Description

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, 
Punctuate! Theatre, and Pyretic Productions present

Kohkom’s Babushka

Written by Lianna Makuch & Joleen Ballendine
Inspired by the book by Marion Mutala
Directed by Lianna Makuch
Movement Directed by Anna Kuman

Previews: October 10, 15, & 16
Premiere: October 18


Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is proud to present Kohkom's Babushka, a new family theatre production developed in collaboration with Pyretic Theatre, Pemmican Collective, and Punctuate! Theatre. 

When feuding tweens—Paulette, who’s Métis, and Natalia, who’s Ukrainian—are forced to team up to protect a beloved tree from being cut down, they are accidentally transported back to the turn of the 20th century. The girls find themselves caught in an unfamiliar world and must discover a way to cooperate if they want to find their way back home. Along the way, they discover connections between their two cultures through music, dance, and their values, and craft the beginnings of a new and profound friendship.

Inspired by the work of prairie author Marion Mutala, Kohkom’s Babushka re-examines the legacies of traditional Canadian settler stories, fostering dialogue that celebrates both differences and shared values. It highlights the beauty of cultural traditions, the spirit of generosity, and the enduring power of friendship.

Join Banff Centre for this family production, great for ages 8+.
 

The New Play Productions are generously funded by The Slaight Family Foundation.
 

Praise for Punctuate! Theatre

"ever-enterprising" - The Edmonton Journal
"Never let it be said that Punctuate! Theatre doesn’t earn its exclamation mark." - 12thNight.ca

Kohkom's Babushka
Page Summary
Experience the heartwarming world premiere of Kohkom’s Babushka, a time-travelling family play. Previews Oct 10, 15, 16; world premiere Oct 18.
Exhibition
No
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Age Restrictions
Ages 8+
Event Tags
Performance Date
Date
Audience View Micro Site URL
https://tickets.banffcentre.ca/Online/mapSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=3FBEEBD0-7C4C-46B2-BBF7-F6888CAA3886
Extra Description

Premiere

Computed Sort Date
1760837400
Description

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Based on the story by Washington Irving
Adaptation & Story by Peter Balkwill, Anna Cummer, Steven (Pityu) Kenderes, and Judd Palmer
Written by Anna Cummer and Judd Palmer
Directed by Craig Hall
Alberta Theatre Projects
In association with Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Featuring The Old Trout Puppet Workshop
World Premiere
 

Previews: October 11, 14, & 15
Premiere: October 17 


Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is proud to present the premiere of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, developed in association with Alberta Theatre Projects and featuring The Old Trout Puppet Workshop.

Ten years after the American Revolutionary War, the country is still haunted by the violence that created it.  A country school master, Ichabod Crane, finds himself dispatched to a remote village North of the Hudson River: Sleepy Hollow. Here, he tries to bring the inhabitants of this deeply superstitious hamlet into the 18th century. But secrets run deep, and not all is as it appears in this place still haunted by its past.

Brought to wildly imaginative life by the twisted genius of The Old Trout Puppet Workshop, this world premiere adaptation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow breathes exciting new life into the enduring and haunting tale of the Headless Horseman. 

Experience this thrilling tale first, before it heads to its full theatrical run at Alberta Theatre Projects in Calgary. Just in time for Halloween, travel to Sleepy Hollow at Banff Centre!

The New Play Productions are generously funded by The Slaight Family Foundation.
 

Praise for The Old Trout Puppet Workshop:

“A fantastical visual world” – The Globe and Mail

“…Unimaginable creativity and talent… downright beautiful.” – Vue Magazine

“As funny as it is inventive” – The Guardian

“Brilliant, sublime and often hilarious… sheer visual poetry…” – Monday Magazine

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Page Summary
Catch the haunting world premiere of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Previews Oct 11, 14, 15; world premiere Oct 17.
Exhibition
No
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Event Tags
Performance Date
Date
Audience View Micro Site URL
https://tickets.banffcentre.ca/Online/mapSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=14F0597C-1479-4E6C-8D21-8AB40960BEFE
Extra Description

Premiere

Audience Advisory: Suggested for ages 12+, mature content, dark imagery, theatrical effects (loud sounds, flashing lights, water-based non-toxic fog/stage haze).  For further advisory information which contains light show spoilers, please click HERE.

