Musician Laura Vinson meets up with Lyle and David Donald, a father and son who head up the Edmonton Metis Dancers. David is living his dream, teaching young people the traditional Metis Jig, and he’s sharing his knowledge with people who have disabilities like Stacey who has Down Syndrome. Laura helps disabled artist Esther make her dreams come true by introducing her to Donna Robillard, a wise and caring Kokum (Grandmother) from Edmonton’s Indigenous Artist Market who gives her some marketing tips. Kokum Donna overcame the trauma of sexual, physical and alcohol abuse, and her son and daughter have learned to cope with FASD syndrome. Donna’s belief and her beading art help her stay in recovery

Awakeners is a 6-part series with nationally acclaimed Indigenous singer-songwriter Laura Vinson. She is on a personal journey to connect with extraordinary Indigenous artists with disabilities. Their spirit-born work is awakening the beauty of Indigenous people to all who see, hear, and feel their art. Louis Riel’s prophecy is coming to pass! The Indigenous artists are The Awakeners!

Also available in French: La danse et le rêve