Bio

My name is Darian Brown, and I am Dakota Sioux residing in Wolastoqiyik territory. I began dancing at a young age by taking inspiration from fellow dancers in the arena. Currently, my preference has been for fancy shawl, but in teaching I have taught basic steps to specific dance styles. I enjoy using my dancing experience to provide education and hopefully inspire younger generations to upkeep the traditions and culture.

Residency Project

Working alongside an experienced artist, I am planning to teach various styles of pow-wow dancing to the younger generation. This learning will be done through an interactive process, including but not limited to games, structured time, and student-led dancing. The objective is for children to learn basic steps and begin learning cultural teaching that accompany the dances. I am hopeful with early exposure to pow-wow the children can learn, take interest, and pass it on to later generations.

Teaching Experience

Over the past year and a half I have been formally teaching in two separate elementary schools (kindergarten to grade 5). Prior to this involvement, I was in a summer placement over several years at the Woodstock First Nation reserve where I assisted in the development and implementation of regalia making workshops followed by dance classes. I taught mostly women ’s styles with ages 4-15 with this group.