Virginia Jessica Sparvier-Wells (McMann)

V. Jessica Sparvier-Wells is a Cree musician, contemporary dancer and choreographer. She is a member of Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan. A classically trained flutist, she has a Bachelor of Music from the University of Calgary. Her research focus has been contemporary music, jazz, and improvisation. She has successfully defended her thesis for her MFA - Contemporary Arts at Simon Fraser University. Her recent compositions and soundscapes explore Indigenous identity and history.

She has been dancing fancy shawl, jingle and hoop dance since 2003, and has had the opportunity to present contemporary and traditional work at festivals across western Canada, and tour northern Europe. Currently her personal experience, Two-Spirit identity, Cree and Blackfoot language, and the strength of Indigenous women guide her current contemporary dance work.

www.wildmintarts.com www.jessicamcmann.com

photo: Chelsea Yang Smith