About Sandra Laronde

Sandra Laronde is one of Canada's foremost cultural leaders, a multidisciplinary artist, and the founding artistic director of Red Sky Performance, Canada's leading Indigenous contemporary performance company. A member of the Teme-Augama Anishinaabe, Sandra (Misko Kizhigoo Migizii Kwe, “Red Sky Eagle Woman”) grew up in Temagami, Ontario, and holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto.

Revolutionizing Indigenous Contemporary Performance

Sandra has shaped the national and international landscape of Indigenous contemporary arts through her work as a multidisciplinary artist and visionary leader, forging bold new collaborations in dance, theatre, music, and multimedia.

Under her direction, Red Sky Performance has toured to 24 countries across four continents, presenting nearly 4,000 performances and creating ambitious works that bring Indigenous stories, perspectives, and innovation to some of the world's most prestigious stages.

Shaping Indigenous Arts for the 21st Century

Her influence extends beyond the stage. As Director of Indigenous Arts at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity for nine years, she helped redefine Indigenous arts programming for the 21st century, expanding opportunities for artists, building strategic international partnerships, and increasing audience and media reach. Sandra also founded the Associate Artist program, mentoring a new generation of Indigenous arts leaders.

Ideas, Influence, and Cultural Impact

A sought-after speaker, curator, and thought leader, Sandra has addressed audiences across Canada, the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia on creativity, leadership, Indigenous worldviews, and cultural innovation. Her work bridges artistic excellence with social impact, advancing Indigenous voices while fostering meaningful dialogue across cultures and communities.

From Page to Stage

In 2023, Sandra published her debut novel, She Holds Up the Stars, which received a Kirkus Star, was named one of CBC Books' Best Canadian Books for Young Adults and won the Horace Mann Upstander Award. In 2026, Sandra reimagined She Holds Up the Stars for the stage in her playwriting debut. The production received eight Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations, including Outstanding Production, Outstanding Direction, and Outstanding New Play.

A Trailblazer Honoured for Her Impact

Sandra’s numerous accolades reflect her exceptional impact on the arts. Her many awards and honours include the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in Dance, Governor General of Canada’s Meritorious Service Cross, the Order of Ontario, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation, the Canada Council for the Arts Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award for Outstanding Artist in Dance, the Indspire Award for the Arts, the Toronto Arts Foundation’s Indigenous Artist Award, the Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prize, and an honorary doctorate from Trent University. Her work continues to inspire, most recently with her debut novel, She Holds Up the Stars (Annick Press) which received the Kirkus Star which recognizes books of exceptional merit, was named one of the Best Canadian Books for Young Adults by CBC Books and won the Horace Mann Upstander Award.