INDIGENOUS THEATRE CELEBRATES AND HONOURS NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH AND BEYOND
Indigenous Theatre offers a mix of virtual and in-person programming starting June 1st
May 30th, 2022– OTTAWA (Canada) – NAC Indigenous Theatre is presenting a full month of programming this June for National Indigenous History Month (NIHM). Here are some program highlights:
For the first time since 2019, the Indigenous Art Market will be in-person, Sunday June 12th from 10am to 5pm! Over 35 Indigenous artists and artisans will be selling handmade goods in Gail & David O’Brien Atrium. Entry is free and open to everyone.
Also in-person, Indigenous Theatre offers artists intermediate to advanced levels, in two life-drawing classes, the chance to capture Powwow dancing in a two hour life drawing class. Art facilitators will be on hand with guidance and tips. This workshop is also free, and offered Thursday June 2nd and 16th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
Additionally, a wide range of virtual offerings will be available, including digital artist studio tours, printable coloring pages featuring multiple Indigenous languages, the latest Dancing the Land video series and more! During this month, Our Stories: Indigenous Book Club features Kevin Loring’s Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer, a play that will be a highlight in the 2022-2023 season.
Indigenous programming continues all summer long! Just around the corner is the rescheduled celebration Tomson Highway: KISAAGEETIN* *(I love you/Je t’aime), happening Saturday July 23rd. The unique audio storytelling experience Indigenous Cities is set to make it’s return later this summer, and Indigenous artists and musicians will be on stage as part of the NAC’s new summer programming.
“National Indigenous History Month is a time to reflect on and celebrate Indigenous peoples their cultures and languages. It is also a time to educate ourselves about our shared history, and to find our role in making the future better for all of us. We at Indigenous Theatre and our colleagues at the NAC have some wonderful offerings that will fill your hearts and minds with the power and beauty of Indigenous Artists.”
Kevin Loring, Artistic Director of Indigenous Theatre
"We are in a time of reckoning and realization, where validation of our stories and our experiences are international headlines. For our communities, we have always known the truth: the truth has lived in and been passed down through generations. The artists have in many cases held the responsibility of holding and sharing this knowledge. We are honoured to be working with all of our colleagues here at the NAC to hold up these artists and shine a light on their beautiful, powerful, transformational offerings.”
Lori Marchand, Managing Director of Indigenous Theatre
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster to purchase tickets online or call 1-888-991-2787 (ARTS). In-person purchases at the NAC Box Office are suspended until further notice.
As health and safety regulations continue to evolve, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible before you return to the NAC. Please visit nac-cna.ca/visit to find out what you need to know before accessing the building and facilities.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Indigenous Theatre and Programming at Canada’s National Arts Centre is made possible through the generous support of individuals and corporations from across the country. The National Arts Centre Foundation wishes to acknowledge the leadership support of Mohammed A. Faris, Kenneth & Margaret Torrance Endowment for Indigenous Theatre and an Anonymous Donor. Thank you to Indigenous Theatre Season Sponsor BMO Financial Group, Official Hotel Partner Embassy Hotel & Suites, and Official Rail Partner VIA Rail. Thank you also to Meta, Presenting Partner of #ReconcileThis, TD Bank Group and the Slaight Family Foundation, Major Sponsors of Indigenous Programming at the National Arts Centre. We also express our sincere gratitude to the Government of Canada and the Canada Council for the Arts for their longstanding support of the NAC and the arts in Canada.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Jenna Spagnoli
Marketing and Communications Associate Strategist
NAC Indigenous Theatre
613 402-9000
Mirelle Allaire
Senior Manager, Communications
National Arts Centre
343-998-4244