Related Items
Computed Sort Date
1760751000

Submitted by Jessica Brende… on
English
Man wearing blue button down standing outside with arms crossed in front of chest

fullwidth padding

Shahrokh Yadegari, composer and computer musician, has collaborated with such artists as Peter Sellars, Robert Woodruff, Ann Hamilton, Christine Brewer, Gabor Tompa, Maya Beiser, Steven Schick, Keyavash Nourai, Siamak Shajarian, and Hossein Omoumi. He has performed and his productions, compositions, and designs have been presented internationally in such venues as the Carnegie Hall, Royce Hall, Festival of Arts and Ideas, OFF-DAvignon Festival, International Theatre Festival in Cluj/Romania, Ravinia Festival, Ruhr-Triennale, Vienna Festival, Holland Festival, Tirgan Festival, Forum Barcelona, Japan America Theatre, The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, and the Institut für Neue Musik und Musikerziehung (Darmstadt).

Yadegari holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, a Master's in Media Arts and Sciences from MIT's Media Lab, and a Ph.D. in music from University of California, San Diego. He has worked at Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique (IRCAM), and he is one of the founders and the artistic director of Kereshmeh Records and Persian Arts Society, organizations dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of Persian traditional and new music. Yadegari is currently on the faculty of the department of Music at University of California, San Diego, and an associate director at the Qualcomm Institute where he directs the Sonic Arts Research and Development group.

Composer
Description

Join us to learn how to make a medicine pouch during National Indigenous History Month with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and artists Elder Ekti Margaret Cardinal and MJ Belcourt. 

We invite you to join artist MJ Belcourt Moses for a hands-on workshop grounded in Indigenous cultural teachings and practice. Participants will create their own pouch using smoked, tanned deer hide while learning about its role in carrying sacred medicines and personal items. All materials are provided.

Registration required. Availability is limited, as there are supplies for 9 participants. 
Open to all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience. 

This course is now full. 
If you are confirmed but can no longer attend, please email box_office@banffcentre.ca 
The waitlist is also full. You will be contacted on the waitlist if a spot becomes available.

Join Banff Centre throughout the month of June for National Indigenous History Month. Other free events include a dance workshop, storytelling, online film screenings, and a Virtual Art Marketplace.
 

 

Medicine Pouch Workshop, National Indigenous History Month at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Page Summary
Join us to learn how to make a medicine pouch during National Indigenous History Month.
Exhibition
No
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Performance Date
Date
Expandable Content
Faculty Biographies

MJ Belcourt and Ekti Margaret Cardinal

Melissa-Jo Belcourt (MJ) comes from a rich Métis ancestry and possesses a wealth of cultural skills, acquired from Métis and First Nation Elders and Knowledge Holders throughout northern and central Alberta. Her passion lies in her cultural heritage where she continues to research to find better understanding of her ancestral legacy she follows. As a certified instructor, she has taught decorative arts and creative skills within Indigenous cultural art programs and continues to support the community both aboriginal and non-aboriginal in facilitating workshops to teach both the history and traditional art skills. Recognized in November 2006 with the city of Edmonton Salute to Excellence Citation and Performance Award for representing Alberta at the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival by exhibiting and demonstrating her Metis roots in art. In 2009, MJ was awarded the Aboriginal Role Model of Alberta Art Award for her work as an Artisan and as a recognized cultural art instructor. On September 8th, 2018 through the initiative of Canadians for a Civil Society MJ received the Daughter of the Year award. January 2019 MJ accepted the role as Edmonton’s Indigenous Artist in Residency.

Elder Ekti Margaret Cardinal, is an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper from Saddle Lake First Nations in north eastern Alberta who was raised in a family which maintained, practised and taught the values of Traditional Cree culture. She is a well-known Tipi and Tent Maker, who has taught and sold TIPIS at Lubicon/ Little Buffalo Band # 453, Blue Quills University, Ashmont School, Fringe Festival, Edmonton Folk Festival, Saddle Lake Education Authority, and Private individuals for personal use. She has developed and taught courses in a wide variety of indigenous traditional skills such as horse and moose hair wrapping, quill work, fish scale arts, caribou and moose tufting, various forms of bead works, moccasin making, talking sticks, mini-sweet grass basket making, beaded turtles, bears, buffalos, horse amulet pouches and their teachings, and hosts women’s gatherings yearly. Margaret Cardinal is a “Resident Kokoom”, one of the Elder and Knowledge and Language Holders at the Faculty of Education, at the University of Alberta.

