ABOUT TEYA PEYA PRODUCTIONS

I founded Teya Peya Productions in 1991 to provide a global cultural bridge between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, while at the same time shining a warm, welcoming light on North America’s Indigenous people.

How we travel our earth walks can often be explored in unique and practical ways through time-honored Indigenous knowledge (e.g., medicine wheel, health and mindfulness). Our programs bring people from different cultural, social and economic backgrounds together in a spirit of Ama’t’ilgoolsk, Ama’diduuls (Good thoughts, Good life). 

I have created informative, inspiring, relaxing presentations. Humor contributes to the vibrant spirits we all possess; a good laugh causes the blood to sing. As a singer/songwriter, the many songs I’ve written over the years combine both traditional and contemporary musical genres. (Shannon Thunderbird)

Shannon Thunderbird, Coast Ts’smyen

Internationally acclaimed Speaker and Workshop Facilitator.

  • Co-Producer of all recordings, i.e., May Your Spirit Be Strong, Wind Centre. Currently working on our next CD, ~Lik~lgaawks Amgan (Red Cedar Sisters).
  • Singer/Songwriter, Playwright, Author.
  • Masters and Honours degrees in Political Science, Humanities, Fine Arts
  • A staunch supporter of Women’s leadership roles (business, social and political forums)
  • Main Interests:  Indigenous Rights i.e., women, Justice, music and stories, Creating new productions, Painting, Craft Work.
  • Proudly Tsm’syen – URL: Lax Kw’alaams Band (laxkwalaams.ca)

Sandy Horne, Spoons

  • Thunderbird’s Principal Performance partner (eighteen years).
  • Associate Workshop Facilitator and Road/Touring Manager.
  • Recording Artist, Songwriter.
  • Co-producer of all Teya Peya’s recordings.
  • Founding member of the iconic 1980s Canadian band the Spoons. Gold records and Juno nomination to the Spoons’ credit.
  • A staunch supporter of Women’s leadership roles (business, social and political forums).
  • Named “Woman of the Year” for the City of Guelph, ON.

Kate Dickson, Coast Tsimshian (Shannon’s sister)

  • Retired Secondary School Teacher teaching Indigenous Studies, Dramatic Arts, English, World Religions and more).
  • Editor of Thunderbird’s writings.
  • Theatrical Director for most of Teya Peya’s major productions.
  • Diva of Costume Designer/Maker.
  • A staunch supporter of Women’s Leadership roles in (Business, Social and Political forums).
  • Main areas of interest: Indigenous Rights, Justice, Law, Politics, Women.
  • Degrees in Humanities and Philosophy.
  • Winner of an award for being a super parent/volunteer, City of Mississauga, ON

OUR EVENTS

We regularly perform/speak at Conferences, Educational Institutions, Conventions, Corporate, Business, Public and Private organizations, Art Galleries, Museums, After Dinner shows, Festivals, Theatres, and other public events.

Team-Building Events

  1. Inspirational, educational, often humorous Keynote addresses exploring the principals of living fearlessly.
  2.  Medicine Wheel knowledge that includes drumming circles.
  3. Mindful meditations, big drums, oral narratives, theatrical, performances.
  4. Conference, Conventions entertainment.
  5. Workshops and seminars geared to the specific requirements of the event.

Entertainment

  1. Opening and closing ceremonies.
  2. Cedar Sisters Trio and the Thunderbird Native Theatre perform a variety of musical/humorous performances as opening and closing ceremonies or dinner performances.

Our Programs Accomplish a Variety of Goals:

  1. Energize and empower.
  2. Put competition in its place by offering a more balanced and fair inter-relationship world view.
  3. Bring back humour and perspective.
  4. Everything old is new again: Teamwork, consensus building — the hallmarks of Indigenous cultures.
  5. Build bridges and improve the art of conversation.
  6. Move beyond the fear factor into insight, good thoughts and right action.
  7. Accountability and Responsibility – Medicine Wheel teachings.
  8. If you have hidden agendas, you’ve hidden yourself.
  9. Self-Empowerment using the twin elements of Wisdom and Courage.
  10. Understanding that “Traditional” thinking is not “Old-Fashioned” thinking.

We are busy, because what we do strikes a positive, connective cord in the minds, hearts, bodies and spirits of those who seek us out.  Our presentations are uplifting and entertaining. They are ideal for absolutely everyone in any business, educational and social organization!

