Talking Stick Dressing Workshop led by Jackie Labonte and Oliver Nobosin

Saturday 11 September 10am // This is an in-person workshop and takes place in Robertson Theatre at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

Cost: $15

Capacity: 30 participants

Participants will be presented with a natural wood Talking Stick and will ‘Dress’ the Talking Stick using options of paint, marker, wood burning, leather, ribbon, beads, feathers, etc. We open with a Thanksgiving Address, offering of  Smudge, Introduction Circle, Teachings, and workshop instruction. This workshop also provides an exceptionally fun environment, giving all participants the ability to freely express their inner child. Time permitting, a Sharing Circle is  held at the completion of the workshop. 

Materials provided for this workshop: 

• Pre-sealed natural wood Talking Stick (driftwood when available) 
• Paints / Markers / Leather / Beads / Ribbon / Feathers 
• Wood burners 

Jackie Labonte (tekaiatakwas) is self-identified from the Turtle Clan of the Mohawk Nation, Six Nations of Grand River Territory. She resides in the Niagara region, having worked with Native organizations for over thirty years providing services, sharing Traditional Teachings and serving as a Cultural Advisor.

Oliver Nobosin is self-identified from Swampy Cree and mixed German/Welsh descent, having lived and grown up in both the Niagara and North Bay regions. He is an established singer/drummer and drum maker, having facilitated many requests for custom-designed Native drums for individuals and groups, both domestic and abroad.

Jackie and Oliver are life partners, having been together for over twenty years. They are blessed with 4 children and 12 grandchildren… to date, and many more nieces and nephews. Together they are the co-founders of ‘Kimisken Cultural Workshops and Circles’, which provides cultural awareness through hands-on learning to a broad range of private groups and public organizations.