Led by Julia Ross, playwright and director from Pinaymootang First Nations, Juicebox is a Winnipeg based group of theatre students from the University of Manitoba. Together, we have performed An Indigenous Play in Winnipeg and at NIFF 2023. Our group is very diverse and comes from all different areas.

Photo by Cherylanne James

In 1974, James Buller founded the Native Theatre School. His vision was to create a viable, respectful and supportive space for Indigenous theatre and performing artists. From humble beginnings, what began as a stand-alone, four-week program, in time, grew to become the Centre for Indigenous Theatre (CIT), an institution offering a unique Indigenous cultural, theatre and performance training program. CIT contributes to the advancement of an Indigenous cultural economy and the Arts generally, helping to mould young talent and professionals, organizing community presentations and workshops, and by working closely with alumni to share our learnings and our craft in a culturally appropriate and inviting setting.

John-Paul Chalykoff is an Assistant Professor in Anishinaabe Studies / Anishinaabemowin at Algoma University / Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He is a member of Michipicoten First Nation. His work focuses on utilizing music and puppetry to encourage learning and retaining Anishinaabemowin.

Diem Lafortune (Mama D) is a Tkaronto-based creator, musician and horizon-dancer of Cree Métis/European & Jewish heritage, raised in Toronto by an Acadian/Mi’kmaq man and Celtic woman. She’s a fighter, a champion, an activist & a believer in guardian angels. She’s also a singer/songwriter whose varied life experience – from cab driver, to actor, photographer, near politician & constitutional appellate lawyer and, most recently, professor – has provided a rich source for her powerful music.

Behind Indigiqueen Art is Jess Vossen, a fierce Two-Spirit Anishinaabeg. Born and raised in Northern Ontario, this Indigiqueen broke through the lies of colonial gender norms, re-indigenizing themself one drag performance at a time through the stage name Queen Indigigoth.

Photo by Christopher Coghill

Nine proud, diverse Anishinaabeg from Curve Lake First Nation and Saugeen First Nation share their Anishinaabe Knowledge to build relations and community both within Wshkiigmong/Curve Lake and Saugeen and especially between nearby Wshkiigmong/Curve Lake and Nogojiwanong/Peterborough.

Storytellers are Alice Olsen Williams, Carol Taylor, Marg Knott, Marilyn Knott, Anne Taylor, Jonathan Taylor, Missy Knott, Sarah Lewis, and Angela Connors.

Photo (Left to right and back to front at Curve Lake First Nation Health Centre: Missy Knott, Hannah Fowlie, Carol Taylor, Alice Olsen Williams, Marg Knott, Marilyn Knott, Anne Taylor, Zachary Hunter, Jonathan Taylor, Nadine Changfoot, Angela Easby, Naty Tremblay, Rosa Duran, Sarah Lewis. Absent: Joanne Pine, Angela Connors and Carla Rice)

Drew Hayden Taylor is an award winning playwright, novelist, filmmaker, and journalist. Born and living on the Curve Lake First Nation, he has done practically everything from performing stand up comedy at the Kennedy Centre in Washington D.C., to serving as Artistic Director for Canada's premiere Indigenous theatre company, Native Earth Performing Arts.

Photo by Cherylanne James