Ni Nagamoon

Ni Nagamoon (Neheyiwak for “my song”) is a First Nation cultural sharing created and performed by Niagara-based performing artist, Nicole Joy-Fraser. Through storytelling and original hand drum songs, Nicole shares her Anishnaabe teachings, based on her journey and reclamation of Indigenous heritage. This 30-40 minute intimate and interactive workshop is ideal for children in Gr. 1-3 -with each session catered to one class at a time. Students and teachers are invited to use shakers and rattles to join Nicole in the music making.

Nicole Joy-Fraser is a Niagara based, Community Helper and Performing artist with Euro Settler and Nehiyaw/Tsa’Tine/Métis bloodlines from Horse Lake First Nation, Alberta . For over 20 years she has been storytelling for stage and screen, across Turtle Island and beyond, and has worked with many celebrated companies such as The Stratford Festival, The Shaw, Mirvish, Soulpepper, Theatre Aquarius, CBC, CBS, BBC and Telefilm.  She was recently nominated for a Dora award with the company of Canoe for Outstanding Ensemble in the Opera division and was awarded Outstanding Achievement in the Performing Arts in 2020 by Niagara’s Celebration of Nations. As a proud Bear clan, 2Spirit matriarch, Hand drum carrier and 60’s scoop witness, supporting each other through healing and the Indigenous arts continues to be a passion of Nicole’s and she is grateful to the Aniishnaabeg and Haudenosaunee communities that have been guiding her urban Indigenous reclamation. Nicole has had tremendous support from Carousel Players over the last several years as theatre creator; she was artist in residence in 2020 with previous credits; Peg and The Yeti, This Will Be Excellent and The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito. Ni Nagamoon comes from much encouragement from her Mentor and co-collaborator Monica Dufault. Kinânaskomitin to all my relations.