown Toronto!
I have been writing quite a few grants and sponsorship requests for funding over the holidays, and working with my artistic team to plan for the vision of our 2010 show. It's been very exciting knowing who we have on board and everyone's enthusiasm and expertise has been infectious!
Tickets will be going on sale late March, early April, and we have 2 matinees this year, one for Aboriginal youth from across Ontario and the other for the general public schools. Last year it was so great to perform for the youth, they were such a great audience with all of their cheering that we decided we have to add more this year!
Hope to see you all there!
Stay tuned for more updates as the rehearsals progress!
POSTED BY: tracee
29 Nov 2009
Pikangikum high school youth receive standing ovation from over 600 attendees at Circle of Light conference at Royal York in Toronto!
It was a whirlwind journey for the 5 high school youth of Pikangikum First Nation who had yet another opportunity to perform their featured performance from the OLI show in April of 2009, before a conference crowd of over 600 people.
After weather delayed their departure from their home community the day before the event, the youth were lucky to catch a chartered flight from Superior Airways with a pilot destined for Thunder Bay. They arrived in TB at 2:00pm and caught the WestJet flight to Toronto arriving at the Royal York at 6:30pm. One hour later they were dancing their hearts out to the encouraging and welcoming banquet attendees at the Circle of Light conference hosted by the Ministry of Education for Ontario.
The youth also had a chance to speak about how their lives have changed as a result of OLI, reflecting on the new friends they made, what it was like dancing in front of hundreds of people at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts; their 2 week adventure at the Tim Hortons Children's camp; and how they improved as students and their relationships with their family and friends. It was an emotional and moving night for everyone who was in attendance.
I am so proud of those 5 youth: Alex Quill, Dinelle Quill, Jennilee Turtle, Conlie Peters and Kerrie Peters. It took a lot of courage and bravery to both perform and speak in front of the large crowd, and since I saw them last in April, they are more mature, more outgoing, and way more confident in their abilities as a result. These five will lead Pikangikum this coming year, and will bring even more Pikangikum youth with them on their journey to the show in June 2010.
I hope you are all there to witness their success and to see how amazing and talented our Indigenous youth of Canada are, and will be for years to come!
POSTED BY: tracee
18 Nov 2009
Wow! Our editors are going to be great!
Tonight I met with one of our post-production editors, Colin, who did the editing for our show last year. He is so very talented, the show's mini-docs are going to be truly amazing this year, can't wait to see what we all come up with!!!
POSTED BY: tracee
10 Nov 2009
Pikangikum First Nation high schoolers performing as guest performers at Circle of Light Conference, November 25th, 2009, 6 pm! Don't Miss it!!
In just 2 weeks, the high school performers of OLI who participated last year will perform at the Circle of Light conference at the Royal York in downtown Toronto on November 25th at 6pm!
The community of Pikangikum has been hit hard with the H1N1 virus, so they have shut down the school until this Monday, which means no rehearsing for the performers, but I know they will practice hard next week to be ready to come to Toronto and dance their hearts out!
It has been a busy past few weeks, with our deadline for OLI applications and sorting through, to finalizing who our community participants will be this year. It is so crucial that we are working with communities that have the capacity to handle such an intense program. And by capacity, I mean from administration, volunteers, teachers, parents, and of course, the youth. If one of these is missing, our programme cannot operate. We encourage communities/schools interested in our program to really sit down and prepare for the application; get your team together of dedicated support; and be sure the youth are on side with the requirements they must meet.
Communities who are participating will be so lucky to have their own dedicated dance instructor come all the way from NYC to teach them every other week for 6 months! How many of our communities can say they get their own instructor committed to enhancing and enriching the lives of their youth. AND they get to travel to downtown Toronto to perform what they learned for sold out audiences??!!! Not too many, I know that for a fact!
This year we added a 3rd performance. One matinee will be dedicated to on-reserve First Nations youth; one for non-aboriginal or off-reserve aboriginal youth; and of course our VIP evening with our sponsors, donors, parents, families and the general public. That is over 2500 people who will see our live performance at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts in June! Just think, in our first year we had one show with 450 people, in our third year, we are up to 3 shows, with over 500% increase in audience attendance! We are so excited, so many new things happening, so many more youth apart of our programme, and so many communities building capacity within, to lay a strong foundation for their youth to succeed in school and the OLI programme!!
We hope to see you there!!!
POSTED BY: tracee
17 Oct 2009
Pikangikum First Nation starting OLI with 140 youth!
I had my conference call today with Pikangikum to go over the plans for this year and OLI.
So far, 140 youth have signed up from Grade 7 and up, WOW!! I'm sure that a lot of the youth who had stopped coming to school wish they hadn't, as they saw and heard what kind of amazing trip the OLI performers had in Toronto. A life-changing one, something that can't be described unless you are there with your own eyes to see.
I'm looking forward to seeing all of last year's performers! All of them went back to their communities as role models for others to look up to, and to reach a goal, you have to dedicate that time and energy and effort 100%, and give everything you got! Sometimes the rewards we see from our efforts are never seen for months, years, and maybe never will be recognized as a result of the effort we put in today. But I know personally, just knowing that I can say I did everything I could to reach my goal, whatever that may be, makes me happy. I believe it must be harder to know deep inside your heart that you knew you quit; didn't try hard enough; or didn't expect enough of yourself must be a worse feeling!
