Who we work with
Schools & School Districts
Curriculum-supporting cultural education and engagement.
First Nations & Indigenous Communities
Community-centered youth and cultural programming.
Non-Profits & Municipalities
Professional cultural workshops and public engagement.
Corporate & Organizational Events
Authentic Indigenous cultural.
About Us
We bring authentic, knowledgeable, and engaging cultural experiences grounded in respect, tradition, and lived experience.
Our team comes from diverse Nations across Turtle Island (now known as Canada and the United States), carrying teachings, stories, and protocols that inform our work in meaningful and responsible ways.
Our mission is to create dynamic and uplifting learning environments where participants can engage with Indigenous culture through movement, storytelling, and shared experience. Through our workshops and programs, we aim to strengthen identity, foster understanding, and build stronger, more connected communities.
Dancers
Brooke Metchewais
Nêhiyawiskwêw (Plains Cree woman), from atakamew-sakihikan (Cold Lake) First Nations located in Alberta, Treaty 6 Territory.
Brooke grew up in Fort McMurray, Alberta, where she competed at a high level in hockey, soccer, basketball and volleyball. Coming from a strong athletic background, she believes that movement is a way to show gratitude to your body, mind and spirit. Brooke developed some of her professional skills in college, allowing her to coach at the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) and the Western Canada Summer Games. Specializing in long-term athlete development, she currently offers youth golf clinics, which have taken her to many communities across Turtle Island.
Growing up in Fort McMurray, she spent summers on her mooshum’s farm in Cold Lake, where she learned her cultural ways and stayed connected to her roots at a young age. However, moving away from her home community and her late grandfather’s passing made it difficult for her to practice her nêhiyawêwin (Cree language), ask questions about her family ties, and stay connected to her culture as a young adult.
Brooke recently started powwow and competes in dancing the Ladies Jingle category, particularly Old Style Jingle. She is empowered to continue her journey as a dancer and facilitator, as well as her professional work in Indigenous Health Services. Brooke proudly represents her community as she advocates for culture and language revitalization by keeping our families and communities together.
Rebecca Sangwais
Cree and Saulteaux from the Ochapowace First Nation, but grew up on the Sakimay First Nation, both located in southern Saskatchewan in the Treaty 4 territory.
Rebecca dances the Ladies Fancy Shawl and has been dancing for 25+ years. Dancing Fancy is one of her true passions and an integral part of her identity. “Dancing has grounded me and allowed me to stay connected to my roots. I was taught when we dance, we dance for healing and good health, for those that can’t dance and our ancestors that have gone on.”
Rebecca has travelled extensively throughout Canada and the U.S. to many Powwows, and across seas to perform in Italy and Scotland. She has performed alongside A Tribe Called Red, DJ Shub, Cris Derksen, the Indspire Awards and the North American Indigenous Games. “I am very grateful to share my love of culture and continue carrying on traditions.“
Tanisha Shawna Pahtayken
Plains Cree from Onion Lake Cree Nation and Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, both located in Treaty 6 territory.
She now resides in beautiful Vancouver, on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Tanisha dances the Women’s Northern Traditional, also known as Northern Buckskin. Dancing has been a part of her life since she was a little girl, and it continues to guide her path today. The teachings that come with this way of life have shaped her into who she is—not only as a dancer, but as a Cree woman.
Through dance, Tanisha has developed skills in beadwork, sewing, and regalia-making, all deeply rooted in culture and storytelling. She was raised in ceremony and continues to learn, grow, and carry the teachings passed down to her from her family, Elders, and community.
The regalia she wears tells the story of her life—reflecting the land, the people, and the experiences that have influenced her journey. For Tanisha, sharing where she comes from and who she is as a Cree woman is deeply passionate. She believes in honouring her ancestors and ensuring that culture continues to live on through future generations.
