A collaborative film by Steven Thomas Davies (Coast Salish, Snuneymuxw and European ancestry) with Jeanette Kotowich (Cree Métis) and Dani Zaviceanu (Romanian Canadian), accompanied by a re-mix by artist, DJ, and sound producer Dean Hunt (Heiltsuk Nation). Written In My Blood was created with the intention of challenging the patriarchal and colonial narratives that dominate our urban and rural landscapes by making space for and privileging Indigenous female voice and perspective. This project was conceived with and curated by independent curator Toby Lawrence for an outdoor exhibition in two cities on Vancouver Island.
“Returning to an Indigenous knowing body our movement has the ability to transcend & decolonize previous patterning. Written in My Blood expresses longing & belonging through how we relate to the environment around us. At any moment we arrive to where we are with all histories/territories accounted for – and we reference identity from this place. The movement score is derived from deep listening & reverence for land; all of that which sustains us. Influenced by traditional and contemporary dance forms the performance uses breath, impulse & instinct to unravel and honour the moment.” – Jeanette Kotowich