Ocêpihkowan: It Has Roots

At a time where mental illness is plaguing our communities and we are losing our people to suicide, one Indigenous artist has found ways to root herself and grow through the pain. Mental illness, PTSD and suicide survivor Sissy Thiessen Kootenayoo turned to her community, culture and art to rise above her struggles. Through Ocêpihkowan, Sissy and co-producer Michelle Nieviadomy create a safe space for the life-saving practises of honesty, vulnerability and supporting one another. Utilizing the branches of art, expression, culture and teachings, Ocêpihkowan is a tree rooted in hope, light and life.

The themes explored in this project include: suicide and mental illness awareness, cultural connection, healthy expression, catharsis, and how art can transform our pain. Suitable for ages 14+.

Tuesday, March 11 @ 7:30pm* – 8:45pm
Wednesday, March 12 @ 7:30pm – 8:45pm ~~(ASL Interpreted)~~ **

Both performances will be followed by an optional 25 minute panel discussion. Mental health panelists will be speaking about their experiences as Indigenous professionals living and working in community during the ever-growing mental health epidemic.

*Join us for a catered reception for Opening Night on March 11 before the show at 6:45pm by Culina Catering

** Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will no longer be ASL Interpretation for the performance of Ocêpihkowan on March 12 at 7:30pm. We apologize for any inconvenience and will be reaching out to patrons that have purchased tickets to this event directly. There is one other ASL Interpreted performance left in the festival, Dance Nation by Clare Barron on March 13 at 7:30pm. Find out more here.

Walterdale Theatre
10322 83 Ave NW

Tickets on sale now!
Adults $27.75, Students/Seniors $22.25 (plus applicable fees). 14 Tiered Pay-What-You-Can tickets are available per performance ($5, $10, $15, $20). Group discounts available for 6+. We are happy to offer a limited amount of complimentary tickets for Indigenous folks thanks to support from the Edmonton Heritage Council, FIRE and the City of Edmonton. Please claim your ticket using the “Free Tickets for Indigenous People” option.

Festival passes available now. Get 3 shows, 5 shows or an All Access Pass!

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“My hope is to show audiences that we all have permission to share where we are at honestly and without judgement. Many of us are not okay in our mental health and through being able to share that, we get that much closer to healing, which I have found through singing, dancing, writing, sharing and having people believe in me – Like SkirtsAfire believes in this project. I know that once people of all ages are shown that we can do all these things, the mental illness and suicide epidemics will lessen day by day. All we need to do is look to the trees, and root ourselves to weather whichever storms come our way.” – Sissy Thiessen Kootenayoo

Featuring:

Sissy Thiessen Kootenayoo
Curator, Performer, Co-Producer

Michelle Nieviadomy
Performer, Co-Producer

Artist Adopted by
Rebecca Schulte

Ocêpihkowan: It Has Roots