The Spirit Horse Returns: A powerful story about Ojibwe Horses

Click here to get tickets for The Spirit Horse Returns.

On Saturday, February 22 at 2:00 pm, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) presents The Spirit Horse Returns, a powerful story of Ojibwe Horses, traditional spirit animals to Métis and First Nations peoples. This captivating concert seamlessly blends traditional North American Indigenous teachings, stunning visual art, and a rich orchestral score to tell powerful stories and legends of the Ojibwe Horses. The WSO invites audiences of all ages learn about this mysterious group of small horses who can teach people of all Nations the importance of taking care of each other and the land we share.

The Spirit Horse Returns is a collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous co-creators, including Anishinaabe artist and Ojibwe Horse breed expert Rhonda Snow, Anishinaabe storyteller and songwriter Jodi Contin (Wasauksing First Nation), composers Kevin Lau (a first-generation Canadian) and Andrew Balfour (of Cree descent), Elders and Knowledge Keepers Dan Thomas, Alison Cox, Anita Chechock, Stan Cuthand, Doug Cuthand, Norman Jordan, Skuya Fasthorse, Wabishki-anaang, and writer and performer Ken MacDonald (an eleventh-generation settler).

The Spirit Horse Returns tells the story of a hornist in the orchestra living on a farm who is gifted an Ojibwe Horse. Not knowing anything about this Indigenous-developed breed but intrigued, he and the audience go with the orchestra on a journey of discovery. An Indigenous knowledge keeper takes them through time to meet the first of these mysterious “small horses of the deep woods” who were helpers and spirit guides to First Nations and Métis people. Exploring the diversity of Indigenous cultures, concert-goers visit the magnificent Horse Nations of the prairies and jig at a joyous Métis kitchen party.

The arrival of settlers brings challenges and changes and the small ponies are pushed aside during colonization and used for such purposes as the Gold Rush and Pony Express. But just when it seems they will be lost forever, the last few horses are rescued!

Through the daring efforts of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people working together, the horses are given new life and new hope. The audience is gifted a beautiful new song to carry with them as caretakers of the Spirit Horses. They are also introduced to an inspiring prophecy that shows everyone they have a place in bringing about a better world where people of all Nations care for each other and the land we share.

The Spirit Horse Returns combines a rich and tuneful orchestral score, delightful songs, traditional teachings, and stunning, colourful visual art. Though targeted at younger audiences, this concert takes music lovers of all ages on an inspiring exploration of truth and reconciliation.

The Spirit Horse Returns was premiered by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in 2022 and has been performed at many orchestras throughout Canada, including the National Arts Centre Orchestra.

“The time has come to tell the story of the Spirit Horse, and this is an awesome medium with which to share.” – Elder Dan Thomas

“The journey of the Spirit Horse is a remarkable learning path experience: we can open our hearts to a majestic story that will bring us pride, wonder and healing. All audiences and learners alike will now have an opportunity to keep that Spirit alive. In this story of the little ponies, there are many lessons we can learn. We thank all of the people who have made this possible. Meegwetch.” – Elder Alison Cox

What audiences are saying:

“It was beyond superb and bravo to the whole community involved. I definitely happy cried! A complete treasure good for any age.”

“Quite simply the best children’s show I’ve seen. Actually, it should be seen by audiences.”

“My children were entranced and so was I.”

Book Tickets