So many incredible people have poured their dedication into bringing Skeleton Canoe to life. The process has been a long and winding river with many tributaries. Follow the journey of Nawbin, Jiimaan, and all their friends as they bring their lessons and adventures to many spaces, places, and communities.
The O’Neil National Puppetry Conference
In June 2023, Ty Defoe and Jiimaaan journeyed to Waterford, CT to participate in the National Puppetry Conference at the invitation of Jean Marie Keevins and Pam Arciero. There Ty and his strand worked with natural materials and the beautiful landscape to discover movement. Ty asked participants to bring fishing line, d-rings, wood, snew, and a knife. Special thanks to Ty’s strand: Zac Crofford, Brittaney Talbot, Kristin Horton, Coldin Grundmeyer, Jeremy Black
MacDowell Fellowship
In December 2022, Ty Defoe and Kate Freer journeyed to the MacDowell community in St. Peterborough, New Hampshire for a story, puppet, and projections development residency.
Chicago International Puppet Festival Work-In-Progress Showing
January 29th + 30th 2022 the team came together for the first time to present a work-in-progress of Skeleton Canoe at the American Indian Center of Chicago in partnership with the International Puppet Festival of Chicago. At the workshop, AMR presented the first 30 minutes of Skeleton Canoe as well as a birchbark workshop and community meal. We worked with puppet prototypes, a stand-in set and projection surface, and a small lighting package from the festival to test out design elements. During this time we gained feedback and acknowledgement from the community that we were moving in a good way and permission to continue development.
Collaborators: Ty Defoe, Katherine Freer, Mark Denning, Lux Haac, Emma Deane, Olivia Shortt, Katrina Brown Akootchook, Kris Waymire, Blair Thomas, Kevin Finney, Maggie Finney, Angus Bush, Jenna Wood, Jae Vega
Tiny Tempest Farm
In July and October of 2021, Ty and Kate Journeyed out to Tiny Tempest Farm at the invitation of Blair Thomas for some initial Skeleton Canoe. There they were joined by Mark Denning. This rich development period was made possible by a grant from the MAPP Fund.
