Ꮟ ᎠᏂᏬᏂ They Are Still Talking

Ꮟ ᎠᏂᏬᏂ They Are Still Talking is a performance and community residency - an homage to our connection to our women and two spirit ancestors through air, gesture, inter-generational trauma and laughter. Long before we were born, our ancestors’ prayers willed us into existence. As we speak, the air that travels through our bodies carries their essence. Despite the silencing of our voices due to colonization, christianity and lateral violence, they are still talking. With our combined voices, we are creating the stories of the future.

In collaboration with Cherokee Life-ways Consultant and LGBTQ community organizer Ahyoka Youngdeer, Maura García has developed Ꮟ ᎠᏂᏬᏂ They Are Still Talking to explore ancestral messages through the lens of Cherokee language and traditional teachings about two-spirit people and women.

Performances feature dance, live Cherokee language narration and ancestral projections. Depending on the community, performances may also include other Indigenous languages, locally-specific elements and multiple performance iterations.

Residency activities are determined in collaboration with the host community, local Indigenous community and in response to combined dreams. In addition to the performance(s), activities could include dance workshops, talking circles, storytelling, language classes and class visits.

Each project will change to incorporate elements and activities important to the particular host, local Indigenous community and land.

Ahyoka and Maura want this project to be available to those who need it. For Native communities and/or urban Indian centers, they accept fair trades as appropriate compensation in accordance with the ancient barter system.

• Performers: 2 - 28

• Length: 30 - 60 minutes performance, 1-3 week residency

• Venues: flexible, will work within options available

• Audiences: suitable for all ages

• Community Engagement options: incorporation of local Indigenous artists (paid) and/or students into performance (paid), dance master classes, Q&A sessions, talking circles, class visits and/or other activities requested by host community.

TESTIMONIALS

"beautiful and moving performance where I was captivated by earthiness, by the ridding of despair on the skin of her arms, by the strength and grace of a queen/warrior, by the acceptance of all beings past and present in one"

- Heidi Henderson, Chair of Dance, Connecticut College

"This piece brought about a new understanding for me of Maura's connection to her ancestors, both familial and to those who are tied to her community. It left me feeling invigorated by the energy she swept through the space with her dance. Maura's vigorous movement expression captured the essence of each spirit that manifested in the space. The stunning combination of the visuals with the dance also provided a multi-layered landscape for the work to be expressed."

- Olivia C. Davies, Artistic Director of O.Dela Arts / Matriarchs Uprising

CREDITS

Artistic Director - Maura García (non-enrolled Cherokee/Mattamuskeet)

Costume Design & Construction - Mona Cliff (A'ananin)

Development & Production Support - Lawrence Arts Center, Weesageechak Begins to Dance 31

Dramaturgy - Karen Lisondra, Keith Barker (Métis), Mark Kunji Ikeda, Sadie Barbee

Music - Mark Little, Adrian Dion Harjo (Kickapoo/Seminole), Amado Espinoza (Quechua)

Performers - Ahyoka Youngdeer (Cherokee Nation), Maura García, +