I'm looking forward to the new communities that will be joining us from across Canada! Deadline is Nov 1st, and our board will decide who and how many that we can take on this year no later than Nov.15th. We are expecting approximately 75 youth to participate this year, up from the 28 in 2009. We are just getting bigger and bigger, which is great, because it means more and more of our youth our committing to school and a goal - a powerful combination will create powerful Indigenous youth!!
POSTED BY: tracee
16 Sep 2009
We're getting ready for a big year!
Well, it's been one busy summer!
And it's time to get back in the swing of things! When the school bells rang, OLI alumni asked and they received the answer they wanted to hear, OLI is on again! So far both Lac La Croix and Pikangikum have signed back on, and we are now receiving our applications from our potential new participants from all over Canada.The next deadline is November 1st, 2009.
You can see some new and returning sponsors on our home page, and we haven't even gotten started! OLI is expected to triple our sponsorship and donation dollars. That's right, we are now an official charity and receiving donations and providing tax receipts to all donations over $25.
OLI is expecting 50-75 youth to participate in the big show this year, and we are anticipating 2 more matinee performances on top of our evening performance, whereby youth from across Canada will come to cheer on OLI's finest performers!
Tickets will go on sale at the beginning of 2010.
Stay tuned for more updates, and our announcement of our new communities!
POSTED BY: tracee
08 Jul 2009
Test
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POSTED BY: Admin
29 May 2009
OLI WEBSITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Our website will be under construction for the month of June being properly updated. Up to date information can be obtained by calling our office at 647.350.5450.
Sorry for any inconvenience!
POSTED BY: Admin
30 Apr 2009
2nd Annual Show a huge success!
It's been just over a week since our big show here in Toronto, and I'm still coming down from the energy and adrenaline that we had for the past 2 weeks leading up to our event! I miss the youth of both Pikangikum and Lac La Croix so much already, and since I don't believe in saying "Goodbye", we all shed a few tears knowing we have made some pretty amazing memories.
Like our first show, the audience was so great and supportive of our show and the youth, they really brought a lot of energy to the theatre and cheered on for the OLI performers. The families and friends of the youth went home proud, as they should have, of their youth who have so much talent to share and to build on into their futures.
I would like to thank our sponsors who made this possible for us to reach even greater heights, and supporting OLI to offer free admission to over 600 youth from across Canada to see our show.
THere is such a big buildup for such an event like ours. It's year round for myself, and roughly 8-9 months for the youth. The show only last for 1.5 hrs roughly, which is an inspiring event to come and witness, but the effect it has on the youth, is the journey and hard work it takes to reach that point. I am so proud of each of the OLI youth who participated, they achieved something not too many youth will ever experience. And to have the OLI experience will change their lives forever. We hope to continue impacting more and more youth from across Canada, through hard work, dedication and committment to the goal. Success is a wonderful thing, when you know you worked so hard to achieve it - that's what OLI is about.
We look forward to more communities applying to the OLI program, and if your school, community, or organization is interested, please call our office for more information!
POSTED BY: Admin
25 Mar 2009
Update from Lac La Croix
Right now students are in "painting mode". Three paintings are complete with one other well on its way, and one in the beginning stages. The grade seven/eight dancers haven't started painting yet - they are having their D.A.R.E. graduation today. Everyone will be surprised at the diversity of the paintings! The countdown for remaining rehearsals is on - we are down to about ten, with Tracee coming on Tuesday to put the finishing touches and final placements in the dance. I'm sure there will be another full house in the gym on Tuesday as community members filter in to see the amazing progress the dancers have made. The big thing is to have everyone stay healthy, fit, and positive, and to get all their work completed before the big send off.
This is Janelle Jourdain. I have been trying to work out, but I cant quite do 10 push ups yet, but I'm getting there. Last night I did squats and my legs are really really sore, I don't know if ill be able to dance tonight, but I'll try :D
Oh My God... only 15 more days until we meet up with Pikangikum! So pumped!
So Can't Wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello, this is Chelsea O. So, April 9th is coming around, I can't wait. For 2 weeks from the 9th we will be scheduled. Wow, its really happening. The 22nd- the big day is coming. But in the mean time, we will be preparing our dance, perfecting it, for those of yous who will be attending the performance. Umm.. Bonne-nuit? I think that's how you say it in french, but I mean to say "Have a good day." :)
-Chelsea O.
Hey! This is Shania Atatise. I am in grade 7 and 13 years old... Wow, the days are going so fast, eh? The last time I counted it was 39 days, and now 15?! I am so excited! :D I never thought that I would make it this far, but I did. We still need to "perfect" the dance a bit. But, so far it looks good. I can't wait to meet everyone! See you there!! :)
-Shania Atatise.
Hey. My name is Jessica Atatise! Im feeling pretty good about the progress of our rehearsals. I LOVE the song we are going to be dancing to. Feels fun dancing to it! :D So I missed our last rehearsals before March Break due to the snowed in road coming into our reserve. So just this week I learned the newest and final part of our dance. I think it's coming along great! I have to say I am pretty excited to go to Toronto and perform! We may not be professional dancers but Im pretty sure we're awesome! So until next time I blog, or we perform, I shall see ya later!!
