In 2019, Tsatsu Stalqayu had the honor of singing and performing a play titled “Our Creation Story” at the Folk Music Festival in Vancouver, B.C.. We were the first Coast Salish group to perform at the festival that has been running for over 40 years on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish nations.
In 2021, our welcoming display of song and dance, along with many other wonderful musical sets can be viewed on the Folk Music Festival’s website.
On a site joining past and the present – sən̓aʔqʷ (settler name: Vanier Park) – Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolfpack, a three generation family group) and Mortal Coil Performance continue their 12 year exploration of Coast Salish art and culture. Grand Acts of Great Hope unites Tsatsu Stalqayu’s traditional Salish performance with Mortal Coil’s European based outdoor site specific theatrical techniques in an event that includes a 12’ Salish elder, bears, whales, ladybugs, eagles, and a Thunderbird, among others. Song and dance, prayer and procession illuminate our grand act of building bridges towards each other while honouring the creatures on the lands we all share.
A Grand Act set on sənaʔqʷ (Vanier Park)
Co-created by Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolfpack) and Mortal Coil Performance
Core Creative Team and Directors: Alec Dan, Peter Hall, Iona Paul
Designers: Barbara Clayden, Peter Hall, Elia Kirby, Iona Paul, Joseph Paul, Frank Rader
Production Credits
Tsatsu Stalqayu
Iona Paul
Alec Dan
Joseph Paul
Amanda Kenoras-Paul
Shadae Johnson
Anastasia Paul
Kevin Seward
Boedaya Paul
Leonard Sylvester
Benjamin Paul
Madii Good
Katisha Paul
Demetrius Kenoras-Paul
Perseis Kenoras-Paul
Mackenzie Kenoras-Paul
Shalaya Kenoras-Paul
Cepheus Kenoras-Paul
Mikyla Rose Johnson
Ayanla Johnson
Arthur Seward
Khe’Sul Seward
Rayfield Seward
Alec Sylvester
Eleanor Sylvester
Zainah Paul
Nakoah Paul
Mortal Coil Performance
Artistic Director: Peter Hall
General Manager: Marietta Kozak Siiye’yu Company
Directors/Creators: Alec Dan, Peter Hall, Iona Paul
Puppet and production element Designers: Barbara Clayden, Peter Hall, Elia Kirby, Iona Paul, Joseph Paul, Frank Rader
All Regalia created, made and owned by Tsatsu Stalqayu
Performers and Puppeteers: Denise Galay, Dan Joeck, Talon Paul, Jim Preston, Sarah Redmond, Amira Routledge, Sean Sonier, Lenard Stanga, Tamara Unroe and Tsatsu Stalqayu
Production Manager: David (DK) Kerr
Site Managers: Ingrid Turk, Michelle (Jingo) Lewis
Performer Coordinator: Sharon Bayly
Administrative Assistants: Katisha Paul, Anastasia Paul
FOH: Petrice Brett, Vanessa Violini
Film Crew
Director: Lois Anderson
DOP: Cuyler Frink
Editor, Camera: Candalario Andrade
Camera: Michaela Crook
Sound: Josh (JT) Taylor
Consultant: Gregory Coyes
Catering by Bigheart Bannock
Thanks and acknowledgements:
Great Northern Way Scene Shop
Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation
Capilano University Indigenous Digital Film Program
Doreen Manuel
Erinne Drake