The Wild Moccasin Dancers are a intertribal dance collective that live work and play on the Unceded Coast Salish Territories.
The artists involved have been sharing their gifts for most of their lives, and express these gifts through songs, dances, and storytelling. They believe that by sharing what has been gifted to each of us, we strengthen the gifts within all of us. The Wild Moccasin Dancers engage the audience and encourage participation by creating a safe space of inclusion. Their mission is to bring all peoples together by utilizing medicine wheel teachings through intertribal dance steps and styles. Regardless of race, gender, religion, age or ability, there is enough space for all of us.
In addition to performing at festivals, theatres and corporate/private events, The Wild Moccasin Dancers are also available for school workshops and classes. Their workshops are a wonderful opportunity for the audience to experience a more in-depth breakdown of the steps and the meanings behind the dances. Their Pow Wow Glow Workout helps build your flexibility, stamina and endurance. You will experience and learn the meanings of each of the dances by trying each of the styles. This class blends pow wow moves with yoga to tone and strengthen your mind body and spirit.
Dancers available:
David Whitebean (Men's fancy dancer)
Chief Rock (Drummer/grass dancer/smoke dancer and story teller)
Lisa Monchalin (Jingle dress dancer)
Shyama-Priya (Women's fancy dancer)
As well as others depending on availability and request.
Shyama-Priya began dancing as a teen and was extremely shy of public speaking until she started sharing the gift of dance. Dancing is a gift to your spirt, it is a gift to others. Dance is a way to express your inner being.
One of her notable appearances was dancing in The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremonies! A year later she was honored to be invited by Larry Yazzie, two time world champion fancy dancer, to dance with his group,The Native Pride Dancers. This was a 6 week dance tour that brought her to the USA and Europe!
"Vancouver's Shyama-Priya wore a spectacular golden shawl and outfit covered with intricate beadwork. The "dance of transformation" evoked a fluttering butterfly. Her footwork was airy and she possessed the confidence of a beautiful, almost supernatural being." - Star Tribune USA
John Miller WMD's traditional dancer/MC Pow Wow Anouncer with his daughter Maddy junior girls traditional dancer (right)
Wild Moccasin Dancers with
drummer Chief Rock(left)
"We really loved your performances and workshops. But mostly your spirit with the kids. I would say the most impressive and beneficial thing I witnessed was how open, welcoming and safe you felt. There is often a perception or imaginary barrier between children and performers and even more so with performers of different cultures than the majority of the audience. I was so grateful for the lack of barriers and the willingness to share your knowledge and talents that came from your group. That is something very unique and I would hire you again just based on that alone.
I also thought the addition of your hip hop singer was very well suited to some of the older kids that come to the festival. We often struggle to create programming for ages 9-12 so they of course loved the hip hop element of your performance" - Rachel Bland, Ha Ha Ha Kidz Fest, Penticton
