🎨Indigenous Arts Unit 4 – Indigenous Performance Arts

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Indigenous performance arts encompass a wide range of artistic expressions, including dance, music, theater, and storytelling
• Traditional forms of performance are deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures and often have spiritual or ceremonial significance
  • Examples include the hoop dance (Native American), haka (Māori), and corroboree (Aboriginal Australian)
• Contemporary Indigenous performance arts blend traditional elements with modern techniques and themes, creating innovative and powerful works
• Cultural appropriation is the unauthorized use or misrepresentation of Indigenous cultural elements by non-Indigenous individuals or groups, which can be harmful and disrespectful
• Indigeneity refers to the identity, culture, and lived experiences of Indigenous peoples, which are diverse and unique to each community
• Decolonization in the context of performance arts involves reclaiming and asserting Indigenous voices, stories, and cultural practices
• Protocol refers to the proper ways of engaging with Indigenous communities and cultural practices, which may vary between different groups

Historical Context

• Indigenous performance arts have existed for thousands of years, serving as vital means of cultural expression, storytelling, and knowledge transmission
• Colonization and forced assimilation policies, such as the residential school system, severely impacted Indigenous cultures and artistic practices
  • Many Indigenous languages, cultural practices, and artistic traditions were suppressed or lost as a result
• The 1960s and 1970s saw a resurgence of Indigenous activism and cultural revitalization movements, which included a renewed focus on traditional and contemporary performance arts
• The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), adopted in 2007, affirms the rights of Indigenous peoples to practice and revitalize their cultural traditions and customs
• Indigenous performance arts have played a crucial role in resistance, resilience, and cultural survival in the face of ongoing colonialism and marginalization

Traditional Forms of Indigenous Performance

• Traditional Indigenous dance forms, such as the grass dance (Plains Indigenous peoples) and the deer dance (Yaqui), often have spiritual significance and are performed in ceremonial contexts
• Indigenous music, including drumming, singing, and the use of traditional instruments like the didgeridoo (Aboriginal Australian) and the cedar flute (Coast Salish), is an integral part of many performance traditions
• Storytelling is a central aspect of Indigenous performance, with oral narratives, myths, and legends passed down through generations
  • Examples include the Dreamtime stories of Aboriginal Australians and the creation stories of various Indigenous cultures
• Mask dancing is a significant tradition in many Indigenous cultures, with masks representing ancestral spirits, animals, or other powerful entities (Kwakwaka'wakw, Hopi)
• Puppetry and shadow play are used in some Indigenous performance traditions to convey stories and teachings (Javanese wayang kulit)

Contemporary Indigenous Performance Arts

• Contemporary Indigenous theater often addresses issues of identity, colonialism, and social justice, while incorporating traditional storytelling techniques and cultural elements
  • Plays like "The Rez Sisters" by Tomson Highway (Cree) and "Almighty Voice and His Wife" by Daniel David Moses (Delaware) exemplify this approach
• Indigenous dance companies, such as the Bangarra Dance Theatre (Australia) and the Red Sky Performance (Canada), create works that blend traditional and contemporary dance styles
• Indigenous music artists, like A Tribe Called Red (Canada) and Xiuhtezcatl Martinez (Aztec), incorporate traditional instruments and rhythms into modern genres like hip-hop and electronic music
• Spoken word and poetry performances by Indigenous artists often address themes of identity, resistance, and healing (Natalie Diaz, Mojave)
• Multimedia and interdisciplinary performances increasingly feature in contemporary Indigenous arts, integrating video, projection, and digital technologies (Skawennati, Mohawk)

Influential Artists and Performers

• Buffy Sainte-Marie (Cree) is a pioneering Indigenous singer-songwriter and activist whose music addresses social and political issues affecting Indigenous communities
• Tantoo Cardinal (Métis) is an acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances in films like "Dances with Wolves" and "Legends of the Fall"
• Wes Studi (Cherokee) is a prominent actor who has brought Indigenous stories and characters to mainstream audiences in films such as "The Last of the Mohicans" and "Avatar"
• Lori Blondeau (Cree/Saulteaux/Métis) is a performance artist whose work confronts stereotypes and reclaims Indigenous identity through humor and satire
• Margo Kane (Cree/Saulteaux) is an actress, playwright, and founder of the Full Circle: First Nations Performance company, which supports and promotes Indigenous theater artists
• Santee Smith (Mohawk) is a dancer, choreographer, and artistic director of the Kaha:wi Dance Theatre, known for her innovative and powerful works
• Yothu Yindi (Yolŋu) is an Australian band that blends traditional Indigenous music with rock and pop, and is known for their hit song "Treaty"

Cultural Significance and Themes

• Indigenous performance arts are deeply connected to cultural identity, spirituality, and community well-being
• Many traditional performances have specific cultural protocols and are performed in sacred or ceremonial contexts, requiring respect and understanding from non-Indigenous audiences
• Themes of resilience, resistance, and cultural survival are prevalent in both traditional and contemporary Indigenous performance arts
  • Works often address the impacts of colonialism, forced assimilation, and ongoing struggles for self-determination and cultural continuity
• Connection to land, language, and ancestors is a central theme in many Indigenous performances, reflecting the deep relationships between Indigenous peoples and their traditional territories
• Indigenous performance arts can serve as a means of cultural education, passing on knowledge, values, and traditions to younger generations
• Healing and reconciliation are important themes in contemporary Indigenous performance, addressing intergenerational trauma and promoting cultural pride and well-being

Techniques and Practices

• Indigenous performance arts often incorporate elements of improvisation and audience participation, creating a dynamic and interactive experience
• Traditional songs, chants, and languages are frequently used in Indigenous performances, serving as powerful means of cultural expression and connection
• Indigenous dance techniques may involve intricate footwork, mimetic movements, and the use of props such as hoops, fans, or masks
• Storytelling techniques, such as the use of repetition, symbolism, and non-linear narratives, are common in Indigenous performance traditions
• Collaboration and collective creation are important practices in many Indigenous performance contexts, with artists working together to develop and present works
• Site-specific performances and land-based practices are increasingly used by Indigenous artists to connect their work to traditional territories and cultural landscapes
• Indigenous artists often engage in cultural protocol and consultation with elders and community members when creating and presenting works, ensuring cultural authenticity and respect

Impact and Future Directions

• Indigenous performance arts have played a crucial role in cultural revitalization and the assertion of Indigenous identities in the face of ongoing colonialism and marginalization
• The increasing visibility and success of Indigenous artists in mainstream arts scenes is challenging stereotypes and broadening public understanding of Indigenous cultures and experiences
• Indigenous performance arts are contributing to the decolonization of arts institutions and practices, advocating for greater representation, self-determination, and control over cultural narratives
• The growth of Indigenous-led arts organizations, festivals, and training programs is providing critical support and opportunities for emerging Indigenous artists
• Collaborations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists are creating new possibilities for intercultural dialogue and understanding, while also raising questions about cultural appropriation and respectful engagement
• The integration of digital technologies and new media is expanding the reach and possibilities of Indigenous performance arts, connecting artists and audiences across vast distances
• Indigenous performance arts will continue to evolve and thrive as new generations of artists build upon the foundations laid by their predecessors, creating works that speak to the ongoing struggles and aspirations of Indigenous peoples worldwide