Jeffrey Papatie

Conferences, School offer, Traditional dance

Native of Lac-Simon, Jeffrey Papatie transmits his culture and love for traditional dance. As a speaker and a dancer, he carries his message of hope from community to community. Jeffrey is a true Anicinabe cultural ambassador.

Traditional dancer Jeffrey Papatie joins Anicinabe rapper Samian for the filming of his music video (2020) @Megis Ottawa

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Traditional dancer Jeffrey Papatie meets the students of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce school, in Rouyn-Noranda (2017)

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Traditional dancer Jeffrey Papatie with the group Maten on the stage of the Innu Nikamu festival (2016)

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Conference 1 : Path of a Dancer

Traditional dance, much more than an art, is also a prayer, a special bond with the Creator and all forms of life. For Jeffrey Papatie, it also represents what allowed him to reconnect with himself. He therefore wishes to share his vision of the Pow-Wow, and the values and traditions attached to it. In the form of a hands-on workshop, it teaches participants certain dance movements and certain elements of making a regalia. It explains what it means to the wearer: What are feathers used to craft the regalia, what they symbolize and what are the rites associated with them. Throughout the activity, Jeffrey Papatie teaches respect for Native American dances.

Clientele: for all
Duration: 1 hour to 2 hours
Language: French and English

Conference 2 : The Importance of Respect Between Peoples

Through an introduction to Anicinabe dance and some of the traditions of this culture, Jeffrey Papatie teaches that respect lays at the base of all religions: Respect for nature, for animals and for human beings. Beyond the judgments and fears often aroused by religions, the same desire emerges: that of unity. By recounting his own experiences, he makes it clear that no one is immune to racism and that it is important to open up to others and listen to the teachings of the enlightening people we meet on our path.

Clientele: For all
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Language: French and English

Conference 3: The importance of Studies

Jeffrey Papatie explains how deafness and family problems drove him to drop out and how, today, he realizes the importance of studying. By describing his difference and the intimidation he suffered, he tells how he managed, despite everything, to build his self-confidence and how he regained confidence in the Creator. Having become sober at the same time he regained his hearing, thanks to a hearing aid, he demonstrates the importance of listening to the teachings of others. He also shares on the dangers of consumption and the obstacles it poses.

Clientele: secondary, CEGEP
Duration: 1 hour to 2 hours
Language: French and English

Conference 4: Accepting Your Past

From his own personal experience, Jeffrey Papatie explains the importance of forgiving yourself. By recounting the person he was before, his journey with drugs and gas, which took him from poverty to violence, including a stay in prison, he brings the participants to the hope and the beauty of the life. He explains how he rediscovered his taste for life, thanks to dance and the rediscovery of his own culture.

Clientele: secondary
Duration: 1 hour to 2 hours and more
Language: French and English

Photos: Dominic Lafontaine (Miaja show) and Christophe Migeon (portraits)

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