Collective of NWT Performers Selected for 2010 Olympics
R(16)243 - Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The vision for NWT performances at the Vancouver Olympics included representing the various regions of the NWT, demonstrating a variety of traditional and current performance styles, providing a mentorship element for the development of newer Northern talent and creating a show that would encourage people to want to live, work and play in the NWT.
A collective of 14 NWT Performing Artists was developed from nearly 30 applications from individuals and groups from across the Northwest Territories. The performers in this collective will join with NWT Youth Ambassadors and other Northerners that will be participating at the Olympics to deliver a showcase that represents every region of the Northwest Territories.
“These performances will not only show the world what our performing artists can do, they will encourage mentorship and development within our arts community,” Commented Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty. “Showcasing our Northern talent is part of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ plan to maximize opportunities by promoting the NWT as a place to work and live.”
The performing artists are:
Gerry Antoine Dene Drums Fort Simpson
Tiffany Ayalik Storyteller Yellowknife
Brendan Callas Keyboards, Backup Vocals Yellowknife
Norm Glowach Drums, Backup Vocals Yellowknife
Leanne Goose Vocalist Inuvik
Wesley Hardisty Fiddler Fort Simpson
Aaron Hernandez Vocalist Yellowknife
Richard Lafferty Fiddler Hay River
Sophie Leger Vocalist, Guitar, Harmonica, Djembe Yellowknife
Greg Nasogaluak Guitar Yellowknife
Theresa Pamplin Vocalist Yellowknife
Gary Tees Bass Yellowknife
Karen Zaidan Vocalist, Keyboard Fort Smith
A 14th performer, a jigger, will not be confirmed until later in the fall.
The full schedule of performances is still being confirmed, but will include a victory celebration for athletes, and an NWT day during Northern weekend. In addition to the live performances, opportunities to showcase Northern performers continue to develop. These include a call for songs written in the NWT, and a listening station for Northern CDs at Northern House.
Selection for this collective of performers was headed by the contracted Producing Artistic Director, BDK Services, a team of NWT residents with significant experience in music, television, theatre, live performance and management.
For more information contact:
Kevin Allerston
Public Affairs Officer
Education, Culture and Employment
(867) 920-6222