- Jessica Atatise, Grade 10/11
I haven't done this whole blogging bit before so i may not be that great. i am actually eating pizza at the moment. Haha. I did 2 canvases in class which i am very proud of. One i am keeping for my own pleasure and the other is going with Tracee for yours. I am so stoked about the performance day getting closer and closer. As much as everyone is getting nervous im sure it will turn out magnificent. The dance has minor adjustments that will be no prob to fix. Look forward to meeting the pikangikum crew and travelling down to T.O. See you all there <3 Alissa Ottertail#13
Hey This is Lance Geyshick! I've been counting down the days until we leave to Toronto its like 16-15 days until we leave to Toronto its gonna be wicked i can't wait to go back there again for the second time, I actually felt like i lived there all my life pretty amzing city to stay at. And i am really excited to meet the Pikangikum kids. so i am really looking forward to seeing the professional dancers dance again that was my favourite part last year because of how good their movement was. And thats about it.
-Lance Geyshick
Hi! My name is Elsie Whitefish im in grade 7 and im 12 years old,
I never been to toronto or danced in front of alot people, I am looking forward to meet all the pikangikum kids.Me and my friend shania didnt think we would make it this far and im hoping i can acomplish this. Well see you there!! :)
Hi! my name is Chad Geyshick i am 13 years old this is my first time ever going to Toronto. im like wicked excited. im looking forward to dancing in front of alot of people. This is my first time dancing in toronto. The days are going so so fast that means it's going to be a fun trip. it's telling me i really need to participate in this OLI show. well thats all i got to say for now. :) going to be fun
POSTED BY: Teacher
15 Mar 2009
Lac La Croix youth looking good!
I just returned on friday from Lac La Croix and I had 12 enthusiastic dancers who danced so well for me. We had a great night putting their dance to the actual song they will perform to. They did so good! I then, finished choreographing the ending and now I have one more visit to clean it up so they can perfect it until they leave on April 9th.
Afterwards, we had a meeting with the parents and youth on what to expect when they arrive in Toronto, from ground rules to the fun stuff they will be doing each day. The night went on as I videotaped footage needed for the film part of the show - which took me into the early morning hours of 2am! Wow, was I exhausted, as I'm sure everyone else was as well! Some of the things that the youth, parents and teachers had to say was just so amazing, so powerful, on the impacts that OLI has made on them as individuals and as a community! Dance and the arts is truly a life-changing expression! And the only way to see it with your own eyes is to come to our show!
POSTED BY: Admin
07 Mar 2009
Very successful trip to Pikangikum! Youth are excited now more than ever to perform for all of you!
I got back from Pikangikum late thursday evening, and I came back very proud and very happy!
The trip was successful in so many ways. The youth involved in the OLI project are having their own individual successes through the program beyond what we as teachers or adults can ever imagine. All I know is that each and every one of those youth who has committed and is coming to Toronto to perform can't wait for the day when they get on the train where the journey begins.
John Malcolmson of the Tim Horton's Children's Foundation came up to show the youth where they will be staying and talked to the activities they will be doing when not rehearsing. These youth are so lucky! CN Tower, Niagara Falls, Toronto FC Soccer, Toronto Rock Lacrosse, Toronto Marlies, Toronto Blue Jays - unbelievable! The average person would not be so lucky as to this kind of star treatment! When John showed them the pictures of the Onandaga Camp where they are staying, DJ said to me, "Can we leave today?" and Donathan said " I wish it was April right now!" That made me so happy, and to see their smiles on their face, I never saw them smile like that - ever.
These youth are doing excellent in their academics, and the OLI program helps them focus, while reaching for their goal of performing in Toronto.
Even more big news is that 2 days after they perform in Toronto, the OLI program are the headliner's for the Six Nations Rebels Lacrosse home opener on April 24th!! According to my great friend Wray Maracle, they are expecting 500 people this year!! These youth are going to be pros before they go back home!
The teachers have been unbelievable in this program - absolutely incredible! Every time I'm there - I think, there would be no way that this program would have been successful here, if it wasn't for them. They are the life of the project on a daily basis and the youth can count on them to be there to rehearse. But they all really love to dance as well, so that helps!
I leave Thursday for Lac La Croix - the youth will be making a guest appearance at the show this year - but the featured community is Pikangikum.
Until then...!
POSTED BY: Admin
02 Mar 2009
Pikangikum Practices
My students are practicing tirelessly every night. I have realized that their energy is pretty low after school, so I am trying to supply granola bars and juice for their practices. Last week I watched the Grade 7 and 8 practices for a little while. Tammy, Jessica, Donathan, Chanel, Sarah and Sonia did really well. Starlene was amazing. She practiced her solo over and over and did really well. She is such a great leader! When some of the others get off beat, she appears to try to get them all back together without stopping herself.
Gillian explained to me how hard it was for them to get the simultaneous clapping part down pat. They've got it now, though.
Last week I also was fortunate to watch a segment of the high school dancers as well. They were all there (Dinelle, Jennilee, Keeri, Conlie and Alexander.) They are all doing so well. It has been awhile since I have seen them practice, so I was surprised by Alex the most. I recall him at the beginning, when we had the first few huge practices at the arena, that he was a little awkward. Now, he is so fluid in his movements! I cannot wait to show my son Hunter how he dances. Hunter loves those shows "So You Think You Can Dance?" He rarely sees guys dance though. I think Alexander will be an inspiration to him.
I have finally started blogging. I had a music teacher who always used to say, "Better late than never." I will try to commit to regularly updating this blog.
