Sept 8: Chishkale: The Blessing of the Acorn
Online screening and panel discussion
Join us for a free screening of the dance short, Chishkale: The Blessing of the Acorn, followed by a panel discussion with those who worked on the film.
If you would like information about how to become involved, email Stella at stella@dancemission.com and she put you in contact with the collaborators.
Bernadette Smith, from the Manchester band of Pomo Indians, weaves the story of her Tan Oak conservation efforts in Northern California into a contemporary Indigenous dance piece created to honor the sacred, traditional food of California Natives. The “Acorn Dance” is performed on Sogorea Te’ Land Trust in Huichin on Ohlone Territory (Albany, CA).
After the screening we will speak about Sudden Oak Death, the toxic use of “slash and spray” agriculture, land and food sovereignty, Indigenous knowledge, living traditions, art as activism, and more.
Panelists include dancer and activist Bernadette Smith, cultural bearer Kanyon Sayers-Roods, land steward Vitoria Montaño, choreographer Rulan Tangen, and composer Esme Olivia, with conversation facilitated by Tisina Parker.
Chishkale: The Blessing of the Acorn is the third installment of The Acorn Project, a year-long collaboration between Dance Mission Theater and Costanoan Indian Research Inc, in partnership with Dancing Earth and Native One.
To attend the event on Zoom, register in advance at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6215983354870/WN_yHOgH62LSgGfHUejPhmhbw
Chishkale: The Blessing of the Acorn is a film by Hover Pictures, directed by Linda Mai Green, and produced by Dance Mission Theater in collaboration with Costanoan Indian Research Inc and Native One.
