For four days over the next two weeks, passengers departing or arriving at Terminal 1 are invited to enjoy a live Aboriginal hoop dance performed by Lisa Odjig, two-time World Champion hoop dancer.

The hoop dance, which originated in New Mexico and gained widespread popularity across North America at powwows and festivals, is a traditional Aboriginal dance symbolic of the circle of life. A hoop dancer must exercise precision, showmanship, timing, rhythm, creativity and speed as he or she weaves her body in and out of the hoops in time with the fast beat of the drum, all the while creating depictions of animals, birds and the earth.

The performances are presented in partnership with Planet IndigenUs, a multi-disciplinary arts festival taking place at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre and Brantford’s Woodland Cultural Centre, which showcases Canadian Aboriginal artists in an international context. Through music, dance, visual arts, craft design, theatre, literary art and film presented through interactive performances and workshops, the festival hopes to help advance local artists’ careers, develop local, national and international links, and give the beauty of indigenous art new audiences.

Lisa is performing in Terminal 1 on the following dates:
Monday, August 10, in the Domestic Departures area, Node E, from 4 – 5 p.m.
Thursday, August 13, in the International Arrivals hall, from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Monday, August 17, in the, the International Arrivals hall from 4 – 5 p.m.
Thursday August 20, in the International Arrivals hall, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The exhibition by Frank Shebageget, Curtain of Beavers, in Gallery 120 across from Gate 120 in the domestic departures area of Terminal 1 is also part of the partnership with Planet IndigenUs.