Yours in the Education of my Amazing Pikangikum Students,
mick staruck
POSTED BY: Teacher
02 Mar 2009
Guests Invited and Coming to the Outside Looking In Performance
The following are people who have confirmed they will attend the performance on April 22 in Toronto:
Pete Charbonneau - former High School Industrial Art teacher
Katherine Knott - Director of Education for Indian Affairs - Ontario
Cheryl Kylander - Senior Education Director - Northern Ontario
Linda Staats - Director of Six Nations Polytechnic in Ohsweken
Robin Staats - former teacher - Pikangikum First Nations
Greg Rickford - Member of Parliament for the Kenora-Rainy River District
- Pikangikum's Member of Parliament
Carol Teal - ArtsCan Group
Matt Boody - former High School Science Teacher
Katie Rambo - former High School Social Studies Teacher
Maria Van Huizen - former Science Teacher
Wayne and Ronda Potts - former teachers
Sarah Jane (Laight) Hayward (and her new husband) - former teacher
Possibly attended (if there are no scheduling conflicts): Dakota House
I will keep updating this guest list as people confirm.
mick staruck
POSTED BY: Teacher
04 Mar 2009
Pik Students Are Awesome!!!
I watched a bit of the practices yesterday. The younger dancers were sluggish, and Tracee let them know it. It was the wake-up call they needed, because when I watched this group tonight, they were crisp and prepared and looked alive; like they really loved what they are doing.
I watched Dinelle and Alexander lead right into their routine. They are awesome! Their confidence and hard work is really evident.
I spoke to Don, DJ's teacher. Instead of using his free time to do activities with other students, he worked hard and finished four incomplete assignments. Keep up the great work, DJ.
I am anxiously anticipating tonight's presentation by John Malcolmson, on behalf of the Tim Hortons Foundation, at the community center tonight. There are at least 80 people invited, including our Chief, Gordon Peters. After the presentation, there is a huge meal prepared. The part about tonight, that I am looking forward to more than anything, is to watch the reaction on the faces of my students and their parents, when John talks about all of the amazing things they are going to do on this journey.
So proud of my kids,
mick
POSTED BY: Teacher
20 Feb 2009
Gearing up, big time!
Well, I sure did miss getting up to Pikangikum - If I could control the weather, I would try!
But I've been hard at work getting everything planned for when the youth arrive.
I visited the Tim Hortons Childrens Foundations camp to see where the youth will be staying for the two weeks - WOW!, they are going to love it!!! It's absolutely beautiful there!
I also had a planning meeting with the National Ballet School, and we are now holding an event one week before the show where 300 people will be in attendance to watch a dress rehearsal with all of the youth and professional dancers. The artwork will be on display and we will be selling tickets to the show, and auctioning off artwork, how exciting!!
Ticket orders are getting busier as well!
I'm spending the majority of my days now editing the video footage for the show, planning the schedule of rehearsals for when the youth come, my assistant and I are booking travel for the youth, editing music for the show, and last but not least, I'm dancing a lot in the studio choreographing the professional numbers for the show.
It's 7 days a week, non-stop!
Can't wait to get back up north though to work with the kids, that's the holidays for me from the non-stop down here in TO.
It's getting exciting, and I know there are a lot of excited audience members too!
POSTED BY: Admin
16 Feb 2009
This could be an interesting week!
Hi! We've had a bit of a lag in motivation the past couple of weeks, so this coming week, we're trying something new. The students will be running the rehearsals! Tomorrow, Kerrie will be the first to try her hand at directing our dance troupe. Alex has suggested that on his night we'll have a night off, but I don't think that qualifies as running a rehearsal... One thing I know for sure - we're looking forward to Tracee's next visit!
Mike
Pikangikum
Feb. 16, '09
POSTED BY: Teacher
12 Feb 2009
Hello From The Only Grade 8 Dancer
Hey Readers, Im Starlene Quill Im so excited! I hope I'll make new friends out there Lol Im been working soooo hard! And I been doing good at my school. I hope I'll don't get neck pain again and break my knee lol  Anyways happy early valentines day!
POSTED BY: Teacher
12 Feb 2009
Hi From Cher, Starlene, Donathan, Chanel, Tammy, Jessica, Djay & Sonya
Were So EXCITED but were kinda scared about the big Stage!!!! lol...We been working so hard! and doing our WORK! AWESOME! 3 more months! YAY! We hope were gonna make some new friends! well we got nothing else to say well see ya at Toronto!! pCe:)>-
POSTED BY: Teacher
11 Feb 2009
Whirlwind trip!
Well, I had a whirlwind trip "trying" to get up to Pikangikum on Monday and Tuesday, but the weather couldn't hold up, freezing rain cancelled my trip to Pikangikum. I made it as far as Sioux Lookout but had to turn back, with no planes headed north.
I'm back the first week of March, along with the Tim Horton's Children Foundation who will be informing the youth, parents and staff on what to expect when the youth arrive in Toronto and where they will be staying for the two weeks.
Exciting! Stay tuned!
POSTED BY: Admin
31 Jan 2009
Wow these kids are dedicated, and working hard!
Just came back from Pikangikum, quick trip, as there is so much happening now in Toronto with meetings, and getting everything prepared for the youth before they come! The high school youth are as solid as ever. Alex Quill, Jennilee Turtle, Dinelle Quill, Kerrie Peters, and Conlie Peters, so great to see them coming together as a group. The younger ones are coming together as well, we still have some work to do with them in terms of them recognizing how big this is. None of them have experienced this before and don't know what to expect. In the end, and when they look back, they will be glad they stuck it through, it's a lot of hard work!
