New Blood fundraiser

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

Strathmore High School students are gearing up for a special performance of New Blood at the Carseland Community Centre on March 29, aiming to raise funds for their upcoming trip to Ottawa where they will perform at a national event in May.

The production New Blood blends contemporary dance with traditional Blackfoot music and storytelling. The students have been invited to perform at the Canadian Museum of History and the National Drama Festival in Ottawa. However, with travel costs estimated at $1,500 per student and an estimated 30 students going, fundraising has become a crucial part of the journey.

The Carseland fundraiser came to life thanks to the efforts of a dedicated parent, Mr. Ledger, who took charge of organizing the event. 

“He just kind of took it under his wing,” said director Deanne Bertsch. “They got all the food donated, which is amazing.”

The fundraiser has already sold over 50 tickets with hopes to sell many more. Students are working hard to spread the word, encouraging friends, family, and community members to attend.

For the students, this trip is not only an opportunity to showcase their talents, but also a chance to represent their culture on a national stage. 

Trinity Pretty Youngman, one of the performers, expressed her excitement. 

“I think it’s an amazing experience that we get to go on, especially because we’re (mostly) all from Siksika (and) you don’t really get the opportunity as an Indigenous kid to go across Canada to perform something so special,” she said, sharing that she is excited to represent her parents and grandparents who experienced the horrors of the residential schools. “I’m proud to be where I come from, I’m proud to speak my language, and I’m excited to show that part of Canada that nobody gets to see because we don’t get many opportunities like this.”

The production’s significance goes beyond performance. Student Ella Peterson, 16, emphasized the pride they feel knowing the community is behind them. 

“It’s nice to know our community supports what we’re doing,” she said.

Bertsch highlighted the unique challenge of adapting New Blood for Ottawa. The full-length show runs 75 minutes, but for the festival the students will perform a condensed 45-minute version. 

“We’ve done the shorter version before, but we’ll have to start practicing it again.” Bertsch said.

While the trip is a thrilling opportunity, it’s also a bittersweet one for some students. For seniors like Sarah Taylor, 18, this will be their final opportunity to perform with the group. 

“I’m excited to perform in Ottawa because I think the show needs to be seen by as many people as possible,” she said.

The fundraiser in Carseland is more than just a night of entertainment – it’s a community effort to ensure these talented students can proudly represent their school, their culture and their stories on a national platform.

Tickets for the March 29 performance are $50 for a dinner and a show with a question and answer to follow. Tickets can be purchased in person at The Vault (thevaultonline.ca) with proceeds directly supporting the students’ trip to Ottawa. Community members are encouraged to attend and show their support for this meaningful cause.