An internationally recognized performer, motivational speaker and children's book author, Anderson is adding his Estevan's performances to his collection of almost 2,000 shows in 20 different countries all over the world.
Through the First Nation's hoop dance and his life experience, Anderson explains his vision of all people as members of One Human Family. And the shape of the hoop is the illustration of this vision.
“When you are born, I believe this, you become a part of the world. And some people forget this. They hurt people; they destroy our planet. And if you do, you are breaking the circle as opposed to dancing with it, weaving through it. And no matter who you are, if you are gentle, kind, you are going to get not only a beautiful dancer, you will get a beautiful person as well,” said Anderson during his performance.
Dancing with up to 30 hoops at a time, intertwining them and making everybody almost believe that they are a part of his body, he also educates about what themedicine wheel means with hoops of different colors representing people of different descent.
“When I’m doing this dance what I’m trying to teach is no matter who you are, no matter where you come from, if you truly respect all people even if they are different from you, you are going to create a beautiful, beautiful world,” said Anderson.
During his performance, he touched on problems of bullying and violence and talked about his life in Rwanda and the importance of peace and peacebuilding.
Being of mixed descent with Persian, English and Norwegian heritage, Anderson belongs to the Deishitaan Clan of the Tlingit People of Carcross Tagish First Nations and has been given the name Yeil S'aaghi (Crow Bones). And his multicultural background helps him in spreading his message of a need for unity and love amongst all people.
The Estevan Arts Council will present Anderson one more time on Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m., at Westview School.
