Join our host, Cher Obediah, for an evening
of storytelling and music with Chief R. Stacey Laforme, Keith Silver, Bradlee
Llyod Henry, Tiffany Silversmith, and Wendy Hill.
Indigenous cultures have long passed on
knowledge from generation to generation through oral traditions, including
storytelling and music. Storytelling is a traditional teaching method about
cultural beliefs, values, customs, rituals, history, practices, relationships,
and ways of life.
Cher Obediah
Cher Obediah is Ojibway and Mohawk of the
Turtle Clan from Six Nations Ontario with roots in Alderville First Nation.
She’s an award winning filmmaker, author, speaker and certified aerobics
instructor. She is the creator of Cultural Cardio, a unique blend of aerobics
and Woman’s Fancy Shawl Powwow dancing.
Cher started in theatre before making her
way into television as a reporter. She currently works in film and operates her
own production company. She is a multidisciplinary creative lending to projects
that focus on healing and transformation, equality and inclusion, Indigenous
culture, domestic violence, all things art and content that inspires others to
recognize their worth.
Cher received the Truly Independent Award
from the Hamilton Film Festival, she was the 2020 Hamilton Media Arts Award
winner and also the winner of Canfitpro’s Got Talent.
Chief R. Stacey Laforme
R. Stacey Laforme is the elected Chief of
the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN). Born and raised on MCFN
Chief Laforme has served his community for over 25 years.
Chief Laforme has participated in a number
of committees and boards throughout his time as a Councillor, including
involvement with the MCFNs Pan Am Games Secretariat (PAGS). As Chair of the
PAGS Committee, Invictus host First Nation and many more.
Chief Laforme is committed to building
relationships throughout MNCFN’s traditional territory, which encompasses 3.9
million acres of Southern Ontario, not only as a Chief, but as a notable
storyteller, poet and best-selling author.
Keith Silver
Keith Silver is Oneida, Bear Clan from the
Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. He started performing music at the
age of 13, in the church band. He began playing with his family band at the age
of 17, at local establishments in the Brantford ON and Hamilton ON area. He has
had the pleasure of playing with musicians such as Murray Porter, George Leach,
Josh Miller, Crystal Shawanda, Dry County and many other talented musicians as
a freelance bassist and backup vocalist.
Bradlee Llyod Henry
Bradlee is a Six Nations band member from
the Onondaga Nation turtle clan. Since age three, Bradlee has been learning and
practicing his traditional way of life through song, dance, and art. Along his
journey, Bradlee has discovered many interests, gifts, and talents that connect
to his well-being mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Tiffany Silversmith
Tiffany Silversmith is a Six Nations Band
Member from the Onondaga Nation, Turtle Clan. She is 23 years old, born and
raised in Hamilton. Tiffany is currently living on Six Nations with her older
sister and nephew, although she spends a lot of time in Hamilton.
Tiffany has many gifts and talents that she
has discovered and has found her voice and has been singing publicly for the
past 6 years. Tiffany is a young leader in our community who deeply cares about
making change. She is an artist and performer that has many interests in
playing any musical instrument, writing her own songs, wood burning, and enjoys
learning the Cayuga Language.
Wendy Hill
Wendy Hill is from the Cayuga Nation, which
is one of the Six Nations/Longhouse people. Wendy’s spiritual knowledge began
as a child through her dreams and spiritual experiences. She was raised through
her people’s traditional ceremonies and continues her ancestors’ spirituality.
At twenty years old she had a near-death experience and was given insight to
her abilities as a healer. Today she works as a healer and peace-builder in
many different Native communities in North America. She travels extensively, motivating
community wellness and healing, as well as awareness of the Earth’s changes.
She does hands-on healing for pain and illness, as well as emotional, mental
and spiritual healing. Wendy continues to enlighten and share guidance,
direction and healing wherever she goes.