Sandra Laronde, an award-winning director, dancer and actor based in Toronto, has been appointed director of the aboriginal arts program at the Banff Centre.

The program, established in 1993, provides opportunities for aboriginal artists to explore and create in visual, music, dance, theatre and literary arts at the facility in Banff, Alta.

Laronde, an Anishinabe from Temagami in northern Ontario, will continue her role as artistic director of Toronto's Red Sky Performance, an arts company she founded in 2000. 

"I look forward to playing a vital role in developing and cultivating the artistic excellence and cultural vibrancy of the First Peoples who have enriched this land so deeply," Laronde said through a statement released Wednesday.

Red Sky Performance has received acclaim for its original works and productions staged locally and internationally.

Last year, Laronde choreographed a collaboration called Shimmer, a fusion of North American and Australian traditional and modern dance and music, which went on tour across Canada.

"We look forward to Sandra contributing her experience, enthusiasm, and leadership to the creation of an inspiring vision and vibrant programs," said Sarah Iley, vice-president of programming for the Banff Centre.

Laronde has a long list of performing credits including appearances in Indian Summer: The Oka Crisis for CBC-TV, Chiefs for the History Channel and The Tempest at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People in Toronto.

In addition, she has been an active community leader serving as spokeswoman for Toronto's Olympic bid, participating in the 2004 Governor-General's Canadian Leadership program and moderating a panel on aboriginal artistic expression in 2002 for the Department of Canadian Heritage.

She received Toronto City Council's Aboriginal Affairs Award in 2004 and was the recipient of the Paul D. Fleck Fellowship in the Arts from the Banff Centre in 2006.