On The River

On The River is a 60-minute live performance of music and video (video ballad) that tells the story of the Cree, Dene and Métis peoples’ community of Fort McKay, on the Athabasca River, north of Fort McMurray. The community has experienced tremendous changes in the past 70 years. On The River explores these changes, telling the story through the lens of the life of former chief Dorothy McDonald-Hyde.

On The River combines new songs, written by award-winning musicians Asani (Debbie Houle, Sarah Pocklington, Sherryl Sewepagaham) and Maria Dunn with video interviews from people who knew Dorothy McDonald-Hyde (filmed and edited by Don Bouzek of Ground Zero Productions). 

This live show will be performed by Debbie Houle (vocal, hand drum), Sherryl Sewepagaham (vocal, hand drum), and Maria Dunn (vocal, guitar, accordion).

A moderated panel discussion with Dayle Hyde and Rod Hyde, family members of the late Chief Dorothy McDonald-Hyde, and the performing artists will take place following the performance.