Tuesday I go up to Lac Lac Croix to see the youth there, where I know 14 youth are dancing up a storm. To think last year we had 5, now 14? CRAZY!!! Well, the kids saw what they missed, and we tripled our numbers there now. Funny how things happen like that eh? Actually, I'm not surprised at all! They will all have the time of their lives down here in TO!!
POSTED BY: Admin
28 Jan 2009
You've come a long way, baby!
Wow! I've been rehearsing with these kids for just about four months now, and it's pretty amazing how far they've come. I look at the difference between Tracee's first visit, and her visit at the start of January. All of the high school students picked up the new dance in a matter of one or two rehearsals, and more importantly, are learning to correct their own mistakes!
Another very exciting moment for me recently was last Friday's rehearsal - school had been canceled in the afternoon for high school students, but three of the five of them still came back at 4:00 for rehearsal! In my 2 1/2 years in Pikangikum, "school canceled" has been pretty much a guarantee that everything else will be canceled too. Good on the kids for showing their dedication!
Mike
POSTED BY: Teacher
22 Jan 2009
Let's introduce some of the Lac La Croix high school dancers!
I think it is about time that we introduce some of the dancers who you will see and meet in Toronto. So, here we go...
Hello der! my name is Janelle Jourdain and im in grade 11. I am right pumped to meet all of you :D Can't WAIT! :P
Hi! My name is Chelsea Ottertail. I am in grade 11. Going to be 17 on the 5th, NiiCE!! Umm... Looking forward to the OLI Show, NiiCE!! Yea, go OLI!!
Hi my name is Jessica Atatise, I am currently in grade 11 working toward 12. I am getting my 3rd degree black belt in February! I can't wait to perform for you guys! Hope you enjoy! :)
Hello! My name is Vanessa Geyshick. I am in grade 10, I am going to be 16 years old soon. I like to play volleyball during my spare time, i enjoy dancing. I am nervous about performing on stage but its gonna be worth it and i cannot wait to meet all of you!! :D
Hi, I'm John Geyshick. I was once a dancer last year, but i got cut because too much lates and not enough work handed in. I'm 18 years old, I'm Grade 10, I'm a hardworker, well...when it comes to Mathematics and Science. I'm hoping I don't screw up this year because I made a big mistake last year. ok, thats all I have to say.....Peace, and see ya at the performance
I hope :(
Hi, My name is Tye Jourdain, I'm in grade 9. I'm going to turn 16 in march. I am on my way to Volleyball practice. Dancing is very fun.
Hello! my name is Shantelle Geyshick, I am in Grade 11 here at Zhingwaako Za'iganing high school I am 16 years old. Im not dancing this year, but last year i danced in the performance! :) Trust me, dancing on that stage in Toronto is something you will never forget, it is something you will always remember. To make it all the way all you have to do it stay focused in school, go to school everyday, attend all dance rehearsals even if tracee is not there, either way she will find out. :P and Dont GIVE UP! that is probably the most important one there other than being in school everyday. Use dancing on stage in Toronto infront of ALOT of people as a motivation, sure you will feel nervous but dont let it get to you its not bad at all. Good Luck!, and enjoy yourselves dont give up not matter what even if people try to put you down, dont listen just let it go in one ear and out the other! just keep dancing! =) Bye!
So that's it for today - next time we'll catch up with the 7s and 8s and Alyssa and Cody. No rehearsal today as most everyone is bumping and spiking, getting ready for a tournament on the 31st.
POSTED BY: Teacher
21 Jan 2009
Keep Dancing!!!
Hi Everyone!!!
Just want to say that our students are really excited about the OLI show and our dancers are practicing everyday. This is a great opportunity for our students and I am very proud to see them making the most of it. It is great to see some of my students working so hard, coming to school and staying in school because they want to be in this program!!
Keep Dancing!!!!
Krishani Starnes
Pikangikum
POSTED BY: Teacher
20 Jan 2009
Youth are getting good! Possibly 26 on their way to TO!
Well I just came back from working with the youth in both LLC and Pikangikum, they are looking good and ready to rock n' roll here in TO! But they know the deal, they must be in school and rehearsals in order to make it all the way here!
Tickets are selling great and people are getting very excited to come to the show! I'll be heading up to Pikangikum again next week to finalize their dances and then again to LLC on Feb 2nd. We are expecting a sold out show this year with over 35 performers participating in the show!
POSTED BY: Admin
08 Jan 2009
The countdown begins!
I hope everyone had a nice break over the holidays!
I know I had time to sit back and relax my mind knowing that OLI has grown so much since our inception of September 2007. So much support, so many encouraging words, and so many lives have been influenced in some sort of way, from the youth, parents, communities and audience. It's so great to get positive feedback.
In the economic hard times that face each of us, especially our corporate sponsors, they are still coming through for OLI and believe in the vision and mission that we carry out with our youth. I really appreciate and admire companies and corporations that understand they have bottom lines, but recognize too, that lives still go on inevitably. The world doesn't stop and take a back seat when each day we have the decision of how we will influence someone for the better. Each and every day.
I know all charitable and not-for-profits are feeling tough times, some have had to lay people off or shut their doors, due to a lot of small decisions that add up, and make a big impact to these organizations, most of them who service people who need them. Whether it's a sandwich, a sleeping bag, or a cup of coffee, or a hug. All of these tangible and non-tangilble items give people hope for the next day, or carry them through the night. The bottom line? These "things" make a difference!
