Keyshawn S.

Pelly Crossing, Yukon

Yukon/Stikine Regional Heritage Fair

Selkirk Spirit Dancers

My project documents the traditional First Nation dance group, The Selkirk Spirit Dancers. I interviewed Selkirk Spirit Dancers and took footage of some of our dancing performances. The project is meant to capture a very unique part of our heritage and culture.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

I learned that it is very important to have a strong leader, like Carmen Baker. She started the Dance Group in 2002 and we have been going strong for 15 years.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I have learned that we need to revive our culture and traditions. Through traditional dancing, our culture is preserved and passed onto the youth. In addition to traditional dancing, we also need to focus on our special traditions like Stick Gambling and Trapping.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

I am currently a Selkirk Spirit Dancer, so I am proud to be carrying a past tradition into today's generation.