ADDAS ABBA, ETHIOPIA—Champion hoop dancer Lisa Odjig of Wiikwemkoong was invited to Ethiopia by the Canadian government and the embassy of Ethiopia in celebration of Truth and Reconciliation Day. Ms. Odjig travelled to Ethiopia on September 27 for a week-long cultural exchange to that African nation.
Although she was invited by the Canadian government, Ms. Odjig was mindful of who she truly represents. “When I’m invited to dance, I honour our ancestors, our First Nations people and especially our Indigenous brothers and sisters who were in residential schools,” she said. “There were thousands of Indigenous children that did not make it home to their families and communities. In my prayers, I promised that I would make them proud.”
Ms. Odjig has twice held the title of World Champion Hoop Dancer and it is through her art she honours those who went before. “Cultural survival, because the residential schools tried to take away our traditions and culture,” she said. “It was an honour and an opportunity of a lifetime. I thought that it’s important to share and educate the world about our Indigenous culture, traditions, songs and dances.”
In that cultural exchange, Ms. Odjig had the opportunity to dance with Ethiopian tribes such as the Mursi Tribe of Omo Valley. She performed both fancy shawl and hoop dance. “There were Ethiopian dance troupes,” she said. “They performed their traditional songs and dances. It was excellent! The night was perfect.”
The visit included technical preparation with rehearsals, workshops and a reception performances on September 29, September 30 and October 1.
“I had a busy schedule,” she said of her visit. “I met with embassy staff at an ‘all staff’ meeting and shared a cultural workshop about cultural survival and hoop dance. I also shared information about National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada and some history about the residential schools.”
On October 1 there was an embassy reception where she performed the fancy shawl and hoop dance for diplomats from other countries as well as Ethiopian officials.
Ms. Odjig said that she thoroughly enjoyed her visit to Ethiopia and she highly encourages Canadians to explore that nation’s rich culture and heritage.
“I want to share and also give credit to Ethiopia Tour,” said Ms. Odjig. “They are a licenced tour operator in Ethiopia and have been recommended by Government of Canada. If anyone is interested in touring Africa in Ethiopia, if they want to see the tribes and African wildlife, we highly recommend Tibebu Ethiopia Tour!”
Information on touring Ethiopia can be found at www.tibebuethiopiatour.com, she supplied, adding that Tibebu is also available on Instagram and Trip Advisor.
