NICOLE JOY-FRASER

Creator

BIOGRAPHY

Nicole Joy-Fraser is a Niagara based, Indigi-queer performing artist registered with Horse Lake First Nation in Northern Alberta.  For over 20 years she has been storytelling for stage and screen, across Turtle Island and beyond, and has worked with many celebrated companies such as The Stratford Festival, The Shaw, Mirvish, Soulpepper, Theatre Aquarius, CBC, CBS, BBC and Telefilm.  As a proud Bear clan matriarch, Hand drum carrier and 60’s scoop witness, supporting each other through healing and the Indigenous arts continues to be a passion of hers and she is grateful to the Aniishnaabeg and Haudenosaunee communities that have been guiding her urban Indigenous reclamation.  This would mark Nicole’s first attempt at approaching her own piece of writing and eventual live performance with the guidance of an Elder and ceremony.  Kinânaskomitin for the support of Pemmican Collective and all her relations.

COLLABORATOR

Elder Albert Choken

BIOGRAPHY

Albert Choken is Anishinaabe from Lake Manitoba First Nation. He is Blue Thunderbird Clan, a Traditional Elder, a Sacred Pipe Carrier, Indigenous Knowledge Keeper and a Sweat Lodge Conductor. Albert has also been a Sun Dancer and Rain Dancer for almost 30 years and has travelled across North America as a competitive Traditional Pow Wow Dancer.

One of the most profound effects of residential schools on Indigenous children was the loss of their language. It is remarkable that Albert relearned his language from his mother and he speaks Anishinaabemowin and sings Ceremonial Songs in his original language. As an elder Albert offers healing, spiritual guidance and shares his land-based knowledge, especially in support of the Indigenous youth and men's mental health, by encouraging well-being, advocating forgiveness, demonstrating respect, unconditional love, and promoting a healthier way of life.

Albert's extraordinary lived experience as a survivor of the residential school program and the lengths he went to escape at times can still be challenging. Albert shares memories of his attempts to run away from the residential school and how as a young boy in the vast wilderness he learned to snare rabbits, gather nuts and berries in order to survive.