Shannon Thunderbird facts for kids

Shannon Thunderbird is a talented artist from the Coast Tsimshian First Nations in Canada. She is a singer, songwriter, speaker, and educator. She also writes plays and books.

About Shannon Thunderbird

Shannon Thunderbird is a respected Elder from the Giluts'aaw tribe. Her family belongs to the Gispwudwada, or Orca, Clan. She is also a teacher of the medicine wheel, an important symbol for many Indigenous peoples. It represents balance and connection to the world.

Shannon shares ancient Indigenous knowledge in many ways. She leads workshops, drumming circles, and stage shows. She also shares her wisdom through her writings. Shannon has worked with thousands of people across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Sharing Culture Through Performance

Shannon and her performance partner, Sandy Horne, have taught many students. They have visited over 350,000 students in schools and colleges. In 1991, Shannon started Teya Peya Productions. This company focuses on First Nations arts and education. She is the Artistic Director of the Thunderbird Native Theatre and the Red Cedar Sisters Vocal Trio.

Her stage shows share different stories and traditions. Some of her touring shows include "Wolf Thunder: Big Drums Are Calling!" and "Turtle Thunder Sings." Other shows are "Sweet Thunder Medicine Wheel" and "Daughter of the Copper Shield." She also offers workshops like Spirit Thunder Drumming. These workshops celebrate different cultures and Indigenous traditions.

Speaking Up for Indigenous Women

Shannon Thunderbird is a strong voice for Indigenous women and girls. She speaks about the culture, history, and spirituality of Indigenous people. Her "Fireside Chats" cover important topics. These include "Seven Steps to the Colonization of Indigenous People." She also discusses "Power of the Matriarchy: Women Take Back the Drum." Other topics are "Indigenous Restorative Justice: Truth and Reconciliation" and "Truth and Timelessness of the Medicine Wheel."

Shannon believes Indigenous women should be able to practice their culture freely. This includes playing the big drums. She is the keeper of two big drums, Gyemk Loop and K'ool Gyet Nah Hool. She teaches about the true history of Indigenous women. She highlights their important roles in tribal structures. This includes creating stories, songs, ceremonies, and playing the big drums.

Books and Writings

Shannon Thunderbird has written several works that share Indigenous knowledge.

• Truth and Timelessness: Indigenous Medicine Wheel Knowledge. This book was published in 2020.
• She was a featured writer in We Do It This Way in 2014. Dr. April Go Forth edited this book.
• She also contributed to The Art of Living, A Practical Guide to Being Alive. Claire Elizabeth Terry edited this book in 2008.

Music Albums

Shannon Thunderbird is also a recording artist.

• Wind Centre was released in March 2011. She created this album with Sandy Horne.
• Another album is titled May Your Spirit Be Strong.
• A new CD called "Red Cedar Sisters" was planned for 2020.