Created by the First Nations support group at CNIB in Thunder Bay, “When I’m dreaming, I’m not blind” takes listeners on a powerful journey of what it’s like to navigate sight loss as an Indigenous person in Northern Ontario.
The First Nations storytellers share their deeply personal stories and experiences with blindness while exploring obstacles, bullying, connection to land, helpers, Elders and language, mending and hope.
Recorded over six months, Eleanor Albanese facilitated sessions using sensory prompts (like sprigs of cedar and fir, pinecones, furs and rocks) to help draw out participant stories.
With a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts, this community art project was facilitated by playwright, artist and author, Eleanor Albanese and coordinated by Willow Springs Creative Centre. The podcast was narrated by Michelle Derosier and recorded and edited by Zoe Gordon.
Rough Face Girl is an Algonquin legend. Elders granted permission for use in this podcast.
Listen to When I'm Dreaming, I'm not blind: