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Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh Looks Forward to Working with Federal Government and Regional Elected Parliamentarians on Immediate Action on Treaty #3 Priorities

Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh Looks Forward to Working with Federal Government and Regional Elected Parliamentarians on Immediate Action on Treaty #3 Priorities

Kenora, ON — Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Grand Chief of Treaty #3 congratulated re-elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and said today that he is looking forward to immediate action and working together to further the priorities of First Nations citizens in the Treaty #3 territory and across Canada.

“Now that the federal government has been re-elected to its second term, we look forward to strengthening our relationship with them as full partners to act on climate change, economic prosperity, justice and health and improve on the range of issues our people are facing on a daily basis,” said Ogichidaa Kavanaugh. “I also would like to acknowledge First Nations citizens across Treaty #3 for participating in this election and congratulate all the Indigenous candidates who not only ran for the first time but have won their ridings. I look forward to working with all elected parliamentarians on the important work ahead of us. We are ready to work with you.”

The Liberals won 157 seats, falling short of the 170 seats they needed for a majority, the 177 they had at dissolution and the 184 won in the 2015 election.

Voter turnout was 65.95 per cent of eligible voters, according to Elections Canada’s figures on Tuesday morning. That’s down from 68.3 per cent in 2015.

Election Day voter turnout in the Kenora riding of 59.76 per cent saw 27,304 eligible voters of 45,692 registered electors cast ballots. With 147 of 148 Kenora riding polls reporting in, the distribution of votes among the candidates is as follows: Eric Melillo, Conservative Party, 9,313; Bob Nault, Liberal, 8,188; Rudy Turtle, NDP, 7,781; Kirsi Ralko, Green Party, 1,475; Michael Di Pasquale, PPC, 382; Kelvin Boucher-Chicago, Independent, 165.

“I would like to congratulate Eric Melillo and Marcus Powlowski both elected within our region. I look forward to working with you both,” said Ogichidaa Kavanaugh. “I would also like to take this opportunity to hold up Chief Rudy Turtle who ran for the first time as an NDP candidate and also outgoing MP Robert Nault who has served the region for over 20 years.”

National Chief Bellegarde and Regional Chiefs march with Climate Warrior Greta Thunberg in Montreal to bring Attention to the Climate Crisis

Montreal, QC) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Bellegarde, AFN Yukon Regional Chief Adamek, and AFN Regional Chief for Quebec and Labrador, Ghislain Picard, will march today with the AFNQL First Nation Youth Network, climate warrior Greta Thunberg, and hundreds of thousands of young people concerned about the future of the planet. The National Chief demanded Canada and countries across the globe listen to the youth and take immediate action to address the number one crisis facing this generation. The AFN’s National Youth Council hosted a national environmental Youth Summit in April 2019. The Youth Council, with more than 75 other young emerging leaders, gathered together to make recommendations on climate action.

“We must ensure that our lands, waters, non-human beings, medicines and sacred sites are protected and accessible now and for the seven generations to come,” said female Co-Chair of the AFN Youth Council, Rosalie Labillois. “Canada’s governments must support all youth in developing options for implementing a net-zero carbon emission future including green-infrastructure, technology and innovative solutions in First Nations and across the country.

Rollin Baldhead, male Co-Chair of the AFN Youth Council, said we urgently need to implement fundamental changes in the way we go about our daily lives. “It is time for our current generation of leaders and politicians to take real and substantial action to stop the climate crisis. If you care about your children’s future, how can you not take action now? We only have one planet. Everything we depend on for life is here. If we destroy Mother Earth, we destroy ourselves. We need everyone on board together to heal our planet. Governments must support youth in developing education and training for local and land-based solutions,” said Baldhead.

National Chief Bellegarde insists that all federal party leaders commit to working with First Nations on a national plan to address the climate crisis with specific actions and measurable targets.

“The climate crisis – the climate emergency – is our number one priority. Everything hinges on a livable world and a healthy environment for our children. We must act now to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and ensure a healthy and positive future for young people, like Greta Thunberg and the AFN Youth Council,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “First Nations believe we are only borrowing Mother Earth from future generations. It would be unforgivable for our generation to leave the world in a state of extreme uncertainty for those who will inherit it from us. This is an emergency and First Nations, with the incorporation of our traditional knowledge, are the leaders in providing solutions. I was proud to be part of honouring, an amazing Anishinabek youth, Autumn Peltier at our AGA in Fredericton and hearing her powerful message about protecting the water. Every leader of every political party in Canada needs to commit to working with First Nations on a national action plan with specific targets and progress that can be measured and assessed. We need drastic action to avoid global catastrophe.”

National Chief Bellegarde said that First Nations are often the first to feel the disproportionate impacts of climate change and must deal with the serious and devastating effects including forest fires, flooding and food insecurity.

AFN Yukon Regional Chief Kluane Adamek said that the Chiefs in the Yukon, a region among the most significantly impacted by climate change, recently passed a resolution that calls on leadership and Canada to recognize the accelerated impacts of the climate emergency in the north and the need to take immediate action.

