Cultures at Risk Presenter Biographies

Shirley Hill

First Nations dancing

Shirley Hill (Anat sipikssa akii - Pretty Sound Bird Woman) is the daughter of Kurt Hill and the late Rosa Ross. Shirley’s father is originally from Frankfurt, Germany and her mother was from Siksika (Blackfoot) Nation. She has a daughter named Amy and a grandson Thadius Daylan. She also has three brothers (Chester, Charles, Cecil) and two younger sisters (Alice and Rosie).

Shirley has been dancing for 22 years and loves to teach Fancy Shawl Dancing. She enjoys sewing and doing her own beadwork. She designs native dance regalia and creates beautiful, colourful outfits. Shirley has been competing at different celebrations throughout Canada and United States. She has a spiritual connection to her culture and likes to share her stories about the Pow Wow Trail.

Shirley received the Dreamcatcher Scholarship as a graduate of the child and youth care program at Grant MacEwan Community College. She likes to inspire and encourage young people to be proud of their traditions.