New Blood Review

As published in the June 21, 2023 Indigenous Peoples Day edition of the MCA Communiqué

Breathtaking performance of New Blood 

reviewed by Pastor Bill Christieson, Foothills

More than 30 people connected with the Foothills Mennonite Church Buffalo Shout group attended the performance of New Blood at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary. Over the summer months, the Buffalo Shout group is engaging Indigenous events to deepen personal interaction with Indigenous history and peoples. The New Blood performance brings local Indigenous history to the audience.

New Blood was created by Strathmore drama teacher, Deanne Bertsch, as a way of communicating the history of the Blackfoot people. In particular, it is the story of Siksika First Nation residential school survivor Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman. The show combines Blackfoot tradition, poetry, dance and drama with the music of Peter Gabriel. It features both Indigenous and non-Indigenous performers and has been running for a decade. Last week’s production was the first time it had been performed with a live symphony.

The show was deeply moving. The beauty of the artistry and music, and the heart wrenching story was a profound way to communicate local Indigenous history. Through the terrible story of the suffering and oppression of Indigenous peoples and the terror of the residential schools, New Blood ultimately communicates hope -- hope that is found in the resilience of Indigenous peoples. Though every attempt was made to destroy Indigenous communities and traditions, they have survived. We honour those who survived and the memory of those who did not. This type of public performance open our eyes, broadens our perspectives and move us toward reconciliation.