Engaging With Indigenous Communities in Artistic Projects

A path towards reconciliation

Marianne Perron. Photo by Antoine Saito
André Dudemaine. Photo by Jean-François Paré
Marianne Perron. Photo by Antoine Saito. And André Dudemaine. Photo by Jean-François Paré

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Session 3

Chaired by Marianne Perron (Canada), senior director of music programming & artistic development, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal

with André Dudemaine (Canada), director of cultural activities, Terres en vues

In recent years, a worldwide movement towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples has been growing. Artistic and educational collaborations with Indigenous communities flourish across Canada, requiring long-term, sincere commitments from institutions and close communication.

For the past 20 years, the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM) has regularly collaborated with members of Indigenous communities, including a tour of Nunavik in 2008 presenting Stravinsky's The Soldier’s Tale translated into Inuktitut and Alexina Louie’s Take the Dog Sled for Inuit throat singers and ensemble. In 2018, the OSM toured in six remote northern communities with a commissioned chamber opera, Chaakapesh, the Trickster’s Quest, based on a libretto from a Cree author. Based on an Indigenous legend, the piece was adapted into the local language of each community and featured performances by local artists.

This panel will explore how to approach these projects and what expertise and awareness institutions need to acquire for a successful outcome.