Nestaweya means “three points” in Cree. Locally, it represents The Forks and the great rivers that brought the Cree, Ojibwe and Dakota peoples together.
Curated by Andrew Balfour and Mel Braun and conducted by Braun, Dead of Winter celebrates water, women as water-keepers and the pre-settler roots of Winnipeg with a concert featuring the poetry of katherena vermette (Winnipeg-based Metis poet, acclaimed novelist and activist), set to music by Indigenous composers Melody McKiver, Ian Cusson and Andrew Balfour. The audience is in for a special experience with readings by vermette, teachings/songs by Indigenous Song-keepers Laura Horton, Taylor Galvin, and Ellen Cook and ceremony with voice, crystal bowls and percussion.
Dead of Winter is proud that Nestaweya will be the first choral concert at the new Desautels Concert Hall, Sunday, October 20 at 3 PM at the University of Manitoba. Lots of free parking available!
Special thank you to concert sponsors Winnipeg 150, City of Song