Cross-Cultural Engagement and Experience

Media Advisory Release Date: April 12, 2019 9:00 a.m.

The Conservatory of Performing Arts at the University of Regina is pleased to partner with the National Arts Centre and the Regina Public Library to host a weekend of cross-cultural events with Samantha Whelan Kotkas and Walter MacDonald White Bear.

Walter MacDonald White Bear, a Cree singer/songwriter/facilitator and Samantha Whelan Kotkas, a classical trumpet player/storyteller have worked together as a cross-cultural team for the National Arts Centre of Canada since 2015. When they walk into schools together to present, they embody the process of reconciliation started by the 'Truth and Reconciliation Commission' founded in 2008.

WHAT: Teaching Artistry & Cross-Cultural Engagement
WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 2019, 2:00-4:00 pm
WHERE: Room 112 of the College Building at 2155 College Avenue in Regina

This free workshop will focus on music in the classroom as a tool to enrich the curriculum. They will explore the concept of reconciliation as they model hands on music tools for you to use in your own teaching. They will also introduce participants to two Indigenous Teacher Guides created for the National Arts Centre to help inspire students to be creative through music.

WHAT: Cross-Cultural Experience
WHEN: Sunday, April 14, 2019 4:00-5:00 pm
WHERE: Room 139 of the College Building at 2155 College Avenue in Regina

This free performance experience will feature both Walter and Samantha as they engage their audience in an exciting musical journey.

For information about the programming Samantha and Walter are offering at the Regina Public Library please see the library website: https://www.reginalibrary.ca/attend/programs/1401903 and https://www.reginalibrary.ca/attend/programs/1401821

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Samantha Whelan Kotkas

Born in Canada, raised in Africa and educated in Calgary and Houston, Samantha has been praised for creating truly unique and totally engaging experiences for audiences. Samantha's energy, extensive education, musicianship and understanding of multi-disciplinary performance make her stand out as one of Canada's top performers.https://www.samanthawhelankotkas.com/

Walter MacDonald White Bear

Walter MacDonald White Bear is a Cree singer-songwriter originally from the First Nation of Moose Factory, Ontario. Walter is an educator, performer and motivational speaker. He has been performing acoustic and flute music for several years. Performance highlights include The Edmonton Folk Music Festival, The Chiefs Summit with Tom Jackson, The Dream Speakers Festival, The Mountain Song Native Theater, World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education and more. http://waltermacdonaldwhitebear.com/

Contact: Christa Eidsness, Conservatory of Performing Arts

- 30 -