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Doctoral Colloquium:听Camryn Dewar (guest, Fulbright scholar, Indigenous opera)
with听Matthew Wong, piano

Title:听The Evolution of Female Indigenous Representation in Canadian Opera from 1879 to Present

Fulbright Scholar Camryn Dewar鈥檚 lecture recital is dedicated to reshaping the Canadian opera landscape by centering and amplifying Indigenous voices. Through an innovative lecture-performance and public Q&A, the presentation uses opera as a vehicle for truth, reconciliation, and education. By showcasing the positive evolution of Indigenous representation in classical music from the 19th century to today, the presentation discusses authentic storytelling, challenges stereotypes, and inspires new standards and best practices for artistic collaboration and cultural respect.

Through analysis and performances of excerpts from Canadian operas Canada鈥檚 Welcome (1879) by Arthur Clapp茅 and Frederick Dixon, Missing (2017) by Marie Clements and Brian Current, and Indians on Vacation (2021) by Ian Cusson and Royce Vavrek, Camryn will illustrate in detail how the heritage of creative teams and the creative inspiration of Indigenous operas impacts Indigenous female representation for the better. The performance will incorporate live operatic performances with piano accompaniment that exemplify the evolution of female Indigenous operatic characters through the ages, as well as a visual presentation with lyrics and background historical information. Bringing this lecture recital to Canadian audiences means not only educating, but also challenging long-standing traditions of racism in opera, and demonstrating the transformative power of authentic, Indigenous-led storytelling.

A champion of vocal versatility, Camryn Dewar, M. Mus., is an accomplished vocalist of many genres, including contemporary classical, opera, musical theatre, and jazz. From Stony Mountain, Manitoba, she champions the works of contemporary composers, and her repertoire includes a wealth of music by Indigenous and living composers across North America. Hailed as an 鈥渋ncredible performer and instrument鈥� (Jeffrey Gall), she takes great pride in her Indigenous (Red River M茅tis Nation) heritage. As a Fulbright Scholar, Camryn is advancing research in Indigenous opera and equal representation. She is passionate about using her artistry to uplift and amplify diverse voices.

Camryn has a history of Indigenous advocacy, most recently working as Assistant on the Montclair State University鈥檚 Indigenous Justice Field School, as Indigenous Community Ambassador and Performer for Manitoba Opera, and as Cultural Advisor for opera companies Manitoba Opera and Opera NUOVA. For her vision and drive, she was awarded the Association of American University Women Scholarship, the Modern M茅tis Woman Scholarship, the Association of Opera in Canada Fellowship, and the InPath: N鈥檞e Jinan Artworks Fellowship.

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The Doctoral Colloquium is open to all.