Join host, Cher Obediah for an evening of storytelling and music with former Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Stacey Laforme, along with Lacey Hill, Dawn Cheryl Hill, and Layla Staats. Raise the Feather is an event honouring Indigenous strength, talent, and voices.
Cher Obediah
Cher Obediah is Ojibway and Mohawk of the Turtle Clan from Six Nations Ontario with roots in Alderville First Nation. She’s a multidisciplinary creative as a filmmaker, writer, speaker, author and artist. Along with operating her production company she dedicates her creativity to projects focusing on healing and transformation, Indigenous culture, domestic violence, youth driven initiatives 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 demonstrating powwow dancing.
Stacey Laforme
Stacey Laforme is the former 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. He 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. Stacey Laforme is committed to building relationships throughout MNCFN’s traditional territory which encompasses 3.9 million acres of Southern Ontario, not only as a former Chief, but as a notable storyteller, poet and best selling author. Stacey Laforme was appointed as honorary senior fellow for Massey College, joining The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and the Chancellor of Oxford as the third person awarded the highest honour the college can bestow.
Lacey Hill
This Oneida Wolf Clan, Six Nations born and bred independent singer/songwriter describes her music as “Indigenous Soul”, grown from a passion for making music since she was a little girl. There is no denying the amount of heart Lacey Hill bleeds into all 3 of her albums. 2024 is a big year, Lacey completed Indigenous Storytellers Residency at Banff Creative Centre, she started writing her first Children’s Musical called “You Are Not Alone” (Y.A.N.A) and wrote a book to go with it ‘Y.A.N.A’ will also be showcasing in Weesageechak 37 Theatre Festival. As she’s writing, Lacey will be acting as herself in the Fall/Winter Tour of “Truth and Illusion”, which is a story weaving musical. Lacey ‘Is featured on Igal Hechts’ T.V. program “Path to Creation” on YesTV and other channels across Canada. Musically, Lacey is working closely with Silverheels Records and RedDoor Studio. Kicking off 2025 with “CRAZY 4 U” at number #2 on the Indigenous Music Countdown with a music video produced by Shane Powless. To keep up, check her out on Social media or her website laceyhillmusic.com
Dawn Cheryl Hill
Dawn Cheryl Hill is the daughter of two residential school survivors, a mother and grandmother, and an enrolled member of the Six Nations of the Grand River. She is a Mohawk from the Turtle Clan, raised in the Tuscarora Territory in Lewiston, NY, and now resides in Ohsweken, Ontario. A beading artisan and published writer, her first book, Memory Keeper, has received multiple accolades, including an Indigenous Voices Award nomination and recognition by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Dawn holds a BA/MSW from the University at Buffalo and is a Registered Social Worker. She retired in May 2024 and opened Sacred Circle Therapy, focusing on intergenerational trauma, violence, addiction, and family issues. With experience in various social work roles, she integrates traditional land-based healing into her practice. Dawn is also an Ambassador for the Chaney Wenjack Foundation.
Layla Staats
Layla Staats is an inspirational and creative multidisciplinary Artist, based on Six Nations of the Grand River. Her work stems from her reclamation journey to take back the Mohawk Teachings that were taken from her before she was even born as a generational survivor of residential schools. Layla is a Filmmaker and storyteller who just premiered her second documentary “Boil Alert” at the Toronto International Film Festival. In the film Layla guides you as she investigates and campaigns around issues of unsafe and unclean water supply in indigenous communities in both Canada and the United States. Toronto Star called Boil Alert “an Ambitious documentary that Transcends geographical boundaries.” Layla is also a singer/songwriter, and a powerful Speaker and Activist. She advocates for Indigenous rights, using her voice, films, music, and activism to support her community.
Tickets: $28.25, Members $23.25