Red Sky's Artistic Director Sandra Laronde

Red Sky's Artistic Director Sandra Laronde appointed as Director of Aboriginal Arts at internationally renowned Banff Centre.

An award-winning director, actor, dancer, producer, and creative leader, Sandra Laronde has been appointed Director of Aboriginal Arts at The Banff Centre. While directing programs for artists at the Centre in both fine and performing arts, Laronde will also continue as artistic director and trailblazer of Red Sky Performance, the thriving Toronto-based performing arts company she founded in 2000.

Originally from the Teme-Augama-Anishnaabe (People of the Deep Water) in Temagami, northern Ontario, Laronde has led Red Sky Performance to an international profile, known for its artistry, creative excellence, and innovation. Producing original works for adult and family audiences on local, national, and international stages, Red Sky actively shapes contemporary Aboriginal performance in dance, theatre, and music, bringing together Indigenous peoples from regions around the world.

Aboriginal Arts has a rich history at The Banff Centre and we believe it has an exciting future, says Sarah Iley, vice president of programming for the Centre. We are delighted to have such a talented artist joining us and we look forward to Sandra contributing her experience, enthusiasm, and leadership to the creation of an inspiring vision and vibrant programs.

Outside of creating, directing, and performing dance and theatre with Red Sky, Laronde’s performing credits include: The Rez Sisters at Winnipeg's Prairie Theatre Exchange; Indian Summer: The Oka Crisis for CBC Television; Chiefs, for the History Channel; and The Tempest at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People.

Laronde served as a spokesperson for the International Olympic Committee for Toronto's Olympic bid, contributed to a national consultation with Aboriginal leaders in education and training at the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, and moderated a panel at the 2002 National Gathering of Aboriginal Artistic Expression for the Department of Canadian Heritage. In 2004, she participated in the 2004 Governor-General Canadian Leadership program, and was also a recipient of the Toronto City Council’s 2004 Aboriginal Affairs Award. In 2006, she was a recipient of the Paul D. Fleck Fellowship in the Arts from The Banff Centre.

Established in 1993 to enhance creative opportunities in visual and literary arts, music, dance, and theatre, Aboriginal Arts at The Banff Centre has become one of Canada’s premier venues for artistic discovery for Aboriginal artists.

For almost 75 years, The Banff Centre has great impact in its inspiring mountain location, the creative atmosphere, the diverse group of participants from many backgrounds and disciplines, and the strong support from the Centre staff have combined to make a powerful experience that is creatively, intellectually, physically and emotionally stimulating.