Miss being able to learn and connect with your peers? We do too. Which is why we’re hosting Monthly Community Workshops as a part of the 2021 Dance On Series. We believe that being able to hear from other artists and industry professionals is crucial to the development and growth of all dancers.

Our first workshop, Indigenous Awareness 101 Education Session with Maria Montejo, will take place March 3 at 10 am - 12 pm EST.

The session is intended to provide participants with a foundational understanding of the values, attitudes and beliefs that underpin Indigenous Peoples way of life and gives birth to highly evolved, creative, wholistic, spiritual and resilient Nations who are deeply connected and committed to the well-being of All Our Relations. This session will also highlight historical and contemporary issues that influence communities and the rich diversity of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island (Canada).

About the facilitator:

Maria Montejo (Deer clan) is a member of the Jakaltec/Popti’ (Mayan)community of Indigenous people who reside in the Xajla’ territory of Iximulew (Guatemala). In addition to her formal schooling, Maria has been mentored from a young age by various Elders, Medicine people and Traditional Teachers on Turtle Island and from Central and South America. Maria has had the privilege of being exposed and participating in various ceremonies and traditional cultural practices that have fueled her passion to develop programming that will bridge the Newtonian/allopathic model of wellness and an Indigenous/multidimensional approach.

Maria is a traditional knowledge holder and carries the Deer Dance, Corn/Seed and Creation Stories for her community. Maria has over a decade of experience working in community development in priority neighborhoods and with Newcomer and refugee families. Maria has also worked for many years as a mental health and addictions treatment worker and provides education and consulting to various organizations and institutions in Canada. Maria also facilitates the R.E.A.L School Youth Leadership and Native Wilderness Survival Skills Development program in various Indigenous communities around the world and is the manager of Dodem Kanonhsa’ Indigenous Education and Cultural Facility in Toronto.

The DanceON Series is generously funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.