Tasheena Sarazin says she has been an indigenous traditional dancer since she was in diapers.
And after 25 years of hard work the 28-year-old took part in a performance of a lifetime this weekend as she sang and danced at the Indspire Awards, which is an annual event which recognizes Indigenous professionals and youth who demonstrate outstanding career achievement.
The 28-year-old St. Joseph-Scollard Hall graduate sang traditional music and was a dancer in the opening act with well known artist Buffy Saint-Marie.
“It’s been a really crazy time trying to come down from that high from being there,” said Sarazin, who is also married and a mother of three.
“It is so uplifting to work with singers from all across Canada that have had the same obstacles and doing it because it’s the right thing to do. It has really given me more inspiration and energy to keep going,” she said.
The local indigenous traditional dancer noted that many of her role models were part of the event too.
The performance took place at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on March 24th, and the event will air on a later date on APTN and Global-TV.
The event also gave her a amazing realization.
“I never thought of myself as someone who has a career teaching culture, and sharing art in a way that empowers others,” she said.
Sarazin is also is proud to represent Ojibwe and Algonquin women at the awards show, where producers of the show were impressed by her powerful movements and presence on stage.
“I know I am back home being a Mom and back to my community, and I’m very thankful I get to come back to this and I am feeling very proud. I have worked very hard, staying true to who I am and being able to represent that without compromising anything; I carry a lot of pride in that,” she said.
The Indspire Awards promote self-esteem and pride for Indigenous communities and provide outstanding role models for Indigenous youth, and perhaps the next time Sarazin is attending this event she won’t be a performer, she will perhaps be an award winner.
