Creative Director
Anika Lirette is a theatre and cinema artist, director, project creator and crowd facilitator in Acadie. She has performed and given workshops throughout Acadie and Louisiana, in Maine, in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Costa Rica, across Canada and in Germany. Young ambassador for the francophonie des Amériques, she loves to travel, having been tour guide in New York or Project Agent in Eastern Europe. She sends a warm thank you to Phare-Est Média for the signature of her third documentary Grand-Pré Écho de l’UNESCO where this adventure began for her. Anika takes on the creative direction this summer.
¨We are in constant evolution. The visitors are an active part of the creative process. We are excited to share the new experiences with everyone. ¨
Anika
INTERPRETERS
Tammy Mudge
Tammy is a member of Glooscap First Nation, where she resides with her four children. She is currently working on a master’s degree in Community Development at Acadia University. She is heavily involved in community activities and is a founding member of the Glooscap First Nation Recreation Committee and has worked in community health at the Glooscap First Nation Health and Healing Centre. Tammy is passionate about working with and for the people of any community, especially those in Mi’kma’ki. She understands the importance of authentic leadership and that communities need to be inclusive and life-giving for all to THRIVE! Tammy will be part of the Peace circle experience this summer as well as guiding the stone painting and storytelling for the children’s experience. |
Kayla Mansfield-Brown
Kayla Mansfield-Brown (Dancing Deer) is a Mi'kmaq woman and mother of four, who recently finished her master's of Education in Leadership at Acadia University. Kayla also holds Degrees in Community Development (Major: Environmental Sustainability Studies) and Recreation Leadership. Kayla is an advocate for social justice most notably in Indigenous rights, environmental justice and gender equity. Kayla was recognized in the spring of 2018 for her outstanding leadership, receiving an award from "One Woman,” an International Organization dedicated to female empowerment, with a "Fearless Leader" Award. Kayla is part of the Peace circles this summer as well as the - Spirits of the Night Experience. Photo credit: Nadya K. Red Works Photography |
Richard Laurin
Richard Laurin is the founder and director of tour packages / consultations with Novacadie Tours. (www.novacadie.ca) Living in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, his social skills, his strong expertise pertaining to the First Na-tions, Acadie and History in general of over two decades of research and group accompaniment makes of him the ideal person to coordinate and bring together the ideal travel experience, whatever the length. Richard will be one of the guides who will help visitors discover the Landscape of Grand Pré, inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2012. |
Alan Slipp
A resident of Wolfville, and a graduate of Acadia University's Theatre Studies program. He can frequently be seen on stage across the Valley. He is excited to perform the role of John Frederic Herbin at Grand-Pré National Historic Site this summer, the place Herbin dreamed of making a reality for so long. Alan will be part of the Tour and Taste Experience and the Grand-Pré - Spirits of the Night Experience. |
Jacques Blinn
Jacques grew up in the Baie Sainte Marie in Nova Scotia, where, at a very young age, he began playing musical instruments. A graduate of the Department of Music of the Université de Moncton, Jacques developed exceptional skills in musical composition. A founding member of the musical group Cy, he participated in more than 250 performances in Canada, the United States and in France. As a multi-instrumentalist performer, Jacques is involved in multiple projects related to the arts and continues to share his passion on the international scene, either in schools or on the world stage. Jacques will be part of the musical Sundays this summer. |
Guyaume Boulianne
A founding member of the musical group Cy, describing himself generally as a good guy, he was born and grew up in a musical family. For many years now Guyaume is active on the musical scene. Graduated in musical interpretation at University de Moncton, he has talent for everything that has cords. Host, creator, musician and storyteller, an artist of many talents. Guyaume will be part of the musical Sundays this summer. |
Jeremy Novak
Jerome the Gravekeeper from Valley Ghost Walks is very honoured to be part of the Grand-Pré Spirits of the Night Experience this summer at the Grand Pré National Historic Site. For centuries, Jerome has been looking after local cemeteries and for the past twelve years he's been conducting family-friendly historical ghost walks in various Annapolis Valley communities. This beautiful valley is the most historically rich amazing area in all of North America and there's so much to be said specifically about Grand Pré. |
Michaela Rafuse
Her passion for music has flourished since she began fiddling at age five under the direction of various teachers and conductors in the Memorial University Chamber Orchestra, the Acadia University Orchestra and the Horton Community Youth Orchestra. From the beautiful Village of Port Williams, she has welcomed the opportunity to play for various charity events throughout the Annapolis Valley, and is thrilled with the privilege of representing Nova Scotian music as she attends Memorial University’s Bachelor of Music program. Michaela is delighted to be able to share her love of music with everyone at Grand-Pré again this summer! |