Cree/Stoney Nakoda drummer Cedric Lightning grew up around southern Alberta as a member of the Samson Cree and Mini Thni nations and started singing at the young age of 2 and making sticks at age 14. Cedric grew up in the system so moved around a lot and coped by learning powwow, perfecting his mistakes and skills along the way. He jumped at any chance to attend events as he felt it was the best way to connect to his people. On one of his powwow adventures, he purchased a flute and taught himself how to play, thus leading him to the opportunity of working on theatre projects with Making Treaty 7 and recently, One Yellow Rabbit/Ghost River Theatre’s Echos of the Land. When not creating traditional and original music and acting as a musical director, he makes powwow sticks, Initially as a hobby, which has evolved into a real handcrafted business. His passion is sharing his accumulated knowledge with youth. Together with his oft-collaborators local poet, musician and actor, songwriter Kris Demeanor and Siksika Nation drummer Skip Wolfleg, they’ll share stories, humour, songs and dance in the round dance and pow wow traditions.

- Kerry Clarke