About

3 Crows Productions is a unique group of Indigenous educational storytellers dedicated to promoting anti-racism, creating awareness of the intergenerational impact of Indian Residential Schools and helping youth strengthen their mental health. Each member is dedicated to the purpose of educating the future generations of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth through presentations, oral storytelling, live theatre performances and short film productions.

Storytellers

Cyril Pierre

Cyril is a member of the Katzie First Nation and an active presenter in school districts, mental health organizations, community healing groups and Corrections Canada. A descendant of well known Katzie speakers on history, culture, and language, Cyril is featured in "Our Story", a documentary about two residential school survivors who candidly share their experiences in Saint Mary's Indian Residential School (1955-1967). His work as an Elder and speaker has been featured on the CBC Evening News and published in "Amongst Gods Own", an in-depth book on survivors of the Indian residential school system. Cyril is a proud father and grandfather. He maintains a strong connection to his family and culture.

Residential School Survivor Joe Ginger in Schools

Indigenous Educational Storyteller Joe Ginger

Joseph Ginger

Joe is a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation and a member of the Uchucklesaht Tribal Council. As a former student of both the Christie and Saint Mary's Indian residential schools, Joe is actively part of many reconciliation projects today. His work as an Elder and speaker was featured on the CBC Evening News. In the documentary "Our Story", Joe speaks on camera about his residential school experience. As a speaker he openly shares relevant issues like the litigation process for survivors, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Common Experience Payment (CEP) and its challenges to reconcile. Joe is a father, grandfather, councillor, and active role model in this era of reconciliation.

Dallas Yellowfly

Dallas is a member of the Siksika First Nation, who was born and raised on Stó:lō territory practising coastal cultures. After completing a Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology/Anthropology, he pursued both stand up comedy and music professionally. He recorded two rock/metal albums, toured Canada as a professional guitar player, and had his comedy featured on CBC radio. Dallas filmed, scored and produced "Our Story", a documentary showcasing two residential school survivors. He has written and performed "Qwalena: The Wild Woman Who Steals Children", a multimedia storytelling presentation exploring the intergenerational impact of residential schools on his family. Dallas blends his experience in stand up comedy, music, and film making to create engaging multimedia storytelling performances.

Alysha Collie

Alysha Collie is an Indigenous artist from the The’wá:lí (Soowahlie) First Nation with African and settler ancestry. Collie graduated from the University of the Fraser Valley with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biology and minoring in Visual Arts. Collie studied traditional plant medicines with guidance from Elders and professors. She was integral to creating the Reconciliation Shakespeare Garden at UFV, a space bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities together through plants and storytelling. She now transfers this knowledge through Guided Forest Tours. She is an Indigenous Educational Storyteller and a Filmmaker at 3 Crows Productions. Collie has produced 14 films focussing on Indigenous Peoples and their unique stories. She created a Storytelling Workshop exploring stories from her nation to inspire youth. Collie has also produced a live multimedia show which explores the intergenerational impacts of cultural genocide on her family. Collie creates custom beadwork through her own company, The Collie Collective (@Collie.Collective on Instagram). Collie focuses on decolonization by reclaiming her ancestral roots.

Qwalena: The Mask

The red cedar mask of “Qwalena” was hand-carved by Xwalacktun of the Squamish Nation. The history of mask storytelling dates back thousands of years and has been an integral part of many First Nations cultures, especially amongst the peoples of the Northwest Coast. Use of a mask is an ancient method of storytelling and still has a great impact on audiences of all ages..Whether it is for storytelling, dancing or ceremony, there is customary protocol in the use or witnessing of a traditional mask. Qwalena, however, is not a traditional mask, but rather it is used for educational purposes outside of traditional settings. The purpose of this mask is to create awareness of First Nations cultures amongst a wider public audience. This mask is used to tell a story, a story that should not be hidden but shared and critically explored.