A co-creation between Folk Star Arts Academy, The Wild Moccasin Dancers, and Lower Mainland Punjabi and Indigenous community members, including Surrey, Vancouver, and the surrounding communities. The primary goal is to engage youth and emerging artists from these communities in the creation of an original, cross-cultural performance piece that brings together Punjabi Bhangra and Indigenous Powwow Dance.

The Indigenous dance troupe The Wild Moccasin Dancers is officially on board as a partner. Folk Star also has regular relationships with community members through schools, Punjabi clubs, and youth arts organizations. Most participants are already engaged with Folk Star’s regular programming, including free Bhangra workshops, turban-tying classes, and folk music classes taught at Guru Angad Dev Elementary School, the academy’s established community partner.

Outreach strategies to attract new members:

• Carrying out pilot cultural exchange workshops in schools and community centres.
• Creating social media campaigns based on past success stories and the opportunity to be part of a unique intercultural performance.
• Offering free registration and transportation aid for youth from underprivileged communities.
• Engaging elders and community leaders to inspire participation through word-of-mouth and trust networks.

The collaborative and open nature of the project is emphasized in all outreach so that participants feel included, valued, and invited to contribute to this culturally diverse new work.