Pro Series I:Just Breathe, Okâwîmâwaskiy (Just Breathe, Mother Earth)

Just Breathe, Okâwîmâwaskiy (Just Breathe, Mother Earth) developed from a joined vision. It began when Sandra Lamouche and Melanie Kloetzel met through the 10 Ways project, a social media project curated by TRAction, a climate arts collective based in Moh’kinstsis (Calgary). After being selected through a national call for artists, Sandra created a one-minute short called ‘Stewardess of the Land’ to be included in the ’10 Ways to Fix the Planet’ series. The short offered an ironic collision of flight attendant procedures and Indigenous protocols. 

Soon after witnessing Sandra’s short, Melanie received a dream vision that mapped out an evening-length performance work that was clearly inspired by Sandra’s offering. In discussing this vision, Sandra and Melanie decided to pursue a cross-cultural collaboration examining eco-anxiety, its roots and the paradoxes that surround it.

And now, we would like to take you on an immersive journey. As you enter the world of Just Breathe, Okâwîmâwaskiy, observe your responses to the various stimuli you may receive. What do these responses tell you? As you and your fellow travelers navigate uncertain waters, we hope you may glimpse some alternatives to what may feel like a shocking fate.

We would like to thank you, as audience – or really participants – for your willingness to be part of this research journey.