yāhkaskwan mīhkiwap (aka light tipi)

The Banff Centre ~ Campus access road in front of the Amphitheatre

yāhkaskwan mīhkiwap (aka light tipi)

yāhkaskwan mīhkiwap (aka light tipi) (2014-ongoing) is a performance-based artwork and event by celebrated multidisciplinary artist and singer/songwriter, Cheryl L’Hirondelle (Cree/Halfbreed; German/Polish). The work gathers artists and storytellers, participants and audience around a virtual tipi generated by beams of light cast into the night sky and made visible through the drifting smoke of burning sage bundles.

We welcome all to join to experience knowledge sharing in the form of storytelling and song, and an invitation to both learn and embody tipi pole teachings in this participatory event. An ongoing work by L’Hirondelle that has taken place in different cities and communities since 2014, yāhkaskwan mīhkiwap (aka light tipi) will be co-hosted with performer Anders Hunter (Îyârhe Nakoda) and invite participation from artists in residence and faculty in Banff Centre’s Toga da wôhnagabi: Music Creation Residency 2026.

yāhkaskwan mīhkiwap (aka light tipi) is free and all are welcome. As the event will take place outdoors, please note it will be weather-dependent and warm clothing and suitable footwear are encouraged. At its conclusion, please join us for warm drinks and conversation at Îethka Mâkochî Ahogi Chi Pa Bi Ti: Îethka Territory House of Respect.

yāhkaskwan mīhkiwap (aka light tipi) is presented by Walter Phillips Gallery and Indigenous Arts at Banff Centre in conjunction with the exhibition, Cheryl L’Hirondelle: where the voice touches (((acts, utterances, transmissions for freedom))) at Walter Phillips Gallery, co-curated by Tarah Hogue and Jacqueline Bell, and the Toga da wôhnagabi: Music Creation Residency 2026, organized by Janine Windolph.

Image credit: yāhkaskwan mīhkiwap (aka ‘light’ tipi). Photo credit: Aaron Leon, 2015, BUSH Gallery, Secwépmc Territory.