Canada Roars Reviews | Odyssey Showcase

As an American living in Canada, I was surprised to learn how much of Canada’s musical history added to and changed the world.

I attended this performance and was thoroughly and totally transfixed and transformed by the talent, choreography, content and information in the most enjoyable show I have seen in many years. As an American living in Canada, I was surprised to learn how much of Canada’s musical history added to and changed the world. The school children attending were enthralled and attentive and were a joy to watch as they waved their arms and sang along. I would highly recommend this show to anyone who enjoys music! Deborah Davis was a pure joy and her talent transcends many musical eras. Bravo to a great, great show!

Alicia Bailey

The team has consulted with myself and the other First Nations Cultural Ambassadors to make sure the culture, people and history are presented appropriately. These steps are greatly appreciated and therefore has strengthened our participation in the Musical Odyssey.

My name is Jason Gullo Mullins from the Cherokee Nation. I’m a First Nations cultural ambassador, educator, fine artist and performing artist. My roll as a cultural ambassador is to educate and represent First Nations properly.

I’ve been performing with Odyssey Showcase and the Canadian Musical Odyssey ensemble for 12 years. In this time frame we’ve been welcomed with warm arms into the cast as family. The team has consulted with myself and the other First Nations Cultural Ambassadors to make sure the culture, people and history are presented appropriately. These steps are greatly appreciated and therefore has strengthened our participation in the Musical Odyssey.

Canada Roars and Canada Speaks are an awesome layout of Canadian history, the format of teaching through the arts makes it easier for youth to learn especially when you entertain and engage them with mediums they can all relate to: live music, dancing, singing and acting.

I’m looking forward to performing with the cast again soon.”

Jason.G.Mullins

a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the many positive contributions the First Peoples have made right here in our traditional territory of Odawa, also known as Ottawa

“…A brilliant teaching tool…both Canada Roars and Canada Speaks projects provide a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the many positive contributions the First Peoples have made right here in our traditional territory of Odawa, also known as Ottawa…”

Sarah Decontie

You can see the change inspired by education through the arts, the evidence is in their eyes and in their smiles!

“When I portray the role of Pauline Johnson it is always a blessing to see young people’s minds and curiosities open up when they learn about some of the hidden treasures of Canadian History. Many participants come in not knowing who the characters are, but when they leave you can see the change inspired by education through the arts, the evidence is in their eyes and in their smiles! “

Rhonda Doxtator

One Mohawk First Nation student who attended Canada Speaks was excited because he was able to share some of his history with his classmates.

“Working with Odyssey Showcase on Canada Roars and Canada Speaks has been such a rich experience, not only for me but for the students. I am a part of the same culture as the character I portray; Hiawatha, so I feel such a deep connection with him and this comes across to the audience, no matter the age, because everyone is always eager to know more and surprised when they learn something new. One Mohawk First Nation student who attended Canada Speaks was excited because he was able to share some of his history with his classmates. He thought it was “really cool” that I was Mohawk and portraying an important figure that he knew about and could relate to!

Being able to showcase this important figure in a way that is free of stereotypes and assumptions is exactly what the youth of Canada needs. Canada Speaks is the perfect platform for this.”

Will Lafrance

The plays focus on how First Nations influenced our history, aligns perfectly with the new emphasis on aboriginal issues in School and Canadian Society in general.

I am saddened to read that the Canada Roars Spring production will not take place this year. This program on Canadian History offered students a very unique and inspiring summary of Canada’s past. Telling the story with acting, dance and music instilled a sense of pride in our nation building. The content covered the grade 7 and 8 curriculum very well and motivated students to work hard in the history unit with hopes of earning the privilege of attending the production. The plays focus on how First Nations influenced our history, aligns perfectly with the new emphasis on aboriginal issues in School and Canadian Society in general.

I hope that plans can be made to have the show performed in the near future. In just over 2 hours the show brought history alive for my students, something the texbook and videos were seldom able to do in 10 weeks of classes!

Paul Graham

Glashan Public School / Grade 8

We cannot underestimate the importance of the arts in our students life.

I am a teacher at Connaught Public School and I teach a group of Developmentally delayed students in a semi-integrated setting.

We have been extremely fortunate to have been able to participate in the Canada Roars show. This is a unique way to tell the history of Canada. It really brought history to life for my students.

Not only did they get to see the progression of music but they also got to meet the performers who stayed in costume and in character so that they children could interact with them on a personal basis, take part in the music and dance, ask questions, experience the culture and artifacts of yesterday. The performers were kind and patient and so enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and skills.

This program is important as it shows students from all backgrounds the history of Canada, its music and its culture. We cannot underestimate the importance of the arts in our students life. It gives us meaning and depth and a greater appreciation and involvement in our history as it comes alive.

Thanks for funding this program and I feel that it must continue in the future so that year after year of students can experience the wonder of Canada’s history of music and dance.

Anne-Marie de Souza

Connaught Public School