“Zab Maboungou knows how to inhabit a scenic space, not only physically but also mentally, even spiritually.” - Lili Marin, Kaos Magazine, Montreal, 2001

Born in Paris and raised in Congo-Brazzaville, Zab Maboungou discovered the power of dance at an early age. She later studied philosophy in France, a subject she taught, while also teaching dance, in Montréal, where she chose to settle. In 1987, she founded Zab Maboungou/Compagnie Danse Nyata-Nyata (1987), as well as a dance training program, the PEFAPDA (Programme d'Entraînement et de Formation Professionnelle en Danse, 2003) and developed LO.KE.TO, a method of rhythmic alignment.

As early as 1994, her experience and outlook on arts and culture made her an artistic advisor appointed by the Ivorian Minister of Culture to Masa (Marché des arts vivants de la scène d’Abidjan), a program promoting the performing arts, where she was honoured 15 years later as part of "Femme Danse” (2020).

Zab Maboungou is a sought after presence on stages, at festivals and for symposia on 4 continents. Her choreographies, noted for their power, unite the mental and physical spheres, and exude a spiritual strength revealed through a rhythm art equalled only by the mutual engagement of bodies, dance and music.

In January 2024, her company acquired a new venue for its artistic practice, the Centre Création Danse Nyata Nyata.

“Bodies have their own incommensurable life. To connect them is to add to the magic of the world.”

Joseph Naytowhow is a gifted Plains/Woodland Cree (nehiyaw) singer/songwriter, storyteller, and voice, stage and film actor from the Sturgeon Lake First Nation Band in Saskatchewan. As a child, Joseph was influenced by his grandfather’s traditional and ceremonial chants as well as the sounds of the fiddle and guitar. Today he is renowned for his unique style of Cree/English storytelling, combined with original contemporary music and traditional First Nations drum and rattle songs.

An accomplished performer, Joseph is the recipient of the 2006 Canadian Aboriginal Music Award’s Keeper of the Tradition Award and the 2005 Commemorative Medal for the Saskatchewan Centennial. In 2009 Joseph also received a Gemini Award for Best Individual or Ensemble Performance in an Animated Program or Series for his role in Wapos Bay series. That same year he was also awarded Best Emerging Male Actor at the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival for his role in Run: Broken Yet Brave and won Best Traditional Male Dancer at John Arcand’s Fiddlefest in Saskatchewan. Recently, Joseph was awarded the Saskatchewan Arts Board’s Arts and Learning Award for his far-reaching work with many organizations, students and artists. He has performed for the Prince of Wales, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan and many other notables. His demanding schedule continues to take him to conferences, symposia, festivals and art/research projects both nationally and internationally.

Joseph holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan. As an innovative artist, mentor, and a committed arts educator he fully embraces his own lifelong learning curve. Fifteen years of study with a Buddhist master, combined with his nêhiyaw/Cree traditional knowledge and experience as an interdisciplinary artist has nurtured Joseph’s generosity and compassion for sharing cultural knowledge. A much sought-after speaker, counselor, and educator for youth and adults alike, Joseph frequently enjoys opportunities to work as a resident artist and outdoor educator. From 1995 to 2000 he served as the Storyteller-In-Residence for Meadow Lake Tribal Council. More recently Joseph served as Emerging Elder with the Indian Teacher Education Program in Saskatoon, Emerging Elder/Artistic Advisor with Living Sky School Division, and regularly serves as advisor/knowledge keeper with various universities across turtle island. Currently Joseph can be found at the College of Law, University of Saskatchewan where he serves as Emerging Elder/Cultural Advisor.

Flany Ba is a Regina-based dance artist. She performs and choreographs Latin and African dances. As the first Kizomba teacher in Saskatchewan, she has trained several other teachers in the province and she has created a Kizomba dance community in various cities—such as Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert. Flany seeks above all to add value to the artistic community by sharing her knowledge and her passion for dance. She has been a dance instructor for Regina Salseros, Creative Director for KZMB and Production Manager for Regina Afrofest. Her involvement in the arts and cultural community has been recognized through her appointment as a Radio-Canada “Young Leader”. Flany has welcomed the opportunity provided by Recreating Community Together to collaborate with other local artists and learn about their practice. She thinks this is the best way to build bridges, create understanding and relationships, and bring together communities that are otherwise isolated.

Vuyo Ginindza is a Swati artist hailing from the Kingdom of eSwatini in Southern Africa and serves as an avid volunteer and member at-large of Black in Sask. He is currently a theatre student at University of Regina and has worked closely with Listen To Dis' , New Dance Horizons and The Globe Theatre. He’s performed in several plays and play readings. Most notably: Seatbelt by Natasha Urkow, I Want To Fly by Thembelihle Moyo and Sizwe Bansi is Dead, by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona.

Plains Cree (nehiyaw) Fine Artist Sadi Rose ᓴᕀᑏ ᒥᐦᑯᑲᐧᓂᕀ Vaxvick. Born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. Sadi currently lives in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Sadi is registered on Ochapowace First Nation on Treaty Four Territory. Sadi has achieved her degree; Bachelor of Fine Arts specializing in Indigenous Art from the First Nations University of Canada in 2023. Sadi’s main work is painting with acrylic on canvas and drawing on large scale. Sadi also beads, creates sculptures with Brazilian soapstone and wood. Recently Sadi has explored the performing arts. Sadi’s goal is to illustrate children’s books and pass down the Indigenous storytelling and culture to the next generation.