Candice George in the Classroom

Discipline: Interdisciplinary
Homebase: Fraser Lake
Regions Available: Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley &, Howe Sound, Vancouver Island Lower, Vancouver Island Mid, Vancouver Island North, Interior, North, Remote, Kootenays, Virtual
Languages: English, Dakelh
Themes: First Nations, Inuit, and/or Metis Art, Mental Health, Anti-Bullying
Grant Eligibility: Eligible for 70% AIE;Eligible to apply for AIC

Candice George is an Indigenous interdisciplinary performing artist, cultural educator, public speaker and facilitator. She proudly hails from Stellat’en First Nation and is of Dakelh and Wetsuwet’en ancestry. Candice is Kilweneetz'en from the House of the Deneyaz, a sub crest within the Luksilyou, Caribou Clan. Candice is a renowned singer & storyteller. She is the founder of Skeh Nek’huna Hohdidul’eh “Teaching Children Our Ways”. She provides interactive performances, programs, project-based lessons and workshops. Offering authentic Indigenous pedagogy to weave into the new BC Curriculum to enhance student learning. Candice has a passion to implement cultural programs to enhance, engage student learners in experiential, hands-on, project-based lessons & 21st century learning. The outcomes of her educational Indigenous arts programs are amazing. Having an inspirational, Indigenous woman and role model provide programs increase cultural identity among the indigenous student population, and increase awareness among all non-indigenous students. Many Indigenous peoples live in urban centers across BC, who are often displaced from their families, communities and culture. Offering cultural programs across BC, connect urban and rural communities to uplifting, positive, authentic cultural programs in a meaningful way. Candice's captivating spirit, traditional knowledge and talent is the recipe for the magic she radiates.

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Performance(s)

Dakelh & Wet'suwet'en Oral Histories

School Year: 23-24
Discipline: Music, Storytelling
Offered Languages: English, Dakelh
Grade Suitability: K - 12
Duration: 60 mins.
Capacity: 500
Tech Requirements: Screen, Projecter and Sound System, Electrical Outlet, Extension Cord and 2 tables
Available Formats: In Person

Dakelh and Wet'suwet'en Oral Histories, is suitable for all ages. It is designed for an all-inclusive environment. This presentation is 60 minutes of retelling oral stories and oral tradition. Candice explores the importance of passing on oral history and oral traditions. She will share various Dakelh and Wets'uwet'en oral histories from the North central interior of British Columbia, including; trickster stories, creation, hero stories etc. . Her compassionate spirit will raise awareness of historic policies designed to cease the transfer of knowledge. After sharing oral histories we can discuss the impacts of historic policies, while acknowledging the resiliency of Indigenous peoples to continue tradition.

Dakelh & Wet'suwet'en Traditional Music

School Year: 23-24
Discipline: Music, Dance, Storytelling
Offered Languages: English, Dakelh
Grade Suitability: K - 12
Duration: 60 minutes
Capacity: 500
Tech Requirements: Screen, Projecter and Sound System, Electrical Outlet, Extension Cord and 2 tables
Available Formats: In Person

Dakelh and Wet'suwet'en Traditional Music, is suitable for all ages. It is designed for an all-inclusive environment. It is 60 minutes in duration; 10 minute power point, 40 minute interactive performance, with a 10 minute question period . Candice will perform traditional songs, share her personal journey, traditional kinship as well as traditional protocols. This presentation will explore the strong connection First Nations people have to the environment, and introduce drumming as a tool for healing. The overall goal is to help the audience understand how significant drumming and music is for First Nations people, the importance of passing on oral tradition, and acknowledging their resilience . Lastly, to explore and broaden the understanding of the rich history and cultural teachings of traditional music.

Oral History of the Wet'suwet'en: The Great War

School Year: 23-24
Discipline: Music, Storytelling
Offered Languages: English, Dakelh
Grade Suitability: 7 - 12
Duration: 90 mins.
Capacity: 500
Tech Requirements: Screen & Projector, Microphone with stand and sound system.
Available Formats: In Person

This presentation is designed for an all-inclusive environment. Oral histories also teach about; morals, traditional roles, values, customs and responsibilities. Candice will share the oral history of "The Great War". This oral story was told since time immemorial, specifically for harm reduction. It addresses social justice issues prevalent today; Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman and Men, and the "Me too" movement. This story was told to me by my late great-uncle Henry Alfred, who heard this story from his mother Madeline Alfred who heard it from her mother and grandmother before her. Candice will follow the story with discussion on trauma, healing and resilience. She will conclude with a question period and traditional drum song.

Workshop(s)

Cultivating Safe Spaces

School Year: 23-24
Discipline: Storytelling
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: 8 - 12
Duration: 60 - 90 mins
Capacity: 100
Tech Requirements: zoom application on phone or laptop.
Available Formats: Virtual

This workshop will be provided to learn how to promote diversity and inclusion through storytelling and sharing indigenous pedagogy. This workshop could be offered virtually for up to 100 participants. Students will learn four necessary conditions required for cultivating safe spaces, this includes understanding self, love-based practice, patience, and discipline. They will learn the four protocols for cultivating safe spaces, which are promote inclusion, promote validation, promote well being and promote freedom. Students will get an overview of vicarious trauma and resiliency training which focusses on stress, trauma and how to promote resiliency.

Classroom Residency(ies)

Contact Me: Email, Web

Indigenous Music

School Year: 23-24

This is a 8 week-12 week program 1) Introduction to the Indigenous Music Program (1 hour) 2) Learn a song with your class/school (6 to 10, 30 min practice sessions) 3) Special class performance(s) (1hour). This interactive program teaches children about rhythm, rhyme and drum beats. Students will explore Indigenous arts and performance arts through Oral Traditions. Students will practice for a special performance completing the Indigenous music program. Additional project options are offered as well! Contact artist for further details!

Oral Tradition & 21st Century Learning

School Year: 23-24

This 12 week program is a project-based lesson with an Indigenous focus. It is broken down into 4 sections: 1) Project introduction & Oral History (4 hours) 2) Student- driven group projects begin (4-6 hours) 3) Introduction to 21st Century Learning (3 hours) 4) Special class production showtime. (1 hour) * NOTE: This is also offered for professional development for educators as well.

Project of Heart

School Year: 23-24

Project of heart commemorates the lives of thousands of Indigenous people who have lost their lives as a result of the residential school experience. It empowers students to call Canadians to action, through social justice endeavours to change our present and future collectively. In acknowledging the loss suffered by many, we gain a deeper understanding of the strength, wisdom and resilience of the First Nations peoples of this land. This is a 6-9 week project-based lesson. Students participate in inquiry-based, hands-on, collaborative, artistic journey of truth seeking & honouring of all survivors of the residential school experience. There are various project options for activities leading upto the final "Reconciliation" art piece, as well as various special event to conclude this ReconciliACTION program. Contact artist for further details!

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Testimonials & Reviews

I have to say that you model the most wonderful mindset with your actions and words. It has been commented on by my staff. You are gracious and lovely and courageous and confident. I can only say that I hope that us working together gives me a little of your magic :-) Karin Paterson, Principal, Polaris Montessori Elementary, SD 57

I came to know Candice through mutual connections, most notably, through the son of Two Rivers Gallery’s Executive Director – now a teenager – he fondly remembered Candice visiting his classroom when he was in elementary school. The way he described her – she sounded like a super hero! Never before had he been so dazzled by singing and story-telling. With such a glowing review from a teenaged guy, I was thrilled when Candice agreed to contribute to our festival. Twyla Exner, Director of Public Programs Two Rivers Gallery

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