Information Package
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Information Package *
About Northern Jumbies Inc.
Northern Jumbies is a Moko Jumbie arts collective based in Toronto, Canada, dedicated to carrying this Caribbean tradition into new cultural spaces. We offer workshops, performances, and educational programming that celebrate the history and spirit of Moko Jumbie.
Through our work, Northern Jumbies ensures Caribbean culture thrives in the diaspora, while fostering pride, creativity, and connection within Black and Caribbean communities. We create opportunities for people of all ages to engage with this living tradition through community partnerships and hands-on workshops
cultural empowerment
in tradition & community
Story of Northern Jumbies Inc.
Northern Jumbies began with a mentorship and a vision for cultural preservation.Pixel Heller, a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist, was accepted into amentorship program with VIBE Arts. She specifically requested to be mentored byJunior Bisnath, a Moko Jumbie master with over 30 years of experience and thefounder of the Bisnath School of Performing Arts in San Fernando, Trinidad.
When the fabrication of her own stilts was completed, Pixel carried her learning forward by running public programming in Toronto through VIBE Arts. This program, funded by RBC and Pattinson Outdoors, marked the official beginning of Northern Jumbies. What started as a mentorship journey evolved into a cultural movement: a collective dedicated to teaching, preserving and sharing the Moko Jumbie tradition with communities across Ontario, CA. Today, Northern Jumbies stands as a bridge between generations and geographies. Rooted in Caribbean heritage and growing in Canadian soil, it is a testament to the power of mentorship, community, and the importance of keeping cultural traditions alive.
About the Founder
Pixel Heller is a multidisciplinary artist, internationalperformer, and Moko Jumbie based in Toronto.Her work explores Afro-Caribbean identitythrough performance, visual art, and movement.Pixel holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from OCADUniversity. As the founder of Northern Jumbies, she bringsthe spirit of the Moko Jumbie to life throughstilt-walking workshops, performances, andcommunity engagement rooted in ancestraltradition and contemporary expression.
Our Mission
Our mission is to preserve, teach, and celebrate the Moko Jumbie tradition in Canada, while also:
Educating audiences about the history, symbolism, and cultural significance of Moko Jumbies as protectors and storytellers.
Creating access to Caribbean traditions for diasporic communities and those encountering them for the first time.
Empowering communities by offering joyful and inclusive spaces where identity, heritage, and cultural pride are celebrated.
What we offer
Hands-on Moko Jumbie workshops for children, youth, and adults (12 participants max per group). Note: Larger groups can be accommodated if the session is structured in turns, allowing participants to rotate and share time on the stilts.
2-Hour Workshop Flow
Welcome, Introduction & Storytelling – 25–30 min Greetings and land acknowledgment. Brief introduction to Northern Jumbies and the purpose of the workshop. Cultural storytelling: history and symbolism of Moko Jumbies, their role as protectors, and their importance in Carnival traditions. Group discussion and Q&A to invite curiosity and personal connections.
Warm-Up & Grounding – 10–15 min Stretching and breathing exercises to prepare the body. Balance and posture drills to introduce core skills for stilt walking.
Skill Building on Stilts – 30–45 min Safety briefing and demonstration. Assisted mounting/dismounting. First steps: balance, standing and walking forward. Progressive practice with turns, changes in direction, and short choreography.
Creative Expression – 20–30 min Participants explore free movement on stilts or through grounded exercises. Integration of music and rhythm to dance. Small group improvisations or short performances to showcase creativity.
Reflection & Closing – 10–15 min Group circle: participants share feelings, challenges, and highlights. Facilitator connects reflections back to resilience, tradition, and cultural preservation. Closing group photo to mark the collective experience
Performances
Why Moko Jumbie?
Why Northern Jumbies Inc.?
Northern Jumbies is a dedicated Moko Jumbie collective in Canada carrying this tradition into new cultural spaces. This representation ensures Caribbean culture thrives in the diaspora while inspiring pride in Black and Caribbean communities.
Learning to walk on stilts challenges balance, focus, and courage. As participants gain skill, they experience a powerful sense of achievement and confidence. For many, conquering the fear of height becomes a metaphor for overcoming life’s obstacles.
Moko Jumbie is not just an individual act, but a celebration of togetherness. Performing and practicing in groups builds unity, trust, and a shared sense of pride. It connects people through rhythm, movement, and tradition, creating lasting bonds that extend beyond the workshop.
opportunities for Partnership
Northern Jumbies is actively seeking partnerships with organizations whose goals align with our mission of cultural preservation, education, empowerment, and community building. By working together, we can expand the reach and impact of Moko Jumbie traditions while creating meaningful experiences for participants of all ages.
Who We Are Looking to Partner With:
Black Arts & Cultural Organizations
Schools & Educational Institutions
Museums & Galleries
Arts & Cultural Organizations
Afterschool Programs & Youth Centers
Festivals & Community Events
Nonprofits & Social Impact Groups
About the Stilts
These Moko Jumbie stilts are handcrafted by Pixel Heller and designed in collaboration with Moko Jumbie master Junior Bisnath from Trinidad.
Shorter stilts reduce the risk of injury by minimizing falls and giving participants the ability to practice safely while getting comfortable with balance and movement.
Our Inventory
We have diffrent sizes of stilts:
12 x 1ft Adult Stilts
7 x 2ft Adult Stilts
12 x 1ft Teen Stilts
8x 1ft Kids Stilts (4-10)
Creating Confidence
Learning to walk and perform on Moko Jumbie stilts is a transformative experience that builds both physical and emotional confidence. Participants confront challenges such as balance, coordination, and overcoming fear of height, which fosters resilience and self-assurance. Each step on the stilts becomes a moment of empowerment, showing individuals that they can push boundaries and achieve what initially seemed impossible.
The workshops provide a supportive and encouraging environment, where participants are guided and celebrated at every stage of progress. By succeeding in these physical challenges, they gain a sense of accomplishment that translates into other areas of life which strengthens self-esteem, encourages risk-taking in safe ways, and cultivates perseverance.
Ultimately, engaging with the Moko Jumbie practice not only teaches skill and technique, but also nurtures confidence, courage, and a deep sense of personal growth.
Next steps -
Contact us to arrange a convenient time to discuss your organization’s needs, goals, and timelines. We can meet virtually via Zoom or Google Meet
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We will review the type of programming you are interested in, including: Workshop format and duration (1–2 hours, full-day, or multi-session programs) Number of participants and age ranges Special requirements or accessibility considerations
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We will provide a transparent breakdown of costs based on program scope, group size, and duration. This allows you to plan your budget and explore potential funding or sponsorship opportunities.
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Once the details are agreed upon, we will confirm dates, locations, and any materials or equipment needed for the program.
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Our team will coordinate with you to ensure all logistical and instructional materials are ready for a successful session.
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Northern Jumbies will deliver an engaging and culturally rich experience for your organization, followed by feedback and reflection to continuously improve future programs.
Book Us
Contact Us:
Northernjumbies@gmail.com
204 894 2883
IG: northernjumbies
We look forward to working with you to bring the tradition of Moko Jumbie to your community!