Building bridges between all communities
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/675121
MAY 2016 PAGE 5 ENTERTAIMENT BEAT RoseAnna Schick. RAS Creative In honour of its 20th anniversary, the Vision Quest Conference will host a special delegate reception on the Trade Show floor on Wednesday, May 18 from 4:30 to 6:30pm. It happens at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, and the Trade Show is free for the public to attend. At the delegate reception will be entertainment by Indigenous Music Award winner Jaaji and the comedy of Don Burnstick. Jaaji (an Inuit name derived from English name George) grew up in a humble little community called Quaqtaq in Northern Nunavik. He was raised by his grandparents in the traditional ways of the Inuit, which influenced his songwriting. Jaaji learned how to play guitar late but started to write at the same time. Today, he has become a household name in Inuit-based music with an Indigenous Music Award (IMA) for Best Indigenous Language Album. Jaaji is working hard to ensure his voice and musical storytelling is heard around the Arctic. He has gone on to doing music as 'Twin Flames' with his partner Chelsey June, who was nominated for Best Folk Album at the 2015 IMAs. Bringing the funny to Vision Quest is Don Burnstick. Don is a Cree from the Alexander First Nation located outside of Edmonton. The youngest of 15 children, coupled with the fact of growing up on the reserve, taught Don a variety of means of defending himself, not the least of which became his use of humour. Burnstick obtained post-secondary training at the University of San Diego in holistic urban youth development. He obtained certification as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor and graduated from the Native Trainers Development program at the Nechi Institute in Edmonton. Don has now been involved within the healing/personal wellness movement for the past 20 years and has utilized humour and performance to provide a holistic approach to healing. Don has also established himself as one of Canada's best comedians. His comedy show "You Might Be A Redskin - Healing Through Native Humour" is a comedic performance that humorously portrays First Nations people, their habits, likes and dislikes. Whether doing workshops or telling jokes, Burnstick brings a message that speaks to a proud heritage, the importance of healing through humor and his continuing desire to leave a better world for future generations. RoseAnna Schick is a freelance writer and entertainment publicist. If you'd like to see your news in next month's Entertainment Beat, please email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca Don Burnstick Jaaji VISION QUEST – FREE ENTERTAINMENT Written by: RoseAnna Schick, RAS Creative mbll.ca/ a WithChildWithoutA t lcohol Get tips and tools for an alcohol-free pregnancy at: Choose to be with child, without alcohol.