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NWIA: Artistic Director Job Posting

JOB POSTING

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR – NATIVE WOMEN IN THE ARTS

PLEASE SEND A RESUME/CV WITH A COVER LETTER TO INFO@NWIA.CA

MISSION AND MANDATE:

Native Women in the Arts (NWIA) is Canada’s leading arts organization for Indigenous women artists working at the intersection of traditional and contemporary practices. NWIA supports multi-disciplinary artistic expression by connecting, training and presenting emerging, mid-career and established female artists whose work reflects a commitment to art, culture, community, and the advancement of Indigenous people. NWIA serves as a site of artistic exchange, encouraging dialogue between artists and audiences about social, cultural and political issues and their relationship to artistic expression. Though focused on the development of Indigenous women as creators, our projects are inclusive of youth, men and two-spirited artists, and our programming connects to a diverse participant and audience base, predominantly across Ontario.

We are currently seeking a dynamic professional with proven experience in indigenous arts to become the creative and administrative lead of the organization as Artistic Director. This is an exciting leadership position, involving directing artistic and community projects, management of a small team of staff, leading grant writing and reporting, working with a dedicated Board of Directors, and allows for creative and professional growth including occasional travel in-province. This position offers a starting annual salary of $40,000, with 4 weeks paid vacation, sick days and cultural leave, is 4-days (32 hours) a week with some flexibility in terms of hours worked in-office.

Qualifications and Experience Required:

Strong leadership, organizational and communication skills: highly detailed; self-motivated.
A deep understanding of, commitment to and engagement with the vision of Native Women in the Arts
3-5 years of not-for-profit experience in a management and/or production in the arts and culture sector
Knowledge of and experience within Indigenous arts and culture
Experience in managing and producing community-engaged arts projects or programs.
Proven success in grant writing, with an understanding of the current arts funding climate. Fundraising experience will be considered an asset.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including a proven ability to engage sponsors, donors and community leaders
Demonstrated experience managing budgets, including budget preparation, forecasting and reporting to funders.
Demonstrated project management, administration and organizational skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and strong computer skills (Excel, Word) required.
Experience working with volunteer boards and committees.

In brief, duties include but are not limited to:

Production

Programs and coordinates all aspects of Native Women in the Arts’ projects: performances, concerts, exhibits, publications, symposiums, and community development projects.

Fundraising and Grant Writing

Identifies opportunities and prepares grant applications for funding to all levels of government, these include but not limited to the Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, and Canadian Heritage.
Prepares final reports and financial information associated with government grants.
Works with the Board of Directors and consultants to develop fundraising strategies for individual donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, and special events.
Prepares proposals for funding to corporations, foundations, and other sources of sponsorship.

Management

Manages all seasonal and contractual staff, delegating responsibilities in areas related to their employment contract with the Board of Directors.
Oversees budget and payment of staff and projects invoices
Oversees, with oversight and support from the Policy and Operations Committee, hiring of new staff, employee reviews, exit interviews if requested, and termination of employees.

Community Liaison

Represents NWIA to funders, arts presenters, partners, corporations, individuals, government, foundations, and sponsors, with support from the Board of Directors.

Promotion & Marketing

Promotes and publicizes all projects, events and activities at NWIA with the assistance of the Events Committee and NWIA Staff.

Finances

Prepares all project and operating budgets, and final reporting, including annual audit with assistance from the Board and Bookkeeper.

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates should submit a detailed resume and cover letter no later than October 23, 2017 at 5:00 pm EST to info@nwia.ca. Flexible start date, with a desired start in November 2017. No phone inquiries, please. Due to the high-level of applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

We encourage applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, and members of diverse cultural communities and LGBT2Q-identified persons.

Contact Info: Hiring Committee, info@nwia.ca

Women’s Hand Drumming in partnership with IndigenEd and the Centre for Indigenous Theatre

Native Women in the Arts, in partnership with IndigenEd & Centre for Indigenous Theatre, is pleased to present Women’s Hand Drumming.

This series of women’s hand-drumming sessions are intended as practice and learning spaces for emerging and novice drummers. Origin stories of songs, protocols, leading songs, and cultural contexts will be integrated into the teaching of each song & participants are encouraged to share their knowledge. These sessions aim to respect a diversity of teachings & beliefs – all participants are asked to attend with this intention in mind.

