Brought to KPU by Dr. Jennifer Hardwick (ENGL) through a SSHRC grant.

Virago Nation is an Indigenous Burlesque Group that is using the art of burlesque as their form as reconciliation.  They put on their performance and the audience was fascinated by the handmade costumes that represented their Nations as well as the song choices.  After the performances, there was a Q&A with the audience to learn more about why they choose to perform in this respect and the value and confidence it gives them.  It allows them to reclaim their bodies after being objectified, manipulated and punished as Indigenous women.  There were also several members of the Indigenous community as well as students who felt empowered by the performances.  Virago Nation will be hosting other workshops on campus as well (Jan 2019).