The Grade 3/4 classes went to the WSO and the Science Gallery. We listened to the orchestra perform the Spirit Horse Returns. It was an excellent performance!
In The Spirit Horse Returns, an Indigenous friend of one of the musicians in the
orchestra is gifted an Ojibwe Horse to care for on their family farm. Not knowing
anything about this Indigenous-developed breed, they and the audience go on a
journey of discovery.
An Indigenous knowledge keeper takes us back through time to meet these
mysterious "small horses of the deep woods" who were helpers and spirit guides
to First Nations and Métis people. Exploring the diversity of Indigenous cultures,
we visit the magnificent Horse Nations of the prairies, and jig with a joyous Métis
kitchen party. The arrival of settlers also brings challenges and changes as the
small "Indian Ponies" are pushed aside during colonization and used for such
purposes as the Gold Rush and Pony Express.
But when it seems they will be lost forever, the last few horses are rescued!
Through the daring efforts of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people working
together, the horses are given new life and hope. We're gifted a beautiful new
song to carry with us as caretakers of the Spirit Horses. Finally, we are
introduced to an inspiring prophecy that shows that we have a place in bringing
about a better world where people of all Nations care for each other and for the
land we share.
