Native Earth Performing Arts is proud to once again present the Niimi’iwe Dance Double Bill from February 5 – 8, 2026 at Aki Studio in Toronto featuring Conversations: Hidden Stories by Vanguardia Dance Projects & Aanmitaagzi, and Spine of the Mother by Raven Spirit Dance. The Niimi’iwe Dance Double Bill explores the nuances of Indigenous identity stories with these two dance pieces presented in a single evening followed by talkbacks with the artists after each show.

“We are honoured to present this double bill of works exploring connections to land, body, and space within the North and the South; story weaving ancestral memories through a contemporary Indigenous lens,” said Joelle Peters, Artistic Director of Native Earth Performing Arts. “Allow these works to transport you through time and place, and witness the power of these incredible artists as they share the Aki Studio stage.”

Conversations: Hidden Stories by Vanguardia Dance Projects & Aanmitaagzi

Director and choreographer: Olga Barrios

Creators: Norma Araiza, Penny Couchie, Animikiikwe Couchie, Lilia León, Olga Barrios

Dancers: Norma Araiza, Lilia León, Olga Barrios

Guest Dancers: Lucia Llano, Maria Riaño

Conversations: Hidden Stories was inspired by the investigation of “body and territory” by the Colombian-Canadian choreographer Olga Barrios. This work springs forth from the women of many colours that she experiences in herself and the many other voices in the world that seek connection with ideas of traces erased from history. In 2023, under the direction of Olga, the artists of Vanguardia and Aanmitaagzi came together with the desire to share, investigate and explore the land, people, culture and stories we are connected to. Looking at stories of displacement and erasure, Conversations is a journey through what has separated us from ourselves and each other. Through soil, fabric, land and water, the work reaffirms a sovereign right to ancestral memory, connection and future.

Spine of the Mother by Raven Spirit Dance

Choreography by Starr Muranko

Performed by Tasha-Faye Evans and Marisa Gold

Tracing the inner terrain of our bodies as women through breath, impulse and memory unlocks kinetic energy creating ritual, which spans the spine of the mountain range we have shared for millennia.

The metaphor of the Spine of Mother Earth is a name given by Indigenous Elders in South America to the Andean mountain range that spans from the base in Argentina, through the Americas and ends at the tip of Alaska. Our bodies become the landscape like the mountain ranges that connect the North and South (the Eagle and the Condor) and through this we find our kinetic connection to others that transmits impulse, breath and spirit.

Spine of the Mother began as an innovative collaboration with Indigenous artists in Canada and Peru and over the past decade has been performed across Canada and most recently internationally at the Kia Mau Festival in Wellington, New Zealand as part of Raven Spirit Dance’s 20th Anniversary tour.

Native Earth Performing Arts is Canada’s oldest professional Indigenous theatre company. Currently in its 43rd season, Native Earth is dedicated to nurturing Indigenous storytelling. We develop, produce and present Indigenous art. We champion talent. According to the Seven Sacred Teachings, we do what we do and fulfill our purpose with truth, wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, and humility. nativeearth.ca

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Niimi’iwe Dance Double Bill

February 5 – 8, 2026

7:30pm Thursday-Saturday

2pm Sunday

Aki Studio, 585 Dundas Street East, #120

Tickets are $20-65

nativeearth.ca