I'm getting excited again to see my youth next week when I return to both communities to start the wind-down and preparation to travel to Toronto; an experience that will change their lives forever. I know these youth have been daydreaming over the holidays and practicing to keep on top of their dance moves so they aren't getting rusty! :-) I miss them, and can't wait to see them.
The next 2 months we will be collecting even more video footage of the individual youth themselves, so that our audience gets to know each and every one of them. It will be the project of the youth, guided by their teachers, on what they want to say about themselves and how they illustrate that through directing the video camera.
The show is coming up fast , just over 3 months to go. If you were at the show last year, you will know that I had professional dancers from Toronto dancing my choreography, This year, I am auditioning in NYC to find 7 dancers. Because I lived and trained there myself, these dancers will be able to perform my choreography amazing, as my choreographic style was strongly influenced in NYC. I anticipate Levi returning to be involved in the show in some capacity, and bringing his great positive personality back stage again!
Ticket sales are going well, looks like we are approximately 75% sold out, we don't have too many VIP tickets left, and just over 200 $35 tickets left, which we easily sold more than last year in the smaller theatre. I anticipate them going quickly over the next month or so. Hope to see you all there!
POSTED BY: Admin
19 Dec 2008
Final 2008 rehearsals went great!
Our final rehearsals for the X-mas break in both Pikangikum and Lac La Croix went great!
THis year I have made the choreography more challenging for both, it is very physical, alot of floor work, should rolls, and of course, more bruises, aches and pains! What's even better, is that there are no complainers, I have a lot of hard workers, including the teachers who also learn all of the dance moves.
As you will see on our Guestbook, the teachers are so dedicated, they are dancing so hard, they are splitting their pants! :-)
Ticket sales are going through the rook with our 1:00pm show for youth only is planning on having 850 youth from across mainly southern Ontario attend the show, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike. Our 8:00p.m. show only has roughly 200 regular priced seats left, and our VIP tickets and corporate packages being purchased fast as well!
More and more people are hearing about OLI and the life-changing impacts our programme has on the youth and the communities we work in. Youth come out of their shells, they are less shy, and more confident in who they are and what they are capable of.
The Tim Horton's Children Foundation will be making the trip with me the last week of January up to Pikangikum to inform the youth on what to expect when they arrive at their camps , and what they will be ding for the two weeks when not rehearsing with me and the other dancers. Last year the Lac La Croix youth had a blast and did a lot of interesting group exercises that brought them closer together.
2009 will be a busy year gathering a lot of the footage for the show, and there will be numerous hours again editing the films clips to perfection. This year I am auditioning for my dancers in NYC, so I will be heading there at the end of February to hold the audition.
PLease stay-tuned to our blog in 2009 as you will begin to meet the youth who will be the stars of our show. It feels like the show is happening next week, it's coming fast, and we are really excited!
Tracee Smith
POSTED BY: Admin
01 Dec 2008
Pikangikum and Lac La Croix First Nation youth getting ready for the wind-up to Toronto performance!
My last trip to both communities went very well!
Between the two communities we have approximately 30 youth who are looking really good, doing well at school, and rehearsing hard! This is not to say 30 youth will be coming - as some of you remember from last year - we had to leave behind some youth who were not keeping up with their attendance at school or commitment to rehearsals. It is the consistency and hardwork at school and dance that will allow the youth the ticket to perform in front of 850 people in downtown Toronto.
Tomorrow, December 2nd, I leave again to first work with the Pikangikum youth and then the Lac La Croix youth over the weekend. This is the last trip until January. The long break will show me a lot on what youth really want to perform in OLI, as the youth must continue their practicing on their own over the holiday break.
I'm excited to see how the youth are doing - the teachers in both communities are the true champions of this project. Without their dedication to rehearsing and organizing the youth - we would not have OLI.
I will write again upon my return!
Tracee Smith
POSTED BY: Admin
12 Nov 2008
Pikangikum!
There is a huge buzz around the school campus this afternoon, in anticipation of the arrival of Tracee and Levi at 4:00 pm. The schedule has been done and circulated; I hope that we will not be wearing them out over the next two days. Tonight the Grade 7's will be practicing at the arena from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The Grade 8 students will be practicing at the arena from 5:45 pm to 6:45 pm. The High School will be practicing from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Tomorrow, Grade 7 practice from 9:15 am to 10:30 am, Grade 8's from 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm, and the high school students head down after Homework Program and practice from 5:15 pm to 7:00 pm. I hope we don't scare Levi away with this arduous schedule!
Tracee has informed me that Levi will be leading the practices, and she will be focusing more on the interviews and film footage. Lucie Strang (our Vice Principal of Native Language and Culture) is Tracee's point person when she is in Pikangikum. Lucie has circulated the questions Tracee has for the Elders. Lucie came up with a great plan of having Tracee go into the homes of the Elders and tape her interviews with them. We have put aside significant funds for Elder Honourariums through proposals we have written through "New Paths" from Indian Affairs, so we will make sure to take care of them. Lucie will be asking Donna Pascal to translate what the Elders say. Staff members will also be available to be interviewed by Tracee. Some young guys are a little nervous.
The program is already having a tremendous impact on the lives of my students. We told the students, in order to be a part of this program, they need to attend school every day, hand in all assignments and attend Homework Program faithfully. Homework Program runs every Tuesday and Thursday night from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. All high school teachers stay after school to help students catch up on work missed, help them with their homework assignments, help them study for tests, etc. Last year, we averaged about 15 to 20 students each session (sometimes less). This year, after the announcment of the Outside Looking In Project, the number of students who stay went up to over 30 students.
