Pakitinam: Choreographers Circle

Pakitinam provides resources and mentorship to emerging Indigenous choreographers as they develop a spark of inspiration of their choice. The program first began as a pilot project in early 2021. After such a positive response from participants we decided to create a permanent program within RSD for emerging Indigenous choreographers called Pakitinam.

The program embraces and celebrates RSD’s mission statement and values:

Our mission is to empower & elevate Indigenous voices. We do this by sharing stories from an Indigenous worldview through Creation and Performance, Mentoring, Sharing Opportunities, Nurturing Relationships and Advocacy.

Pakitinam is an act of demonstrating the power of Indigenous artists coming together to share stories, knowledge and resources in a space of care and empowerment for all in the circle.

Pakitinam 2026

The artists in this year’s Pakitinam are Samantha Sutherland, Judith, Colibri and Sandra Lamouche

Mentors are Jeanette Kotowich, Salome Nieto, Michelle Olson, and Starr Muranko.

Pakitinam 2024

The artists in this year’s Pakitinam were Cameron Peal, Madelaine McCallum, Nick Miami Benz, Raven Grenier, Samantha Sutherland, and Sarah Prosper,

Mentors were Alvin Erasga Tolentino, Brian Solomon, Christine Friday, Jeanette Kotowich, Lisa Gelley-Martin, Yvette Nolan, Michelle Olson, and Starr Muranko.

Pakitinam 2022

The artists in this year’s Pakitinam were Cherith Mark, Dakota Camacho, Sandra Lamouche, Sasha Rochon and Sophie Dow.

Mentors were Troy Emery-Twigg, Cole Alvis, Charles Koreneho, Starr Muranko and Michelle Olson.