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Description

Banff Centre's Mountain Culture and Indigenous Arts programs invite you to join us for a pair of films directed by Blackfoot documentarian Trevor Solway. Both films feature his community of Siksika Nation. One spotlights a climber's journey of self-discovery through the sport, and the other explores Indigenous masculinity. 

Iikaiksimatsa'pao'p (Grateful to Be on the Land) Canada, 2025, 13 min
Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man Canada, 2025, 77 min

This event is free and all are welcome. Cash bar available. 
In case of inclement weather, this outdoor screening will take place in the Margaret Greenham Theatre.

Please note that Maclab Bistro will be closed September 10-11 for a private event, but on-campus dining is still available at Vistas Dining Room. Guests may use the washrooms in the Max Bell Building during film screening. 

 

With support from 

Banff Canmore Foundation Logo

 

From the film Iikaiksimatsa'pao'p (Grateful to Be on the Land)
Page Summary
A night under the stars celebrating Indigenous films! Join us for two films by Blackfoot documentarian Trevor Solway.
Exhibition
No
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Performance Date
Date
Computed Sort Date
1789178400
Description

Bring a blanket and the whole family for this first of two nights of inspiring mountain films under the stars! 

These inspiring fan-favourite films from the 2025 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour will take you on a journey spanning ski slopes, bike trails, glaciers, and beyond. 

Cold Calls - Japan (Tour edit) USA, 2025, 6 min
The Hive Architect UK, 2025, 12 min
Best Day Ever USA, 2025, 47 min
2025 Audience Choice Award Winner
Deluge Canada, 2025, 2 min
A Baffin Vacation, Love on Ice Canada, 2025, 26 min

This event is free and all are welcome. Cash bar available. 
In case of inclement weather, this outdoor screening will take place in the Margaret Greenham Theatre.

Please note that Maclab Bistro will be closed September 10-11 for a private event, but on-campus dining is still available at Vistas Dining Room. Guests may use the washrooms in the Max Bell Building during film screening. 

From the film A Baffin Vacation: Love on Ice, photo by Eric Boomer
Page Summary
Bring a blanket and the whole family for a lineup of inspiring films from the 2025 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour..
Exhibition
No
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Performance Date
Date
Computed Sort Date
1789092000
Description

In celebration of National Indigenous History Month, watch a curated lineup of short films from Indigenous filmmakers sharing Indigenous cultures, stories, and voices, from the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.

These films were available online from June 21-27 | FREE
Only 500 views were available, so order in advance to guarantee your chance to watch these films. 

Borrowed from the Earth – 15 min (USA) 
Throughout their respective histories, both horse and Indigenous people have been corralled. Fences put horses in pens and the Blackfeet on reservations, but the centuries-long attempts to subdue both was also successful in strengthening the connection between horse and man.

En Plein Air – 15 mins (CAN)
Two decades after the expedition that launched his art career, Indigenous painter Alfred Villeneuve returns by canoe to paint in the wilderness, where nature is both subject and guide.

The Hard Way – 16 mins (USA)
Matt Mendes, is a Warm Springs tribal member and guide whose life is intertwined with the cycles of the Deschutes River. Taught by his grandfather, the first Native American guide on the river, Mendes has spent years carving his own path—one defined by patience, hard work, and an unshakable connection to the water and land.

Iikaiksimatsa’pao’p (Grateful to Be on the Land) – 13 mins (CAN)
Cassie Ayoungman, founder of Soul of Miistaki and member of the Siksika nation, embarks on a journey to bring the healing power of the mountains to those within her community. Breaking down barriers to climbing, and integrating Indigenous teachings and land-based learning, she raises questions about representation and redefines what it means to be on the land.

Shaped by Land – 16 mins (USA)
Adam Kjeldsen is one of the only Inuit ski guides operating in Greenland, a destination dominated by foreign operators. Shaped by Land follows his pursuit of a more sustainable vision for ski tourism—rooted in deep connection to land, community, and culture.

Join Banff Centre throughout the month of June for National Indigenous History Month. Other free events include jewelry and dance workshops, storytelling, and a Virtual Art Marketplace. 
 