About a month ago, I became a little frustrated, because one Tuesday we had only 14 students stay. I became a little tougher on the students and went classroom to classroom, letting them know that if they were not going to stay for Homework Program, they wouldn't be dancing in Toronto in April. I challenged them to get serious about Tracee's program and about school. I set a goal to try to get 60 students to stay for the Homework Program on Thursday.
Many thought I was being unreasonable. The very next Thursday, I went around the Grade 7 to 12 classrooms to take count of how many students stayed. I was shocked (in a great way) when I did the final count. Over 80 students stayed that night!!! In the ensuing weeks, we have had, on average, about 50 to 60 students stay for extra help and studying. I will keep the blog updated each week to let everyone know how many are staying for the Homework Program. I know that if Tracee was not running this program, the students would not be staying for homework.
I have to take my hat off to my staff as well. I have over 20 staff members committed to supervising and practicing with my students for this program. There is a rotation set up (by the teachers) that has students practicing every night, five days a week. Teachers re-arrange their classrooms and this is where the students practice. I designated one practice per person (except for Thomas - he is always with the 7 and 8's), but a number of staff members will be going to multiple practices over the next couple days to support Tracee and Levi. The Pikangikum Eenchokay Birchstick School staff is sooooooooooo awesome!!!!!
POSTED BY: Mick Staruck
09 Nov 2008
An AMAZING AND INSPIRING week in Pikangikum and Lac La Croix
What a week! Where do I start?
First off, Levi Claiborne from NYC met me in the Thunder Bay airport. As some of you may remember from last year, Levi was involved with OLI and taught the youth in Lac La Croix, and also performed in our debut show in May 2008. It was so great to see him again, and so excited that he is involved again this year!
We made it to Pikangikum on Monday afternoon. We weren't off the plane for half an hour, and we were off to the first rehearsal for the Grade 7's. Levi taught them for an hour and then we proceeded to the grade 8's for another hour and then the high school students for an hour and a half - they have alot of energy, especially their teachers who are also not short of talent! Levi couldn't get over how dark it is up there - a little bit different than his home in Harlem, NYC!
While Levi taught the classes both Monday and Tuesday, this gave me time to conduct video interviews with some Elders, and teachers of the community. All of the Elders only speak Ojibway, so I had a translator with me to ask the questions. They were happy to contribute their knowledge and wisdom of their community. Clips of these interviews will be in the video component of the show in April.
The youth who are excited and dedicated to rehearsing are showing real promise to performing in Toronto. Levi recognized this as well - it is not surprising to me to see the natural talent we have in our communities - I'm just so happy that they now have an outlet to share it with Canada.
Wednesday, we flew back to Thunder Bay, and hopped in our rental car. Our first stop was to pick up the 18 large pizzas that we were to sell to start fundraising for Lac La Croix. We drove the four hours west to Lac Lac Croix and arrived by 7:00pm. That night, Maureen and I decided that it would be a great night to show the dvd of the performance in May to the community. About 40 people turned out, and their was loud applause after every performance and video clip of the show. They were very proud of their youth! It also showed the youth who missed their chance last year, what exactly they missed out on. I believe it inspired these youth that they must be in school working hard, and not skipping any classes, to make it to the big show in Toronto.
The next day, I did more interviews on camera with the youth, parents, and teachers. It was great to learn that OLI changed and inspired the community - especially the lives of the youth who performed and their families. They were very proud!
Before we went into rehearsal - it was like deja vu. I spoke to the youth about their commitment to school and dance, and that I was only taking the serious students and dancers with me to perform in Toronto. The great thing is they knew this already, because of what happened last year. Some of them heard this "speech" then. After that, we all moved into the gym, with a group of approximately 25 youth. Returning performers from last year were Lance, Cody and Jen, who are all excited to be doing it again! They danced for 3.5 hours! Everyone was really tired! I'll have to ask Maureen how many youth were groaning about their aching muscles the next day!
That night we had a potluck feast where about 50 community members came out, it was so nice to see the community again. Chief Leon Jourdain also came, which made it extra special.
After staying up late drinking tea with Maureen, I concluded it to be a successful week, and everyone is excited! On friday, Levi and I jumped back into our rented pick-up truck and proceeded our 4 hours back to Thunder Bay. We separated at Toronto's airport, where he continued on to NYC. It was so great having him work with the youth again, I know they liked his classes.
My next trip back is Nov 19th to both communities again. I know they are practicing hard and are ready for more dance choreography when I return!
Tracee Smith
POSTED BY: Admin
24 Oct 2008
Lots of talent in Pikangikum!
Added: October 21, 2008
Well, I wasn’t surprised when I returned to all three classes to find that the youth knew all the choreography from yesterday. As a dancer, or anyone who loves to dance, knows that you practice until you have it as perfect as you can get it. With these youth from PIkangikum, they will learn fast that the more they practice the more they will get better and better. They are still uncomfortable when they make a mistake but they will also learn that it’s ok to make mistakes, you just try the next time around to get it right. And if not, then you try again. It’s an important life lesson to learn, and if they learn it through dance, then they will take that skill in any part of their lives. There are some youth who really shone through, just like Cody, Lance, Kevin, Jen, and Shantelle did last year. I can see there are some that no doubt will be in Toronto in April, and perhaps, some I haven’t noticed who will rise to the occasion. Before I left, I gave the youth all a poster and told them to tape it up where they can see it before they go to bed, and will see when they wake up – this way they will keep their eyes on the goal.
