Dallas Arcand shared an entertaining taste of Cree culture with the kids at Landing Trail Intermediate School last Wednesday.
Arcand, or “Kray Z Kree” as he is known, is an acclaimed Aboriginal singer/songwriter who, along with his son (Dallas Jr. Arcand-Gladue) has been recognized by the Aboriginal People’s Choice Awards. Dallas Jr. accompanied his father on stage playing a buffalo hide hand drum. Dallas Sr. performed a rap that illustrated that you can still swing a slick message while delivering the message of the Cree. Dallas Sr. later came on stage in elaborate Aboriginal clothing and danced through 13 hula-hoops in what is called Aboriginal “hoop dancing.”
Originating from the Alexander (Kipohtakaw) Plains Indian Cree Nation, Dallas Sr. seeks to deliver the Cree message through his music and culture.
“We are all children of Mother Earth, and we must respect, protect and honour [the Earth],” Arcand told students.
LTIS principal Glen Finney appreciated the message the performers shared with the students.
“It’s important for all our kids to be a part of that culture. The important thing in Dallas’s performance is it includes everyone … it’s a celebration of all cultures,” explained Finney, who found himself joining the performers on stage to play bass guitar.
“It was a lot of fun,” said the principal. “We were setting up beforehand, and got on the topic of playing things, and I [said], ‘I play bass. Can I help you out?”
The father and son duo were invited by the principal’s wife, Agnes Finney, who liaises between the First Nations Métis Inuit program at the school.
“I promote the Aboriginal culture as much as I can in the school.”
