Supernatural stories of the Abenaki Indians
Gerard Rancourt Tsonakwa brings American Indian culture, stories to Dunham Hall
Aren Dow
Issue date: 11/17/09 Section: A&E
"I did tours in various places in the world. I went to Ireland and listened to stories told in their native tongue, Gaelic. I didn't understand a word, but I got a sense of the story. But they needed to tell them in their language because that was the tradition," Tsonakwa said.
Tsonakwa's work was also used in a Dance in Concert 2009 piece titled, "Maheo: An Abenaki Creation Story." Artistic Director for the concert Calvin Jarrell said Tsonakwa's piece gave the event an international feel coupled with a West African piece "Samba Koro." "Maheo" is about the creation of the world.
"The magic made of Native American storytelling is in the movement of the storyteller," Jarrell said.
Despite having the courage to howl like a coyote Saturday, Tsonakwa said he was not always comfortable telling his stories in public. He said by continuing to practice and perform, it became easier and eventually rewarding.
"I guess I kind of fell into it," Tsonakwa said. "The first few times I told stories, I was afraid to get up and talk. By confronting the fear to speak in public, I overcame it."
Tsonakwa said there was also a personal aspect to sharing the different tales, which has kept him close to his roots and ancestors.
"If I told the stories, not only would people hear them and learn them, but I was reminded and they were refreshed for me," Tsonakwa said. "That was very rewarding."
Tsonakwa's work was also used in a Dance in Concert 2009 piece titled, "Maheo: An Abenaki Creation Story." Artistic Director for the concert Calvin Jarrell said Tsonakwa's piece gave the event an international feel coupled with a West African piece "Samba Koro." "Maheo" is about the creation of the world.
"The magic made of Native American storytelling is in the movement of the storyteller," Jarrell said.
Despite having the courage to howl like a coyote Saturday, Tsonakwa said he was not always comfortable telling his stories in public. He said by continuing to practice and perform, it became easier and eventually rewarding.
"I guess I kind of fell into it," Tsonakwa said. "The first few times I told stories, I was afraid to get up and talk. By confronting the fear to speak in public, I overcame it."
Tsonakwa said there was also a personal aspect to sharing the different tales, which has kept him close to his roots and ancestors.
"If I told the stories, not only would people hear them and learn them, but I was reminded and they were refreshed for me," Tsonakwa said. "That was very rewarding."
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