Fall Schedule:

Thursday, Oct. 12 – Veronica – Intention, Connection & Gratitude
Thursday, Oct. 26 – Aqua – Two Spirit Truth
Thursday, Nov. 9 – Veronica – Being Responsible for our Energy
Thursday, Nov. 23 – Veronica – Respect, Shaming & Moon Lodge
Thursday, Dec. 7 – Veronica – Affirmations & Manifesting

Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Address: 180 Shaw St, Suite 209, Toronto, ON M6J 2W5

These sessions are open to all female-identified and non-binary individuals. A light snack and refreshments will be provided. Children are always welcome. Please note that childcare is not provided. Sessions are DROP-IN & FREE though registration is requested. Please send your name and email address to drumming@nwia.ca, along with any questions you may have. There is no deadline for registration, and this circle will invite new members continuously.

Goals:

1. Gather and empower female identified people through music and ceremony.

2. Revitalize the traditional principles of gender equality mechanisms and spiritual practices and recognize rematriation in progress as a way to decolonize.

Featured Hand Drummer Hosts:

Veronica Johnny, Muskose’wukaw pussa’w Iskwao (Meadow Valley Woman) – is of mixed Cree Metis & Dene First Nations descent. She is a traditional & contemporary two-spirit Indigenous hand-drummer from Fort Smith, NWT. Veronica shares indigenous teachings, hosts drum circles and sings healing songs for the good of all life everywhere. She facilitates arts-education workshops including self-esteem, music and cultural teachings. Veronica is also a singer/songwriter and the front woman, vocalist and manager of The Johnnys, a high-energy rock band she founded with husband Dave Johnny; and an artist entrepreneur as the founder of IndigenEd – Indigenous Education for all – “creating understanding between Indigenous and non-indigenous people.”

Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone (Water Flower) is a hand-drummer and singer/songwriter. Aqua crafts music reflecting her deep respect for Indigenous traditions, and determination to thrive as an artist, Métis woman of Ojibwe descent. On one hand her process is one of purposeful reflection and healing, translating life’s challenges into melody and verse to uplift herself and others. On the other, she is mindful of remaining open to universal energies, allowing spirit to channel music through her, unfiltered, with surprising, powerful results. Aqua works to empower youth and women, is a longstanding facilitator of community drum circles, a partner with several Indigenous organizations, regularly collaborates with like-minded artists, and facilitates cultural workshops across Ontario.

Notes:

Along with learning and singing drum songs, each session will focus on one or more topics – indigenous teachings & perspectives will be shared within each.

To encourage giving the participants more experience, each facilitator will choose a helper each session.

Join the FB Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1475293159229919/

NWIA Announces Departure Of Artistic Director, Erika Iserhoff

It is with both appreciation and sadness that Native Women in the Arts announces the departure of our Artistic Director, Erika Iserhoff. Erika has led the organization for over 5 years, and greatly contributed to its growth and dynamism. Erika departs NWIA to enter a new and exciting position as Grants Facilitator for the recently launched Indigenous Culture Fund.

Artistic Director, Erika Iserhoff

“Erika has proven herself as an outstanding leader in many respects,” says NWIA Chair of the Board Kerry Potts. “She came to us as someone with a great deal of potential, with so much creative ability, and a real grounding in the indigenous arts community, as well as in her own indigenous culture. Her potential has transformed over the years into genuine leadership ability. She has truly raised NWIA to new heights.”

In her time at NWIA, Erika has overseen the financial growth of the organization by connecting with a range of new partners and funders. This has allowed the organization to grow our team of staff and offer new and exciting artistic and community projects. With her leadership, NWIA built new connections to communities in Northern Ontario, assisted in launching the annual Barbara Laronde Award for emerging artists, presented a new cultural series that connect artistic minds to cultural teachers, and grown the Kwe Performance Series into a meaningful platform to showcase some of our most exceptional Indigenous talent and connect them to schools, under-serviced communities, and Toronto audiences and organizations. In this final year, she worked with NWIA’s Mentor, Denise Bolduc, to help produce Tributaries that opened this year’s Luminato Festival, was named the emerging laureate of the Ontario Art Council’s Indigenous Arts Award, and moved NWIA into it’s new home at the Artscape Youngplace in the former Shaw Street School.

