Panel Discussion:
On The River

Join us in learning about the collaborative process to create On The River, the Video Ballad inspired by the late Chief Dorothy McDonald-Hyde of the Fort McKay First Nation, featuring a discussion with special guests Sarah Pocklington, Sherryl Sewepagaham, Debbie Houle of music trio Asani, videographer Don Bouzek and songwriter Maria Dunn.

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On the River is a 60-minute live performance of music and video that tells the story of the Cree, Dene and Métis peoples’ community of Fort McKay, Alberta, through the lens of the life of former chief Dorothy McDonald-Hyde, a champion of environmental protection and Indigenous rights who stood up to industry giants that were profiting from her homelands. The songs are written and performed by Asani and Maria Dunn with video by Don Bouzek of Ground Zero Productions.

The confluence of words, video footage, music and the beating of the drums inspired tears; feelings of anger, respect, love; and a deeper understanding about a place, its people and its history. … we enjoyed an evening of incredible music, an immersion into the history of a community, and gained better understanding of one of their most revered leaders. I think this is an important Alberta story that deserves to be seen and shared.” - Russell Thomas, Fort McMurray Today

Resources
On the River Description:

https://www.mariadunn.com/projects/on-the-river/

Ground Zero Productions On the River: http://gzpedmonton.org/projects/view/on-the-river