JAMES STRECKER: If you were asked for 50 words for an encyclopedia to summarize what you do, or have done, in the arts, what would you say about your purpose and creations?
SANDRA LARONDE: My purpose is to center and elevate Indigenous narrative through the telling of our own stories through interdisciplinary creations and to make a difference.
We have contributed to the “Indigenous canon” as our new creations contribute to the breadth and scope of Indigenous-led work in Canada while strengthening an international presence.
We have played a pivotal role in the Indigenous cultural resurgence of Canada for 20 years and counting.
JS: Please tell us what we need to know about the film More Than Dance, We Are A Movement.
SL: The film “More Than Dance, We Are a Movement” shows extended excerpts of our recent work (notably “Trace” and “Miigis”), and viewers will meet exciting collaborators and voices from the community. They will experience the contemporary spectrum of Indigenous arts. They will gain insight into our creative process and the context in which Red Sky rose to prominence. They will learn why it’s important for a company like Red Sky to exist.
JS: What important beliefs do you express in or through your own work?
SL: The important belief that I express through my work is the fundamental belief that we live in a world that is more-than-human. I do not limit myself by the constricting belief that only humans matter and only create with humans in mind. There are many other beings that are alive and sentient in this great web of life and how do I tell and elevate that interconnected story in exciting and meaningful ways? How can humans feel more connected up to the natural world and feel less isolated?
JS: What are your biggest challenges as a creative person?
SL: I am someone who has strong creative ideas. The biggest challenge is to know when the right time is for certain ideas to be realized. Ideas seem to have their own life.
Existing colonial systems and structures sometimes constitute barriers or walls to my imagination, change, and positive risk-taking. It can sometimes create self-doubt.
JS: What are your most meaningful achievements?
SL: My most meaningful achievement is creating a compelling vision for the future of Indigenous arts in the 21st century and to have made a difference. I have created a company from scratch and a company that matters, especially during a time of cultural resurgence in this country.
We have travelled extensively across Canada and around the world, putting Indigenous arts on the world map. In terms of a specific project, I’m very proud of “Tono” as an example of this. It was a three-country collaboration with Canada, Mongolia, and China. Everyone put their hearts into the work, and it was such a big accomplishment for all of us. We became family in the process, and we ended up performing at the Beijing (2008) and Vancouver (2010) Cultural Olympiads, World Expo Shanghai, and we performed across Canada and Mongolia as well.
JS: What do you ask of your audience?
SL: I only ask them to come on the journey with us. Our performances are highly sensorial, and it will engage all of their senses. Our hope is that they feel differently than when they first walked through our doors.
JS: How has living with the pandemic affected your creative life?
In light of the global pandemic and its significant impact upon the arts sector, I have created and produced energetic digital content. As a company, we were moving more towards the digital world before the pandemic, but covid-19 has certainly accelerated our learning curve. I’ve made new inroads toward a meaningful shift in the digital space that will help people to connect with Indigenous stories and ethos.
I’ve also wanted to write a novel for a few years now. When the pandemic hit, I thought that I better do it now as there won’t be another time to do so. Right now, I’m completing my first novel for mid-school readers which will be published in 2022.
The pandemic has certainly reminded us all of what’s important in life. It has made me take stock, realign, refresh, and reboot. It’s been great to see people realize that the arts are essential to our well-being. People needed stories and artistry to find hope, meaning, and wisdom during such a time of great upheaval.
The film, More Than Dance, We Are A Movement, will stream in Canada only from April 14-20, 2021, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Toronto’s award-winning Red Sky Performance. It is presented by the national initiative Digidance and partner Harbourfront Centre.