In departing, Erika offers these words: “It has been an amazing almost six years of working as the Artistic Producer and Artistic Director at Native Women in the Arts. I want to say chi miigwetch for the opportunity to grow with NWIA over these years, and I am very thankful to everyone who has supported me in these roles, from my mentors Kerry Swanson and Denise Bolduc, to my colleagues, Christa Couture and Quach George. NWIA could not have gotten through it all without each of you!”

“Going forward, I have been given an opportunity to play an expanded role in the development and funding of Indigenous cultural projects with the Ontario Arts Council. This new opportunity involves facilitating cultural grants for First Nation’s projects, and this important work is a continuance of my work at NWIA. I would like to thank everyone I have worked with thus far within Indigenous arts and cultural communities, and I look forward to continuing to work with everyone, and to also developing new relationships in these communities.”

The Board and Staff at NWIA send thanks to Erika for her dedication to this organization and to Indigenous artists, and for being a well-loved leader and manager. She will be missed, but we know that our relationship will continue as she moves into this exciting new position at the Ontario Arts Council.

Native Women in the Arts is currently seeking applications for the position of Artistic Director, and is accepting resumes to info@nwia.ca by October 23^rd, 2017. Please visit www.nwia.ca and find us on Facebook for the job posting. Due to the volume of applicants, please direct inquiries to info@nwia.ca exclusively.

Ka’nikonhrí:yo Gatherings: Aztec Dance Workshop

Wachay!

We are pleased to announce the next workshop for the Ka’nikonhrí:yo Gatherings: Aztec Dancing with Mapuchedub and Jesus Mora at the Centre for Indigenous Theatre.

The Ka’nikonhrí:yo Gatherings connects cultural leaders to the Indigenous community in Toronto. Leaders who discuss identity, wellness, language revitalization, traditional arts, ceremony, and history, as well as issues that face our communities such as climate change and the environment, decolonization, reconciliation, and sovereignty. Through monthly presentations, based on each leader’s own distinct nation and culture, the gatherings strengthen, empower, and support our community members. Ka’nikonhrí:yo means to have a good mind in Kanien’kéha (Mohawk).

Join us on Saturday, September 23 for the Aztec dance workshop with re-known dancers Mapuchedub and Jesus Mora. Together they will lead a workshop that includes movement, teachings and traditional music. This workshop is open to all members of the community to attend. They have been working within the arts community for many years to bring their culture and traditions from Mexico to the community in Toronto.

About the Aztec Dance Workshop:

Aztec dance is a traditional pre-Hispanic dance from Mexico. Aztec dance is a connection with mother earth and the universe, it is a prayer in movement. During this workshop people will be introduced to this ancient practice and be able to gain full knowledge of the dance. Participants will take with them the richness of Aztec/Mexica vision through this artistic discipline. This workshop is a representation of the eagle and the condor coming together through movement of the body and spirit.

Saturday, September 23, 2017 | 3pm – 6pm
Centre for Indigenous Theatre, Suite 209, 180 Shaw St, Toronto
For more info: events@nwia.ca
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/513911352282790/
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kanikonhriyo-gatherings-aztec-dance-workshop-tickets-37709806045

Mapuchedub & Jesus Mora

About Mapuchedub:

Mapuchedub is Toronto born of Mapuche and Quechua ancestry. She is a mother of two children and they are her inspiration in life. Mapuchedub is recognized for her Aztec dance and has performed and facilitated workshops at various events throughout Toronto, Ontario and Canada. In the mid 90’s she travelled to south America to reconnect to her roots. This journey paved the foundation of her future work with Indigenous people worldwide. She is the creator and writer of an online comic about the connections between African and Indigenous communities in Bolivia and the sacred medicine; Coca. She has contributed photography and design of IR: Indigenous Resistance and The Fire This Time videos: Journey to Sosolakam, I love da Future, La Revoluta,and the imagineNATIVE award winning multimedia piece Dub Navigation. She is a member of 7 Directions; a land based project which supports Indigenous cultural renewal. She is an actor and member of The Beautiful Canoe Collective, working on their future theatre production based on birth stories. The Beautiful Canoe Collective performed and facilitated workshops at Trent University 41st Annual Elder and Traditional gathering.

