Chatham Capitol Theatre. June 6, 2018. (Photo by Sarah Cowan Blackburn News Chatham-Kent). Chatham Capitol Theatre. June 6, 2018. (Photo by Sarah Cowan Blackburn News Chatham-Kent).
Chatham

'Twin Flames' performances to further education about Indigenous peoples

The St. Clair Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB) and the Chatham Capitol Theatre have partnered up to present a pair of musical performances to ensure that the conversation about truth and reconciliation extends beyond Orange Shirt Day.

The board and the theatre will be hosting two shows with the 'Twin Flames' - an Indigenous husband and wife duo, Chelsey June, who is Métis with Algonquin Cree heritage and Jaaji, who is Inuk and Mohawk from Nunavik and Kahnawake.

Twin Flames (Image via Chatham Capitol Theatre)Twin Flames (Image via Chatham Capitol Theatre)

"By continuing conversations and experiences among youth, staff, and community, the learning deepens and makes it so it's not an event that is quickly forgotten but rather remembered and acted upon," Cortnee Goure, the Indigenous Education Lead for the SCCDSB said.

The performance is done in English, Inuktitut, and French, with both traditional Indigenous and western instruments. Their songs and stories are meant to be an interactive introduction to Canada’s past, present, and future from Indigenous perspectives.

On Wednesday morning, a performance will be given for school groups.

Goure believes that experiential learning experiences like 'Twin Flames' makes learning more dynamic for students. "The learning that comes from in-person connections is authentic and by being immersed in the learning, it builds a deeper understanding of learning about the impacts of colonization that still exists today," she said.

More than 900 youths are expected to the daytime school performance.

On Thursday, at 8 p.m., community members are welcome to take in the show alongside the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, survivors of residential schools, and family members of survivors who have been invited.

The show has garnered more than 40 awards and nominations, including the Canadian Folk Music Award in 2022 for Vocal Group of the Year.

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