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To highlight the work Creation Grantees are doing in their communities, the Creation Community Grants Team sends out Q&A forms so they can share their experiences creating and carrying out their projects. Today we are featuring responses from Danni (respondent), Tiger, and Skye of Nimihtotân.

Community: amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, AB)

Grant Type: Youth Empowerment Stream

Q: Tell us about your group and project!

A: Nimihtotân (“Let’s dance!” in Cree) is an Indigenous grassroots initiative that focuses on creating an Indigenous space in the dance studio by incorporating kinship and reciprocal relations between Indigenous dancers and Indigenous choreographers and/or instructors. Nimihtotân aims to host monthly dance workshops in Edmonton, Alberta. Nimihtotân’s focus is to develop a dance program that emphasizes intergenerational healing and community.

It’s very important for us in our community, and for us at Nimihtotân, to always give thanks. I’m very grateful for the community. I’m very grateful for our Indigenous culture, language, and teachings, because without them we wouldn’t have Nimihtotân. […] I’m also very grateful for those ancestors who have held on to our culture, our languages and teachings so that we, in our generation, can reignite that passion. 

Danni Okemaw, Nimihtotân Youth Leader

Q: As the youth running the project, what impact do you hope it will have?

A: We are a collective of Indigenous youth dancers and choreographers dedicated to uplifting and supporting fellow Indigenous dancers and artists. Our mission is to create a welcoming space where Indigenous culture, language, and teachings are honoured.

Q: What is something you have learned?

A: We learned that community always comes first!

Two young people are dancing

Q: What is your favourite moment from running your project?

A: The most inspiring part of our project was the diverse range of ages and generations that participated in our Nimihitotan Workshop. From babies to kokoms, everyone joined us to dance, making it a truly beautiful day!

I feel like this company has made an impact in my journey, and I am really grateful to have had this experience 

Mya McDowell, of the Dene Tha’ First Nation

Connect with folks from Nimihtotân!

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