About Jesus Mora:

Jesus Mora was born in 1971 in a suburb near Mexico City. In 1997 he moved to Toronto and studied at Ontario College of Art in the Drawing & Painting program, where is now lives and works as a multidisciplinary artist. As a teenager, Mora was involved in theatre and has been a part of the performance community since 2003. In 2005 Mora became a member of the Mexica (Aztec) Dance group in Toronto where they have been invited to perform at pow wows, presentations, celebrations, ceremonies and festivals in Mexico, Ontario, Quebec and Vancouver. Mora has engaged with the Aztec Dance Circle as a dancer, drummer and the conch player (prehispanic instrument that represents the element of wind).

Ka’nikonhrí:yo Gatherings: Sundance Teachings with Harry & Juliana Snowboy

We are pleased to announce the next speakers for the Ka’nikonhrí:yo Gatherings, in partnership with the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto:

The Ka’nikonhrí:yo Gatherings connects cultural leaders to the Indigenous community in Toronto. Leaders who discuss identity, wellness, language revitalization, traditional arts, ceremony, and history, as well as issues that face our communities such as climate change and the environment, decolonization, reconciliation, and sovereignty. Through monthly presentations, based on each leader’s own distinct nation and culture, the gatherings strengthen, empower, and support our community members.

The next speakers in the series are:

Harry and Juliana Snowboy, will discuss Sundance teachings and answer questions with respect to the spirit, history, and origins of Sundance ceremonies, and the importance of gaining spiritual sovereignty, and the reclamation of our sacred culture and traditions. Harry and Juliana are the Sundance leaders of the annual Rattlechild Sundance ceremony situated in the traditional territory of the Anishnawbe of Henvey Inlet, First Nation. Both Harry and Juliana are the keepers of various sacred ceremonies and are regarded as Elders and Healers in their community. Both are well-known across the country for the healing and cultural work they have been doing for over 25 years. We are very happy to be hosting them and providing this opportunity to share their wisdom with us. Please join us for this important and inspiring discussion.

Friday, August 11, 2017 | 3pm – 5pm
Auditorium, Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, 16 Spadina Rd, Toronto
For more info: events@nwia.ca
FB Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/452218155159860/

Harry & Juliana Snowboy

About Harry Snowboy:

Harry Snowboy (James Bay Cree), is an author, public speaker, cultural advisor, and a traditional healer to numerous Native communities. A former Director of an Aboriginal Police Force, Harry provides information sessions and guidance on leadership, team-work, and lateral violence in the workplace, as well as reviewing and assessing projects involving programs focused on community well-being. His extensive experience in crisis response has provided him with insight on managing both short and long-term crises. He has also provided guidance to organizations seeking to incorporate holistic approaches on problematic issues facing many Native communities. These discussions are geared towards fostering understanding and bridging the gap between traditional and non-Indigenous belief systems (Languages – English, Cree).

About Juliana Matoush-Snowboy:

Juliana Matoush-Snowboy (James Bay Cree), holds a B.A. in Psychology from Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario. She is trained in suicide intervention (ASSIST, 2002), spent six years as the Social and Health Planning and Programming Officer for CBHSSJB in Chisasibi, Quebec, and worked as an interviewer for Health Canada in Eeyou Astchee. She works closely with her husband, Harry Snowboy, in running various traditional and healing gatherings both in Cree and urban communities, as well as offering drug and alcohol awareness seminars. She also facilitates training and coaching for women’s sweat lodge ceremonials. (Languages – English, French, Cree.)

Rattlechild Sundance

About the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto:

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto is a membership-based, charitable organization located in the heart of downtown Toronto in a beautifully renovated heritage building. Since 1962 the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto has been a key meeting place for all people, of all nations, from across Canada and all over the world. As Toronto’s oldest Indigenous community organization and one of the original Friendship Centres in Canada, the NCCT provides social, recreational, cultural and spiritual services for the Indigenous community and visitors alike.