Kwi’ah: The Girl Who Heals

Journey to a time long ago on the Kwantlen lands and meet Kwi’ah, a young woman who ventures across a river and into a great cedar forest to seek understanding on how to heal her people from a terrible sickness. The ancient healer Sasq’ets (Sasquatch) may have the wisdom Kwi’ah seeks. Her travels reveal that there are others that urgently require Sasq’ets healing secrets. She crosses paths with Sqeweqs (Raven) and Sp’oq’es (Eagle) who hope to gain the wisdom to save their own communities from fire and famine. Together, they learn and share healing dances and songs to save their people, the fish, and the earth.

Inspired by Kwantlen First Nation tales and molded through the creative genius of Joseph A. Dandurand, Kwi’ah: The Girl Who Heals explores the issues around health and uncertainty, encouraging us to uplift our communities during dark times.

Curriculum Links

Understanding the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures; Responding to, reflecting on and analyzing drama presentations; Responding to, reflecting on and analyzing music performances; Recognize advanced vocabulary, analyze oral language and communication strategies, read and demonstrate; comprehension; Social Awareness and Responsibility - focuses on interacting with others and the natural world in respectful and caring ways; Personal Awareness and Responsibility - relates to understanding the connections between personal and social behaviour and well-being; Positive Personal and Cultural Identity - involves with the awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the factors that contribute to a healthy sense of oneself.

Artist