Michaela Washburn
Michaela Washburn hails from Alberta and is a proud Métis artist of Cree, French, Irish, and English ancestry. Now based in North Bay, Ontario, she feels blessed to be grounded in ceremony and community-based arts in her work with Aanmitaagzi and Big Medicine Studio. An award-winning actor and writer, Washburn also has multiple award nominations, including the 2023 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prize, the Ontario Arts Council Indigenous Arts Award (2021 and 2018), and the K.M. Hunter Artist Award for Theatre (2011). A published poet, Michaela’s performance and written work has been shared internationally at festivals and theatres in Wales, Aruba, and across Canada and the United States. Her practice spans theatre, film, television, writing, spoken word, clown, improvisation, hosting, workshop facilitation, and stand-up. Michaela is honoured to be continuing to serve as an associate artist with the Stratford Festival.
Kids Books (1)
Synopsis:
Exploring reconciliation and connection through a story that spans seven generations, Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy) tells the story of two eleven-year-olds through the eyes of Grandmother Moon. Eilidh and Wâpam are born under the same blood moon, but Eilidh was born in Scotland and Wâpam in Kihci-Manito kâ ayapit, now known as Manitoba. After sailing across the ocean in hopes of a more prosperous life, Eilidh meets Wâpam deep in the forest, and the two become instant friends. Coming from vastly different worlds, Eilidh and Wâpam decide to teach each other about their ways of life. But when a sacred promise between them is broken, the relationship among cultures becomes jeopardized for generations to come.
Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy) shows audiences that an openness to learn from those who have protected and honoured the waterways for centuries can lead to healing and reconciliation.
Awards
- 2021 Sharon Enkin Plays for Young People Award winner
Reviews
"The show’s script cleverly makes important issues digestible for young audiences."— Van City Vince
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 14.
Additional Information
88 pages | 5.37" x 8.38" | Paperback
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