About
Performances at 9:30am and 1:00pm
In The Spirit Horse Returns, an Indigenous knowledge keeper takes audiences on a journey through time, exploring the history and cultural significance of the Ojibwe horses as traditional helpers and spirit guides for First Nations and Metis-Chippewa people, and how they were affected by the arrival of settlers and used across North America in well-known historical events like the Gold Rush and Pony Express. The orchestra and a non-Indigenous narrator also join the journey, featuring songs, stories and art of Metis and Indigenous cultures. Projected artwork by Anishinaabe artist Rhonda Snow makes The Spirit Horse Returns visually engaging. Rhonda has personally cared for Ojibwe Horses, playing an important role in the comeback of the breed from near-extinction.
This show offers significant curricular connections across K-12, and comes with a rich teacher package which includes information and activities that cover:
- Instruments of the Orchestra
- An Introduction to Woodlands Indigenous Art
- Indigenous Songs that can be learned in the classroom
- Truth and Reconciliation resources
- Trauma-informed resources and suggestions for educators
- Locally developed content applicable to our region
Schools can register for tickets by contacting HPO Education Manager Megan Benjafield at mbenjafield@hpo.org.
Tickets are $15 with complimentary chaperone tickets at a ratio of one per 10 students.
A limited number of complimentary tickets are available for high-priority schools. Please contact Megan Benjafield at mbenjafield@hpo.org for more information.
A limited number of tickets are available to the public for purchase. Schools can book by contacting HPO Education Manager Megan Benjafield at mbenjafield@hpo.org.