 

With support from 

 
From the film The Hard Way
Page Summary
Watch a curated lineup of short films by Indigenous filmmakers sharing cultures, stories, and voices from the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.
Exhibition
Yes
Free
Yes
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Exhibition Dates
-
Licensed
Off
Computed Sort Date
1782086399
Description

Join us to learn how to make mini-moccasins during National Indigenous History Month with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and artists Elder Ekti Margaret Cardinal and MJ Belcourt. 

Please join us for Day 1 of creativity with Ekti Margaret Cardinal. Together you will make small smoked native tanned deer hide moccasins with the optional embellishments. The purpose of these moccasins are for safe travels, offerings and prayer! Kits will be provided! 

Registration required. Availability is limited, as there are supplies for 8 participants. 
Open to all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience. 
This course is now full. 
If you are confirmed but can no longer attend, please email box_office@banffcentre.ca 
The waitlist is also full. You will be contacted on the waitlist if a spot becomes available.
 

Join Banff Centre throughout the month of June for National Indigenous History Month. Other free events include a dance workshop, storytelling, online film screenings, and a Virtual Art Marketplace.
 

 

Moccasin Workshop, National Indigenous History Month, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Page Summary
Join us to learn how to make mini-moccasins during National Indigenous History Month.
Exhibition
No
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Performance Date
Date
Expandable Content
Faculty Biographies

MJ Belcourt and Ekti Margaret Cardinal

Melissa-Jo Belcourt (MJ) comes from a rich Métis ancestry and possesses a wealth of cultural skills, acquired from Métis and First Nation Elders and Knowledge Holders throughout northern and central Alberta. Her passion lies in her cultural heritage where she continues to research to find better understanding of her ancestral legacy she follows. As a certified instructor, she has taught decorative arts and creative skills within Indigenous cultural art programs and continues to support the community both aboriginal and non-aboriginal in facilitating workshops to teach both the history and traditional art skills. Recognized in November 2006 with the city of Edmonton Salute to Excellence Citation and Performance Award for representing Alberta at the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival by exhibiting and demonstrating her Metis roots in art. In 2009, MJ was awarded the Aboriginal Role Model of Alberta Art Award for her work as an Artisan and as a recognized cultural art instructor. On September 8th, 2018 through the initiative of Canadians for a Civil Society MJ received the Daughter of the Year award. January 2019 MJ accepted the role as Edmonton’s Indigenous Artist in Residency.

Elder Ekti Margaret Cardinal, is an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper from Saddle Lake First Nations in north eastern Alberta who was raised in a family which maintained, practised and taught the values of Traditional Cree culture. She is a well-known Tipi and Tent Maker, who has taught and sold TIPIS at Lubicon/ Little Buffalo Band # 453, Blue Quills University, Ashmont School, Fringe Festival, Edmonton Folk Festival, Saddle Lake Education Authority, and Private individuals for personal use. She has developed and taught courses in a wide variety of indigenous traditional skills such as horse and moose hair wrapping, quill work, fish scale arts, caribou and moose tufting, various forms of bead works, moccasin making, talking sticks, mini-sweet grass basket making, beaded turtles, bears, buffalos, horse amulet pouches and their teachings, and hosts women’s gatherings yearly. Margaret Cardinal is a “Resident Kokoom”, one of the Elder and Knowledge and Language Holders at the Faculty of Education, at the University of Alberta.

Computed Sort Date
1781724600
Description

Come learn the basics of Indigenous pow-wow dance with artists Olivia Tailfeathers, Julien Tailfeathers, and Stephanie Braverock—all familiar faces at Banff Centre.

This fun, celebratory community program digs into key dance techniques, with dance instruction centred around Indigenous ways of knowing and being. This workshop is open to all backgrounds and experience levels, and is free with pre-registration.

Note: This workshop is now full. 

Join Banff Centre throughout the month of June for National Indigenous History Month. Other free events include jewelry workshops, storytelling, online film screenings, and an Indigenous Virtual Art Marketplace. 
 

 

Photo courtesy of Julian Tailfeathers
Page Summary
Come learn the basics of Indigenous pow-wow dance in a fun, celebratory community environment.
Exhibition
No
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Performance Date
Date
Extra Description

Register in advance. 
This workshop begins at 5:30 pm. 
5:30 - 6:30 pm (1 Hour) 

Expandable Content
Biographies

Olivia Tail Feathers and Julian Tail Feathers

Olivia Tail Feathers is a songstress from the Blood Tribe in Southern Alberta. Olivia has sung in many genres of music and created her own unique style of song through her musical experiences. She is a Blackfeet woman who grew up speaking the language and living the Plains native culture. During her first years of teaching in federal schools she realized the absence of indigenous song in the music curriculum. She has since created the native songs she carries with her today.  

