Ivan Ngandjui Touko
Award-Winning Multidisciplinary Artist, Cultural Educator & Community Builder
Edmonton, CA.About
An award-winning multidisciplinary Cameroonian-Canadian artist and cultural educator with 8+ years of expertise in cultural animation, specializing in integrating traditional African arts with contemporary Canadian cultural expression. Recognized with Alberta's 'Top 30 Under 30' and Edmonton's 'Top 40 Under 40' awards, I leverage a unique blend of dance artistry, pedagogical innovation, and community leadership to enrich arts programming, empower BIPOC communities, and foster intercultural understanding across Canada.
Work
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Summary
Led a registered social enterprise dedicated to empowering BIPOC communities and advancing cultural and social leadership through innovative programming and strategic initiatives.
Highlights
Established and grew La Connexional as a prominent cultural platform, recognized by official government contracts and partnerships with organizations like Francophone Pluralist Canada (FRAP).
Organized and directed multiple large-scale cultural festivals and community events, successfully celebrating diversity and engaging thousands of attendees.
Mentored numerous young African-Canadian artists, fostering their professional growth and increasing visibility within the arts sector.
Spearheaded the initiative for incorporation as a cultural non-profit organization, strengthening the enterprise's long-term sustainability and community impact.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Summary
Provided dynamic cultural arts education, specializing in African dance and expressive movement, to enrich school programming and promote cultural diversity across Alberta and Canada.
Highlights
Facilitated over 150 cultural arts workshops and 80 community events, engaging thousands of participants across Alberta and Canada and achieving a perfect 5-star rating on 14+ Google reviews.
Developed and delivered bilingual (French/English) artistic content and curricula for Grades 6-12, effectively integrating traditional African arts with contemporary Canadian cultural expression.
Cultivated strategic partnerships with 30+ schools and provincial multicultural organizations, including the University of Alberta – Campus Saint-Jean, to expand program reach and impact.
Implemented inclusive, trauma-informed pedagogical approaches that fostered cultural awareness, creative self-expression, and community building among diverse student populations.
Awards
TELUS StoryHive Documentary Award
Awarded By
TELUS StoryHive
Awarded for the cultural identity documentary 'The Rise of Afrobeats in The Prairies'.
Edmonton's Top 40 Under 40
Awarded By
Edmonton
Honored for cultural leadership and impactful community building initiatives.
Alberta's Top 30 Under 30
Awarded By
Alberta
Recognized for significant artistic and community contributions across Alberta.
ACFA Artist of the Year
Awarded By
Canadian Francophone Association of Alberta (ACFA)
Awarded for excellence and outstanding contributions in cultural arts.
Languages
French
English
Skills
Cultural Arts & Pedagogy
Multicultural Education, African Cultural Heritage, Afro-Fusion Dance, Traditional Cameroonian Dance, Expressive Movement, Performing Arts, Choreography, Arts Program Development, Bilingual Instruction (French/English), Cultural Animation, Trauma-Informed Pedagogy, Kinesthetic Learning.
Leadership & Community Engagement
Social Enterprise Leadership, Community Building, BIPOC Empowerment, Strategic Partnerships, Stakeholder Management, Mentorship, Event Management, Cultural Advocacy, Non-Profit Development.
Program Management & Development
Curriculum Design, Workshop Facilitation, Project Management, Budget Alignment, Program Adaptability, Bilingual Content Development, Educational Documentation, Provincial Arts Curriculum Alignment, Social Studies Integration, Physical Education Integration.
Technical & Tools
Professional Photo Documentation, Audio Equipment Operation, Google Business Management.