ABOUT THE ARTISTS

The Kikino Northern Lites is a Metis Traditional dance troupe. Formed in 1978 by Metis elders Georgina Thompson, Doris Bellerose, Delphine Erasmus & Phil Kootney. The name itself has its own significance. The word “Kikino” Cree Word meaning our home. & “Northern Lites” is an ol’ Metis Belief; when the Spirits of our loved ones pass on, they join our Ancestors to rejoice in a spiritual dance in the Northern Sky. 

Since the beginning, the dance lead was Gerald White. Eventually turning manager and carrying the troupe into the 80s, 90s and early 2000s, along side his loving wife Denise White. The dance group travelled many miles, thrilling audiences with their energetic steps and upbeat dancing. Gerald made it his life’s work persevering our Metis Culture through music and dance, with being the front man of country band Northern Highways and running the dance troupe full time. With the passing of Gerald in Early 2006 the group and its teachings kind of slumber until the spring of 2023. 

The groups legacy and teachings now initiated by Lead dancer Trevor White, Geralds youngest son. Trevor who has danced with the group from childhood up until his dads passing, got the inspiration to start-up the dance group again from the birth of his daughter in April 2023. The main motivation for the start up is to continue to preserve and strengthen our Metis culture through music and dance, for our future generations to carry on our beautiful Metis traditions. 

DJ Ruffine. Born on the Twin Island of Trinidad and Tobago, Kris's family moved to Canada at the small age of 5 to make a better life. 

Kris always had a passion for music. He displayed that throughout his schooling by taking various subjects including music theory, joining school bands playing the trumpet and saxophone, taking part in various choirs, and participating in numerous talent shows.

Kris' musical interest and a few DJ influences are what made him become a DJ himself. Although his major genres of music are mainly Caribbean based, he relishes in the challenges and artistic creativity mixing all types of music. 

Allison Ochoa (Artistic Director for the Jasper Place Arts Festival and co-founder of the Jasper Place Arts Society) has organized the incredible programming coming your way at Light Up the Park!

Allison is a multidisciplinary artist, musician, and proud mother of three. Allison grew up in Glenwood, part of a multicultural family of musicians and educators. Allison is keenly interested in community based art as a healing cultural practice for community building, transformation, renewal and celebration. Throughout her work, she brings together diverse artistic collaborators to produce the Jasper Place Arts Festival, and from the Jasper Place Arts Society. She’s an integral part of the local arts community and programs other events including Light Up the Park!