Tanisha has travelled across Canada and the United States to attend powwows, where she competes and showcases her unique style. She has also travelled internationally, including to Italy and Hawaii, where she has proudly performed and shared her culture with diverse audiences.
Through her dancing, Tanisha hopes to inspire others, uplift her community, and continue walking in a good way.
“Miyo-pimatisiwin — live a good life.”
Larissa Healey
Larissa Healey (they/them) is Anishinaabe from Peguis First Nation in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Treaty 1 Territory. They grew up all over the world, settling in Vancouver, BC. Larissa is a visual artist and dancer.
Their Spirit Name is Little Dancing Bear (Oogokwi Nimikoonz). Larissa dances the Grass Dance and has been dancing for 16 years. Larissa shares from their experience as a 60-scoop warrior and holds space as a 2 Spirit representative.
The responsibility of a grass dancer is to provide an opening for the grounds blessings and set the tone in a good way. Larissa honours our ancestors, those who can't dance, and uplifts those who have passed. They also advocate for those with visual and non-visual disabilities.
Larissa's visual art is inspired by the Natural world, Anishinaabe culture, street culture and the 7 teachings. Their work has been presented by the Heart of City Festival, BeatNation, the National Gallery of Canada, the Bill Reid Gallery, and many other galleries.
Additionally, they have created 120+ murals on the streets of Vancouver. Larissa has represented grass dance and artisans in Canada and the U.S.A. They have worked with the City of Vancouver on restorative justice for 17 years.
"Ceremony is first for the grass dancer, doing extensive work has been both an honour and a pleasure. The healing works continue in our rich culture and tradition.s"
Chi Miigwech, Little Dancing Bear
Peter White
Father's side: Yaqan Nukiy tribe (Creston, BC), which is part of the Ktunaxa Nation (Kootenay). Mothers' side Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Duwamish.
Around the age of nine, he startet dancing in the Grass category, but due to moving away from his home community anfacing afterd many other obstacles, he stopped dancing after three years.
When Peter was diagnosed with cancer on the top of his right foot in May 2016, his first reaction, which is "ormal, "as "why me?" -
But when he was driving home from the BC Cancer Agency, he just knew this was his sign that he needed a change in his life, and this was a push off the ledge that started to make everything fall into place.
For sometime before he was diagnosed, he like many others had the thought someday I will start powwow dancing. He started to attend local powwows on weekends, started to meet people in the community, but he kept pushing it "ff for the "right time.”
Life is always giving us signs, we just tend to overlook them, Peter knew in his gut that this was my sigMen'se is a Men’s traditional dancer, the dance originates from the Sioux people (Lakota, DakotIt'sakoda.) It’s one of the oldest known dances to Turtle island, it is a war dance.
This dance touched him because he is a warrior myself, being a cancer survivor, someone who was once homeless due to his addiction to alcoholism and depression this dance has helped bring out the inner warrior in him.
He has now travelled over North American sharing and lMen'sng the Men's Northern traditional dance, he has opened up for gatherings such as S&B on the fly in YVR airport, Canada Day celebrations, been Interviewed by Local News, and has been in a movie that showcased his dancing.
suʔkni (thank you) Taxa
Pavel Desjarlais
Pavel is a very well-known and respected Powwow dancer that has competed, showcased and performed all over North America and overseas. E.g. Australia. Pavel has more than 10 years of Powwow dance training and experience. He is known for his championship calibre First Nations dancing in various styles including Grass, Chicken, and Traditional. Powwow dancing, being a traditional Indigenous sport, has taken Pavel many years to master.
Pavel grew up around many influential Indigenous role models that helped shape him to become who he is today: a young man dedicated to his craft of Powwow Dance paired with characteristics of perseverance and determination. Pavel is passionate about modeling positive values and a healthy lifestyle so that the younger generation will be inspired to keep the Indigenous culture and traditions alive. Pavel works with school districts to empower and encourage indigenous young people to promote a holistic healthy lifestyle and to perpetuate the First Nations culture.