Ep. 36: The Power of Performance: Dr. Zoey Roy on Art as Education

Dr. Candace Linklater welcomes Dr. Zoey Roy, a celebrated spoken word poet, creative producer, and arts-based educator from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and a proud member of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. With a career spanning international stages—including performances with the National Youth Orchestra of Dr. Canada and at the World Expo in Dubai—Dr. Zoey has trailblazed the blending of hip-hop and orchestral music, creating globally touring shows like "Enough" and "Ever Beautiful." Holding a PhD in Education, Dr. Zoey has received numerous awards, including the Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Indspire Award, and Ontario’s Arts Educator of the Year, solidifying her reputation as both an artist and a leader in education.Dr. Candace and Dr. Zoey’s conversation goes beyond her incredible accolades, focusing on the spirit and intention behind Dr. Zoey’s artistry. Dr. Candace reflects on witnessing her perform live, describing it as spirit-led and electrifying, while Dr. Zoey shares how fashion, stage presence, and reciprocity with the audience are all part of her craft. They discuss the inspirations fueling her work today—especially the grounding influence of motherhood—and how creativity, identity, and relationality shape her performances. This dialogue reveals Dr. Zoey’s brilliance as a poet and performer, along with her dedication to carrying culture, story, and truth forward through every medium she touches.Bio: Dr. Zoey Roy (Nihithaw-Denesuline Halfbreed-Métis) is a celebrated spoken word poet, creative producer and arts-based educator from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She is a proud member of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, a signatory of Treaty Six. In 2017, she toured Canada with the National Youth Orchestra, a 104-piece ensemble, while performing spoken word. In 2021, she showcased her talent at the World Expo held in Dubai. Discovering a passion for blending hip hop with orchestral music, she collaborated with her partner, Omar Ballantyne, to create two orchestral spoken word shows: "Enough is Enough" with Juliet Palmer and "Ever, Beautiful" with Cris Derksen, both of which she plans on touring globally.Dr. Zoey holds a Bachelor of Education from SUNTEP at the University of Saskatchewan, a Master's in Public Policy from the Johnston Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, and a PhD in Education from York University. Dr. Zoey received the Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), the Women of Distinction Award (2013), the Indspire Award (2015), the Saskatchewan Arts Board Award for Education (2022); the University of Saskatchewan's One to Watch (2023); and Ontario's Arts Educator of the Year (2024)[email protected] https://zoeyroy.com/ -Relentless Reflection QuestionsWhen have I experienced performance or art that felt spirit-led, and how did it move me?What intentional choices, whether in dress, words, or presence, do I make that reflect my full essence when I step into public spaces?Relentless ActionsThe next time you’re in an audience, whether a classroom, performance, or community space, offer your full attention and presence as part of the exchange. For one day, choose what you wear not for utility or trend, but as an expression of your spirit and story, just as Zoey curates her stage presence.Relentless ResourcesDr. Zoey Roy’s official Site & WorkShow: Ever Beautiful – her orchestral spoken word collaborations with Juliet Palmer and Cris Derksen, pushing the boundaries of genre and cultural storytelling.Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions!Join the RIW Patreon Community RIW WebsiteMusic Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat