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This E-Newsletter is dedicated to vibrant, inspiring artist, community member, friend, Full Circle Training Ensemble member and Full Circle Artistic Associate Zaccheus Jackson Nyce from the Piikani Blackfoot Nation. Zaccheus passed away last week on Wednesday September 27th in Toronto. He was 36 years old and was in the midst of a solo tour of Canada. He will always be remembered as an outspoken, genuine renowned Spoken Word and Slam Poet, not to mention a truly giving spirit. As a workshop facilitator he often worked with youth and was involved in Vancouver Poetry House's program WordPlay. He also participated in ArtStarts and Speakers Spotlight and was on the Vancouver Poetry Slam Team in 2005, 2007-2008 and 2012-2013.
He has won countless awards including Vancouver GrandSlam Champ, Vancouver Individual World Poetry Slam Champ, Canadian Festival of Spoken Word Wildcard Slam Winner, and Canadian Individual Poetry Slam in third place- it was a tie. He was also an artist in residence at New Westminster Secondary, Sunshine Coast Secondary, Maple Ridge Secondary, and Chilliwack Secondary School. An important member of the Indigenous arts scene, Zaccheus was involved with the Urban Native Youth Association, along with Full Circle and The Talking Stick Festival. His From Talking Stick to Microphone night at The Talking Stick Festival at Café Deux Soleils was a much anticipated event that was always sold out. Self-proclaimed as being "raised by wolves since birth" and an "extreme virgo" Zaccheus was a natural performer, with raw energy and imagination that seemed boundless. A walk from the Vancouver Friendship Centre to Café Deux Soleils, where it all started, was held for Zaccheus on Thursday August 28th. Yesterday we attended his memorial in Vancouver at The Wise Hall, joining in on the celebration of his life. The room was overflowing with love that night, as family, poets, musicians and friends shared words and songs inspired by him. We send love to his family, girlfriend, close friends, and the youth whose lives he touched. His death is indeed a major blow to the artistic community. Zaccheus accredits East Vancouver's Spoken Word scene (and Commercial Drive itself) for giving him something worthwhile to dream about. We thank you Zaccheus for your friendship and giving us the inspiration to dream, create and see the beauty in every day.
Selected Articles Remembering Zaccheus:
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