Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo, first Kanien’kehá:ka winner of the Prix de la danse de Montréal, INTERPRÈTE category

The Regroupement québécois de la danse (RQD) and the Caisse Desjardins de la Culture are pleased to present the Prix de la danse de Montréal, INTERPRÈTE category to the first Kanien’kehá:ka recipient of the prize, Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo. The prize, along with a $10,000 grant, were awarded at the PRIX DE LA DANSE DE MONTRÉAL (PDM).

The jury was impressed by the unifying character of the winner’s creations. According to the jury, “This great artist embodies a bridge between her people and society as a whole: she builds up sensibilities and opens up new possibilities”.

“As an Indigenous woman, this recognition especially touches me on a deeper level. For hundreds of years, on the land we now call Canada, our dances were discouraged, called “unprofessional”, and even illegal in many parts of this country. We were made to feel invisible. Today, for my community and my ancestors, I thank you for making one Indigenous dancer feel more visible today.” – Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo, winner of the Prix de la danse de Montréal 2021, INTERPRÈTE category.

Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo is from the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) Nation and has been a dancer and choreographer for over 25 years. She specializes in creating works that highlight Indigenous themes, stories and perspectives. True virtuoso of the hoop dance, she often combines powwow, Haudenosaunee dance, and mainstream contemporary styles to create a fusion of dance that speaks to many different audiences.

“Our sector depends on dancers in countless ways. Our interdependent ecosystem should continually ensure the recognition of their work, which is why the RQD created the Prix Interprète en danse.” – Nadine Medawar, Executive Director of the RQD.

In presenting the Prix INTERPRÈTE, the RQD rewards dancers for the quality of their work, the rigour of their approach and their commitment to the creation and development of professional dance in Quebec. The $10,000 cash prize associated with the award includes a financial contribution from the RQD and the Caisse Desjardins de la Culture, proud partners of dance.

About
Founded in 1984, the Regroupement québécois de la danse (RQD) represents and defends the interests of dance professionals, in order to promote the growth and visibility of choreographic art, and to contribute to the improvement of dance practice conditions.

The Caisse Desjardins de la Culture was founded in 1994 with the intention of giving artists, artisans, creators and cultural businesses and organizations the means to realize their talents and fulfill their aspirations. A financial cooperative with solid roots in its community, the Caisse helps self-employed workers achieve their personal and professional projects, offers companies and organizations financial services adapted to their respective realities, and plays a role in the socioeconomic development of the cultural community by supporting constructive approaches and projects.

Les Prix de la danse de Montréal is a non-profit organization whose mandate is to promote Montreal as an international hub for creation and performance in dance and to highlight the dynamism of personalities, organizations and institutions in the dance community by awarding honorary distinctions and financial rewards.