Jeanette Kotowich

Jeanette Kotowich is a Vancouver-based dance artist and choreographer of Cree Métis and European ancestry. Originally from Treaty 4 territory Saskatchewan, Jeanette is passionate about blending contemporary and Indigenous practices. Jeanette is currently choreographing a full-length, solo dance performance called Kisiskâwican. Previous works include:  Eloise (2017) presented by Magnetic North, Vancouver International Dance Festival, Native Earth Performing Arts, Raven Spirit Dance, New Dance Horizons, and Bulkley Valley Concert Association. Steppin’ (2015) toured more than 30 stages across Canada, including BC, Ontario, Saskatchewan and the Yukon. Jeanette is a co-founder of Métis dance collective Acuhko Simowuk.   

She works as a company dancer with Dancers of Damelahamid, Raven Spirit Dance, and V’ni Dansi and creates her own work. Jeanette co-ordinates the annual Coastal Dance Festival, is a member of the Full Circle First Nations Performing Arts Ensemble, and the Indigenous Performing Art Alliance. Jeanette has worked with artists Charles Koroneho, Carlos Rivera, Jessica McMann, Yvette Nolan, Deanna Peters, Tara Cheyenne-Friedenberg, and Su-Feh Lee. She is a Laureate of the Hnatyshyn Foundation REVEAL Indigenous Art Awards. www.movementhealing.ca 



                                Kisiskâwican by Jeanette Kotowich


Kisiskâwican is born out of my desire to reflect a Métis cultural narrative within the context of contemporary Indigenous dance performance. Driven by my choreographic exploration of Métis cultural perspectives, this work investigates home, identity, ancestry and land.

Kisiskâciwan, meaning 'swift flowing' in Nehiyawehwin/Cree, it is deeply tied to the landscape of Saskatchewan. The work unfolds out of the robust and undulating land of my grandmothers mothers, and great-great grandfathers. With memories of childhood summers embraced by the Kah-tep-was valley, Cree for 'river that calls', the vast prairie and gently rolling landscape have echoed their lasting impression and whispered a language of inspiration. Creating with an outstanding team of collaborators, this work infuses performance with land-based cultural research, ancestral knowledge and Indigenous futurism. 


1 Minute Teaser: 
https://youtu.be/lUG4DuFi5PM

Photo Credit: Melanie Orr

Photo Credit: Melanie Orr