Traditions Through The Lens: Capturing Indigenous Spirit

On September 21st, 2024, Traditions Through The Lens: Capturing The Indigenous Spirit brought together an incredible fusion of photography, Indigenous fashion, and cultural storytelling at the historic cSpace King Edward in Calgary, Alberta. This immersive workshop aligned with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, offering photographers a unique and respectful opportunity to capture the vibrant essence of Indigenous traditions.

Beginning the Day off with Dancing, Drumming and Shopping

The workshop began with a vibrant and heartfelt celebration of Indigenous culture, setting the stage for a day of creativity and connection. Attendees were welcomed by the Four Winds Indigenous Market, a bustling gathering of talented local Indigenous vendors showcasing their art. From intricately beaded jewelry and handcrafted items to contemporary artworks rooted in tradition, the market offered a beautiful glimpse into the rich heritage and creativity of Indigenous artisans.

The atmosphere came alive with the resonant sounds of live drumming and the rhythmic movements of traditional dancers. Each beat and step told a story, immersing the crowd in a celebration of resilience, culture, and community. The powerful drumming echoed through the space, creating an unforgettable experience that honored the past while inspiring the future.

This soulful beginning set the tone for a day focused on storytelling through photography, reminding participants of the importance of culture, tradition, and the beauty of capturing authentic moments. It was not just a workshop but a meaningful journey into the heart of Indigenous artistry and spirit.

Four Winds Indigenous Market Shopper

Indigenous Cree Grass Dancer Tony Tootoosis

Beading Medicine owner Stephanie at the Four Winds Indigenous Market

Hand crafted beading earrings from Beading Medicine.

Indigenous Cree performer Tony Toosick

Indigenous traditional dancer Dorienne Proulx, owner of Little Star Artistry

Indigenous Grass Dancer Tony Tootoosis and Bashir Tootoosis

Hand crafted beaded jewelry from Beading Medicine

Indigenous drummer

A Cultural Photography Experience to Remember

One of the workshop's standout moments was the live powwow performance led by the Tootoosis Crew, an Indigenous dance troupe featuring the Tootoosis family members: Tony Tootoosis, Ranya Tootoosis, Twyla Tootoosis, Bashir Tootoosis, Char Tootoosis, Amelia Tootoosis, Dorienne Proulx, and Sienna Sage.

Indigenous traditional dancer Dorienne Proulx

Indigenous jingle dancer Sienna Sage

Indigenous traditional dancer Char Tootoosis

Indigenous jingle dancer Amelia Tootoosis

Indigenous traditional dancer Twyla Tootosis

Indigenous jingle dancer Sienna Sage and women's indigenous traditional dancer Dorienne Proulx

Indigenous traditional dancer Ranya Tootosis

Indigenous women traditional dancing powwow showcase

Women's indigenous traditional dancer Dorienne Proulx

Tony Tootoosis, the Master of Ceremonies, shared the origin stories behind each dance, creating a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind the performances. Photographers had the chance to capture not only the movement but also the meaning behind these powerful displays of Indigenous heritage.

Indigenous Cree artist Tony Tootoosis educating a group of photographers on the history of the indigenous dances showcased at the Curiosity Refresh photography workshop.

Indigenous Fashion: Tradition and Contemporary Style

The event also featured breathtaking Indigenous fashion, with collections from designers such as Sacred Thunder and Threads by Thea. These designers beautifully blended modern styles with Indigenous heritage, providing models with stunning wardrobe pieces that photographers eagerly captured. From Sacred Thunder’s intricate jewelry to Threads by Thea’s winter collection, every detail told a story, enriching the workshop with layers of cultural depth.

Models also proudly wore their own regalia, adding personal stories and traditions to the mix. The photographers had the privilege of documenting this beautiful combination of individual identity, cultural pride, and artistic expression.

Indigenous models Sienna Sage & Daanis Demeria wearing Threads by Thea Designs

Indigenous models Sienna Sage & Daanis Demeria wearing Threads by Thea Designs

Indigenous models Sienna Sage & Daanis Demeria wearing Threads by Thea Designs

Indigenous models Sienna Sage & Daanis Demeria wearing Threads by Thea Designs & accessories by Scared Thunder

Indigenous models wearing Threads by Thea Designs & accessories by Scared Thunder

Indigenous models wearing Threads by Thea Designs & accessories by Scared Thunder

Indigenous models wearing Threads by Thea Designs & accessories by Scared Thunder

Indigenous models wearing Threads by Thea Designs & accessories by Scared Thunder

The Team Behind the Scenes

None of this would have been possible without the hard work of the team behind the scenes. Hairstylist Larissa Tailfeathers, makeup artist Daanis Demeria, indigenous fashion designers, and coordinators worked tirelessly to ensure every detail of the event ran smoothly. Their dedication allowed the beauty and creativity of Indigenous culture to take center stage, making the event an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

A Celebration of Culture and Creativity

Traditions Through The Lens provided photographers with the unique opportunity to explore the intersection of culture and creativity. The vibrant regalia, dynamic dance performances, and stunning Indigenous fashion showcased a celebration of heritage that was both inspiring and visually captivating.

It was a day filled with learning, cultural appreciation, and artistic exploration. We are grateful to everyone who participated in making this event a success, especially the Tootoosis Crew and our talented designers and models. Together, we celebrated the beauty of Indigenous traditions through the lens of photography.

Indigenous Cree performer Tony Tootoosis posing for the photographers of the Curiosity Refresh's Traditions Through The Lens: Capturing The Indigenous Spirit – A Cultural Photography Workshop

Little Star Artistry is Out of this World

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and owner of Little Star Artistry wows us with her stunning hand beaded artwork. Dorienne is a dancer, artist, and retired photographer whose creative work is deeply inspired by her family, culture, and community. Through her art, she strives to bring critical Indigenous social issues to the forefront of public consciousness. A passionate advocate for reconciliation, Dorienne is committed to building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Her latest art installation, a striking collection of finely crafted beadwork pieces, explores significant political issues affecting the Indigenous community today. Each piece serves as a visual narrative, shedding light on themes like Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), the ongoing fight for Land Back, and the empowerment of the Two-Spirit community. Through her intricate beadwork, Dorienne's art creates a platform for dialogue and action, amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples and their ongoing struggles for justice, recognition, and cultural preservation.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and owner of Little Star Artistry wows us with her stunning hand beaded artwork for MMIW.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Dorienne Proulx, an Anishinaabe-Cree Métis woman and of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Indigenous model Sienna Sage modelling Dorienne Proulx owner of Little Star Artistry handcrafted beadwork.

Photo Credits: JKPeters Photography