Makhena

Honouring Tradition Through Movement: The Storytelling Power and Evolution of the Hoop Dance
Makhena Rankin Guérin

Join Makhena as she shares the beauty, resilience, and adaptability of Indigenous cultures through the art of hoop dance — a dynamic and visual storytelling tradition. Makhena introduces the hoop dance as a powerful medicinal and storytelling dance, and also as a symbol of Indigenous evolution. Participants will hear a brief history, including the inspiring origin story of Pokawis, the young boy who began the hoop dance tradition. During the hoop dance, students are encouraged to interpret the different animal shapes that are made. Makhena shares how the dance has offered lessons in humility, perseverance, and the creative use of resources.