Summer Bear Dance Troupe
From: Manitoba
Performing at: Festival Park Stage
Barbara Nepinak, a member of Minegoziibe Anishinabe - Pine Creek First Nation is retired after serving 35 years of federal public service. Barbara is active in the Urban and surrounding areas serving on Advisory Councils and Boards as Elder and Cultural Advisor.
Presently, she serves on the Elder in Residence for the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, Anita Neville. Board member of the Indigenous Advisory circle to the Forks and National Board member for the Cultural Human Resources Council in Ottawa as well as providing Elder teachings in the 7 Oaks School Division. Barbara has also received recognition awards such as the Recipient of the Keeping the Fires Burning through Ka Ni Kanichihk, which is an acknowledgement of being a Traditional Knowledge and Wisdom Keeper.
She was twice recognized with the Citizenship Award by previous Mayors. Barbara is also an interpreter/translator for CanTalk a national organization that provides language translation services. Barbara is on the Board of Directors of Graffiti Gallery and Age & Opportunity Centre.
Barbara has received the Queens Golden Jubilee Award alongside her late husband Clarence Nepinak. Both have been involved with various schools in the Artist in the School program with cultural teachings. Both individuals have been delivering school and public programming at The Forks for the last 26 years. They also share traditional stories and legends for school divisions during the winter season. Winter public programming is also on-going at The Forks. Barbara has been recognized as a Hometown Hero by the Winnipeg Jets.
Barb has also received an UNESCO International Awarded in the field of Best Narrators and Heritage Masters (Living Human Treasures) - International Category given by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, United Arab Emirates. As well as the Award of Distinction from Tourism Award Winnipeg/Manitoba.
Barbara is a recipient of the Order of Manitoba. Manitoba 150 Medal and most recently the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
For any other information required please contact:
Barbara directly at 204-688-1952 or by email at cnepinak1@shaw.ca
All Ages