Olivia helped-to start-filling the gap of Traditional/Contemporary native song, in classrooms and community events. She is proud of her heritage and continues sharing her stories and songs. Olivia founded a youth singing grouping in 1994, the Kainai Grassland Singers, the movement of the tall grasses by the summer breeze, the image of her ancestors of the past gave her the passion and vision to re-create.   

Olivia has performed with many First Nation’s Singers, she gives credit to the Banff Center for the Arts in connecting with Indigenous singers from North America. Olivia is an international recording artist and was a singer in, ’Hearts of the Nations’ Compilation C.D. (Sweet Grass Records) and Ninihkssin C.D.’ (Arbor Records).  She has credits in Documentary film and is featured in ‘Singing Our Stories, First Ladies of Indigenous Music’ NFB, and the ‘Intertribal Music Series’, CBC and APTN. Olivia was the recipient of the first ‘Keeper of Traditions Award’, CAMA 1999, Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society Award 2021, Lifetime Arts Award 2021(BCCS), Teacher Excellence FNMI. Most recent her recordings have been utilized in soundtracks for the following films: Iniskim, Beyond the Reason of Hope and the Marvel film series, Echo.   She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree from the University of Montana, Missoula, Montana. 
 

Julian Tail Feathers is a Blackfeet and Kainai traditional/contemporary singer and drummer from the Blood Tribe in southern Alberta. Julian has accompanied his mother Olivia Tail Feathers with harmony in numerous performances in Blackfeet Territory. Julians’ Blackfoot name is Night Singer which was given to him at the annual Blood Sundance. Julian is compassionate about his Blackfeet culture, in his youth he was a traditional dancer and now loves to sing in his Blackfoot language with the Grassland Singers. Julian has experience in creating spoken word, he enjoyed the work he did with ‘Center for Indigenous Theater’. Julian appreciates going into the mountains to connect with spirit and continuously grows as a knowledge keeper. 

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Description

Hear stories connected to the land and Indigenous history of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain, with knowledge keepers Anders Hunter, Duane Mark, and Suzan Marie.

Hosted by Deborah Green, this storytelling panel with Suzan Marie and Duane Mark elevates the voices of our local storytellers, knowledge keepers, and elders for a warm, community-based gathering. Anders Hunter will introduce this story sharing session.

Join Banff Centre throughout the month of June for National Indigenous History Month. Other free events include dance and jewelry workshops, concerts, online film screenings, and a Virtual Art Marketplace. 

 

snowy mountain with mist in foreground
Page Summary
Hear stories connected to the land and Indigenous history of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. 
Exhibition
No
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Performance Date
Date
Expandable Content
Biography - Suzan Marie

Denesuline/Cree Artist & Author

Suzan Marie is a Denesuline/Cree woman born and raised in the Northwest Territories. 

As a residential school survivor, Suzan has experienced firsthand the loss of culture and language that deeply impacted her life. In response she is reclaiming her culture through being from a long line of traditional artisans.

A traditional teacher keeping ancient Dene skills alive for over thirty years, Suzan co-authored two books; Whadoo tehmi / Long-ago people's packsack Dene babiche bags: tradition and revival, and Dene Spruce Root Basketry / Dene ts'ukegháí tene rahesi: revival of a tradition, also referred to as The Dene suitcase and Dene pots and pans. 

Susan has taught across Canada and the U.S. to all ages through what she called reconciliation healing. She works with moose hair, porcupine quills, moose and caribou hooves, dentalium shell, antler, spruce-root, babiche bags, bone, beads, and embroidery, using contemporary and traditional techniques. She sews earrings, caribou and moosehide mitts, and various styles of moccasins. In 2002 Susan was the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Metal for her commitment to keeping culture alive. 

A harvester of traditional materials and medicines, Suzan lives and breathes her culture. Susan is also a mom and Setsune to her grandson Carver.

IG @sprucerooteweaver

Computed Sort Date
1780529400
Event Subtitle
With Duane Mark, Suzan Marie, Anders Hunter, and Deborah Green
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