Tsleil-Waututh Nation Elders Puppetry Project
In early 2020, members of the Tsleil-Waututh Elders Arts group and local artists embarked on a collaborative process to explore weaving, puppetry and movement, with the intention of creating a live performance to be showcased at the Roundhouse in June 2020.
“We created paper puppets and made them dance and fly; we wove puppet-sized paper regalia; we built a cardboard canoe and painted a cardboard background of deep forest green trees and a foreground of blue ocean waves, and we cut out a whole school of sparkling fish. But then the pandemic hit and everything came to a screeching halt. Lives were changed and sadly lives were lost. Three years later, in an effort to honour the journey that was started, we gathered again to try and weave all the pieces back together, while acknowledging the losses and adding new threads and new voices. This short video honours all those who paddled together on this beautiful and challenging journey, and everyone who touched the project, and each other, along the way.”
Created by:
Participants: Rosie Dapp, Terry Francis, Desiree George, Margaret George, Norman George, Barb O’Neil, Doreen Parnell, Debbie Sisson, Dennis Sisson, Sandra Sisson, Uncle Spin, Alice Thomas, Connie Thomas, Lorelei Thomas, Luke Thomas, Gail Thomas Powers, Donald Williams, Phillip Williams
Artists: Marcie Baker and Sharon Bayly with Robbie George and lisa g nielsen. Thank you to Michelle Olson.
Elders Activity Coordinator: Calvin Hunt
Arts & Health Coordinator: Caroline Liffmann