On The River

On the River is a 60-minute live performance of music and video (Video Ballad) that tells the story of the Cree, Dene and Métis peoples’ community of Fort McKay, on the Athabasca River. The community has experienced tremendous changes in the past 70 years. On The River explores these changes, telling the story through the lens of the life of former chief Dorothy McDonald-Hyde.

On The River combines new songs, written by Maria Dunn and the members of Asani and performed by award-winning musicians Maria Dunn, Debbie Houle, and Sherryl Sewepagaham with video interviews from people who knew Dorothy McDonald-Hyde.

Dorothy McDonald-Hyde was the first elected female chief in Alberta. After being a band manager for several years in the seventies, she served four terms as chief between 1980 and 1992. During this time, she laid the groundwork to acquire the basic services for the community that they enjoy today.

Following the performance there will be a panel discussion and Q&A with family members of Dorothy McDonald-Hyde.

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