The next trip it will be both Levi and I, but I will be conducting more interviews with Elders, teachers, and youth while Levi will be teaching all of the dance classes. We will then travel to Lac La Croix to return for a second year to work with the youth there. I am excited to see the youth and community again, I’ve missed them a lot!
POSTED BY: Admin
24 Oct 2008
First rehearsals were lots of fun for the youth!
Added: October 20th
Today was the first day that I taught the youth of PIkangikum their first steps of choreography. These youth have a lot of talent, and they picked up the steps so fast!
I started with the grade 7’s, who had a lot of energy and natural talent, they had great smiles the entire time and were filled with excitement. Thomas, the grade 7 teacher, was in there learning all of the steps and was really good too!
Right after, I started the grade 8’s who again had a lot of focus and I can already see some special ones who I know will be coming to Toronto and excel in the performance. After the class, we walked back to the school and a handful of grade 8 girls were teaching me some Ojibwe. I told them that they can make me into a fluent Ojibwe speaker by April, and I will make them into really good dancers. It was a deal!
Later on this evening we went back to rehearse the high school youth. We danced for an hour and a half straight with no breaks, and I was so impressed with their energy and enthusiasm. The teachers and I later met to discuss updates and schedules. It is refreshing to know that the teachers are having higher attendance rates with their youth. We are making it mandatory that the youth must be going to homework club after school to be involved with OLI.
Its like I said last year, without the community spirit of the teachers and staff, OLI would not succeed. I am so grateful to know that these teachers and staff members are so great in being sure the youth stay on track with both the OLI project and their schooling. I told the teachers ro remember these initla rehearsals of being uncomfortable and insecure, because they will be days of the past. The youth will continue to improve and becoming really good dancers. People who will see them dance today and tomorrow will not recognize them in 6 months, they will transform into professional performers for the show in April.
I’m going to get some sleep now to get ready for another day of teaching more choreography to all three groups again! Until tomorrow!
POSTED BY: Admin
19 Oct 2008
Second trip to Pikangikum!
Today I'm heading up to Pikangikum to work with the youth for their first rehearsals! This trip I will teach them the beginning of their dances. We have three groups because there are over 140 youth who have signed up now. So I split them up by grade. Grade 7, grade 8, and then all high schoolers. I know Mick (school principal) was also trying to figure out where we will rehearse as they are getting ready to turn their arena over into the ice rink for hockey. Last year Pikangikum had a fire and their school burned, so there isn't a gymnasium like in Lac La Croix. So I'll see what he has planned when I get there.
Things have been going so great lately with all of our support. We have added a 1:00pm matinee on April 22nd dedicated for 800 Indigenous youth to come to the performance. Which means there will be two shows, one at 1:00pm & 8:00pm. We are really excited about that!
Levi and I are also getting ready for our week together where we will travel to Pikangikum and Lac La Croix to work with both groups of youth. They are in for a lot of work between the two of us, so I hope they are ready!
POSTED BY: Admin
23 Sep 2008
OLI beginning with over 125 youth!
I just got word that over 125 youth from Pikangikum signed up to begin the OLI rehearsal process beginning October 6th! When I told the youth of the opportunity they were extremely shy, but obviously not that shy, they all want to get in on the excitement! Stay tuned as we go through the process and watch what youth stick with it to the end. Only the most dedicated students and performers will be with us in Toronto!
Tracee
POSTED BY: Admin
17 Sep 2008
Pikangikum youth are getting excited to perform!
My trip up to PFN went very well this past weekend! Mick, the principal and Dean Peters were there to meet me at the airport. After a quick tour, I went to different classrooms with youth aged 12 and older and told them of the opportunity to practice hard and study hard in order to perform in Toronto in April. Of course, they weren't sure what to expect, as it's not everyday youth, Indigenous or not, get someone coming into their classroom telling them this! The young ones were full of questions asking if they had to stop eating french fries and drinking pop, and I told them to start doing their sit-ups and push ups so they can get into great shape. Though the older ones were shy to ask any questions, their teachers told me later that they were full of questions once I left the classrooms. By the end of the day, I spoke to nearly 200 youth!
In the evening I met with the teachers and Mick again to tell them what to expect over the next 8 months. It takes a lot of work and a lot of volunteer time to organize the youth, keep them focused, and understand their challenges they may face at school and at home. We don't want to leave out any youth who have the potential to do well with the OLI project. After the evening was over, everyone was overwhelmed with information, and I'm sure a little nervous as the countdown officially begins!
Tracee Smith
POSTED BY: Admin
11 Sep 2008
Heading to Pikangikum!!!!
Hi everyone!
Well, tonight I head up to Thunder Bay, stay overnight, and then fly to Pikangikum. I'm really excited to meet everyone! Mick, the principal of the school, has been so great in getting this all organized. Just like last year, it takes immense community support to do the OLI project, so I'm always grateful when I'm working with great people! I'll be discussing the entire project with them and making sure we all know what is going to happen and to be expected over the next 8-9 months. The show is earlier this year (April 22nd, 2009) because I felt that we didn't need as much preparation time as we did last year, when we weren't sure what to expect since it was our pilot year.
I will write when I get back!
Tracee Smith
POSTED BY: Admin
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