The River

In 2023, MDP completed the land-based performance of The River, a multidisciplinary in-situ performance viewed by audiences floating in river rafts on Widzin Kwah, the river and lifeblood of Witsuwit’en Territory. 

Developed over seven years, and rooted in Likhsilyu Clan Territory, The River offered participants an immersive day-long journey of viewing contemporary Witsuwit’en art and collaborative intercultural performances. MDP is deeply grateful for everyone involved in bringing this project to life. We are also grateful to the Witsuwit’en Dinï ze’ and Ts’akë ze’ who supported the project, advised us along the way, and welcomed participants to Likhsilyu Territory each day. 

Creative & Production Team

Artistic Team: Miriam Colvin, Sleydo’ Molly Wickham, Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg, Caroline Liffmann, Kayla Mitchell, Dianna Johansen, Jillian Dennis 
Production Team: Kelsey Chamberlin, Brian Huntington, Nico Dicecco, Shawntei Demi-Michell, Helen Harris, Brian Postalian, Robin Lough, Katie Wertz, Alana Petrella, Kristina Lemieux
Little Raven Performers: Evren Ingram, Oyate Tait, Jasper Friedenberg Stewart, Lily Wickham
IFOT Hosts: We’es Tes Sandra Martin-Harris, Wilawhl Lorraine Naziel
Witsuwit’en Project Advisors: Kilisët Violet Gellenbeck, ‘Ilhdesinon Birdy Markert
Likhsilyu Tsë Kal K’iyikh (House on Top of the Flat Rock) Matriarchs Who Advised us and Welcomed us According to Witsuwit’en Protocol: Christine William, Helen Michell, Millie Gunanoot
Raft Guides: Simon Stockner, Travis Pete, Shania Michell, Kaleigh George, Honrei Morgan
River Support Crew: Witset Fisheries, Jim Allan, Alfred Schaefer, Ingrid Farnell, Tim John, Jake Daly
Outfit & Earrings Creation: Carmen Redunante, Eileen Tommy, Laura Guillon, Dianna Johansen
Raven Wing Design & Creation: Christine Reimer, Andrea Brown, Eloïse Pons, Holly Anderson

Thank you for Assistance/ Consultation:

Language / Songs: Ewk Hiyah Hozdli Witsuwit’en Drum and Dance Group, Dolly Alfred
Production: Hilary Davis, Joel Klein
Workshops & Facilitation: Camille Dumond, Aslam Bulbulia, Isabelle Kirouac
Film & Photography: Michael Toledano, Odessa Shuquaya, lisa g, Tia Clearsky, Carla Lewis, Adrian Forsythe
We would also like to thank: Jeanette Kotowich,  Denzel Sutherland-Wilson, Lindsay Delaronde, Lillian Dennis, Kathleen Fair, Amanda Follett, Marc R Stewart, Glen Ingram, Emily Bulmer, Olivia C. Davies, Julie Lebel, Karla Tait, Meghan Brady, Jennifer Wickham, SWCC.

And many others. If we missed your name - please let us know!

Funders:

Canada Council for the Arts
BC Arts Council
BV Community Arts Council
Wetzin'kwa Community Forest
Vancouver Foundation

The River was produced in partnership with Tara Cheyenne Performance

Collaborator Aesthetic Vision:

Words gathered from collaborators include: Ritual, Power, Partnering, Voice, Interconnection, Roots, Web of Life, Ripples, Messy, Part Of, Reaching, Approved by our Ancestors, Relief, Chaos, Reality, The truth, Panic, Stranger- family, Earth/littleblackeagle/peace mountain, Nests.