SOME PREVIOUS EVENTS

OPENING/CLOSING CEREMONIES/Talks

  • Sun Life Financial
  • Canadian Payroll Virtual Conference
  • Insieme Virtual Meeting
  • Bennington Financial Virtual Meeting

WORKSHOPS

  • “Indigenous Knowledge & the Art of Storytelling”, Fanshawe College Annual Conference, London, ON
  • “Medicine Wheel” – Faculty: Northern College, Timmins, ON, Staff/Management, Lambton College, Sarnia, ON, Brock University students and employees; Motorola Canada Workshop for employees; Northwest Network for Youth Conference, Seattle, WA, Canada Employment & Immigration Union of Ontario Regional Conference, Niagara Fall, ON, Dodem Kanon’sha, Indian and Northern Affairs, Toronto, ON
  • “From Kalavala to Rap”, Annual Conference of Theatre Arts, Sunne Sweden
  • “Medicine Wheel: Introduction to North America’s Indigenous People”, CODE Conference (Ontario Drama Educators), Toronto, ON
  • “In Honour of Women”, Delta Kappa Gamma Conference, Oakville, ON

KEYNOTE SPEECHES

  • Conference Board of Canada.
  • “Seven Steps to the Colonization of Indigenous People”,  Employment/Immigration Union of Ontario Conference, Niagara Falls, ON.
  • “Walking the Good Red Road in an Alabaster World”, Accountability, Governance-Empowered nations, Aboriginal Employees Network Conference, Regina, SK.
  • “Medicine Wheel and Cultural Bridging”, University of Windsor, ON, Wilfrid Laurier University.
  • Equity Network Conference, University of Windsor, ON.

POST-SECONDARY WORKSHOPS AND LECTURES

  • “Seven Steps to the Colonization of North America’s First Nation’s People”, Ryerson university (Sociology).
  • “Is it Justice or is it Law?” Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Police Foundations, Durham, Seneca Colleges.
  • Women and Leadership, (York University).
  • “Race and Diversity in Higher Education; Finding Strength in Difference.” 2008 National CAPDHHE-QUEEEN Conference, Hosted by: Carleton University, Ottawa.
  • “From “Houses to Monsters”: The Naming Practices of the Coast Tsimshian First Nation”, 23rd Annual Congress of Onomastic Sciences, York University.
  • “Medicine Wheel: Introduction to North America’s Indigenous People”, University of Marburg, Germany, San Francisco, York University, Brock University, Ontario Elementary Teacher’s Federation; Upper Thames Elementary Teacher’s Board of Education.

SOME NICE THINGS HAVE BEEN SAID

“Thank you so much for your presence at our Canadian Symposium for Arts and Learning. The audience was just wowed by your performance, and we so appreciate it.!” (S. Robertson, Canadian Network for Arts and Learning)

“Thank you for an outstanding luncheon keynote presentation at the Human Resources Conference….You engaged the hearts and minds of our delegates and opened them to embracing change and connectedness on a meaningful level.”(E. Lengyel, Conference Board of Canada)

“Shannon’s workshop gave employees a sense of value and safety. Her years of experience have given her profound insight into the world of work and the human coping factor (or lack therefore) in a fast-paced world. Using her traditional teachings and extraordinary communication skills, she offered very inspiring messages and in such a relevant and entertaining way!”(B.J.L., Motorola, Canada)

“Thank you for agreeing to be a speaker at Wilfrid Laurier’s first Aboriginal Awareness Conference. Your voice is strong and reached many. Your participation and support meant so much.” (S. Rose, Wilfrid Laurier University, ON)

“I would like to extend our appreciation and thanks for your time as our “in-residency” Elder. Your wonderful teachings, one-on-one appointments, were so meaningful, and your time and effort was greatly appreciated.” (D.S. Dodem Kanonhsa’, Department of Indian and Northern Affairs)

“Your sense of the spiritual and regard for our Ancestors was particularly moving. The young people I walked with following your presentation were very appreciative. They will benefit much from your messages as they go on to further life experiences.” (G. Hammond, Northwest Network for Youth, Seattle WA)

“Shannon kept the audience mesmerized with her stories and the emotional power of her singing voice. It was an enthralling evening.” (G. C., Resorts Ontario)

“Your expertise and passion influences our teachers and reaches our students, ultimately. Thanks again.” (K. Makon, Aboriginal Education Summer Academy, Ontario Teacher’s Federation)