“Humanity and our planet cannot wait any longer. Our future cannot be directed by partisanship or politics. We all need to act. The transition to a just future rests in our hands and we are running out of time. First Nations have the solutions and are already implementing them in many communities throughout the country. We need to lift up the work of those advocating for climate action and stand together in this global movement. We are ready to work with all governments in Canada and beyond,” Regional Chief Adamek said. “Meeting our targets under the Paris Agreement requires a focused and sustained effort but those targets must not be seen as optional or aspirational goals. The Paris Agreement sets out a positive and progressive plan of action. It is the first climate change agreement that commits countries to ambitious climate action, while respecting the rights of Indigenous peoples. The future depends on us. Canada and countries across the globe must act now to stop our world from drastically changing for the worse.”

KANESATAKE: A MEETING IN THE MRC OF DEUX-MONTAGNES

Saint-Eustache, September 19, 2019 – For the first time, elected officials of the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake met the mayors of the MRC of Deux-Montagnes on September 16th 2019, in Saint-Eustache. The meeting which included Mirabel Mayor, Jean Bouchard, Aboriginal Affairs’ Minister and member for Mirabel Sylvie D’Amours, was qualified as “historic” by both the Grand Chief of Kanesatake Serge Otsi Simon, as well as the prefect Denis Martin. 

This meeting follows the gesture of reconciliation made by Oka Mayor Pascal Quevillon, towards the Mohawk community and the region, at the First Nations – Municipalities Summit that had been held a month prior in the Wendat community of Wendake. It allowed the Mohawk Council to provide a better understanding of the issues facing the community, while at the same time, promoting understanding of Kanesatake’s inherent rights within this new relationship, as well as ideas for ensuring new peaceful relations between the both societies. 

At the meeting’s conclusion, elected representatives from Kanesatake and the MRC decided to work towards creating a liaison committee that would ensure permanent and effective communication between the two organizations. This committee will also have the mandate to facilitate the elaboration of joint projects and to foster new cohabitation. 

“We have taken an important first step in building relationships of peace and friendship between us and our respective people, with, on our minds, our future children and generations to follow,” said the Grand Chief. 

“We have a first constructive dialogue that allows us to better understand ourselves. This is an important step towards establishing a new relationship between Kanesatake and the municipalities of the MRC, “said Prefect Martin.

The AFN Launches Honouring Promises: 2019 Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada

(Ottawa, ON) – Today, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde launched Honouring Promises2019 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada to provide a path forward for parties and candidates in the federal election. The document identifies a comprehensive set of commitments federal parties must make to First Nations to work together to build a stronger Canada.

“This country was founded on promises between First Nations and the newcomers to share the land and work together in the spirit of partnership and mutual respect,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “First Nations want federal parties to commit to the promises we are setting out today so we can move forward together. Our plan is ambitious and bold because we are making progress and we must maintain momentum. Canadians understand that First Nations priorities are Canada’s priorities. Honouring these promises will benefit everyone.”

Honouring Promises begins with a call for action on the global priority of climate change and preserving the natural world – a promise to the next seven generations. It shows how to build a stronger Canada through healthy and educated First Nations citizens living in safe and secure communities, and fully participating in the economy in ways that strengthen the national economy and sustain the environment.

Honouring Promises speaks to justice for First Nations, and a Canada where First Nations law is recognized as equal to common law and civil law, where First Nations rights and Treaties are recognized, respected and implemented.

“This election is taking place at a turning point in our shared history,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “This is our time to commit to action to save our planet and ourselves, to commit to ensure all children are equipped to build a prosperous future, and to commit to a promise that health, education, the economy and justice systems will work for everyone. The plan we call Honouring Promises points the way to real, transformative change. The time to act is now.”

The Honouring Promises2019 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada document, and other information on First Nations priorities and concerns, can be found on the AFN’s website here.

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

2019 BC Indigenous Business Awardees Announced

VANCOUVER – Awardees of the eleventh annual BC Indigenous Business Award (IBA) were announced today by the BC Achievement Foundation, the program’s presenting organization. The Awardees will be celebrated at a Gala Dinner ceremony on October 17, 2019 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver where over 600 people will gather to honour excellence in Indigenous business in British Columbia. 

“The BC Indigenous Business Award recognizes enterprises that create and expand opportunities, relationships and communities, all with the goal of a more prosperous future,” said foundation Chair, Anne Giardini. “BC Achievement is particularly excited to highlight some of the many Indigenous businesses across British Columbia that foster innovation – integrating the practices of the past with the economies of the future.” 

The IBA program was launched in 2008 to honour and celebrate business excellence and, in its 11th year, boasts close to 200 remarkable businesses within its alumni. A total of 15 Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, partnership entities and community-owned enterprises will be recognized at this year’s Gala Dinner. 

Selection of the awardees was made by members of the 2019 jury panel, which includes Kim Baird, Jacob Beaton, Louis de Jaeger and Laurie Sterritt. 

The BC Indigenous Business Award program is presented by the BC Achievement Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and generously supported by New Relationship Trust, BC Hydro, CN, Enbridge, Encana, FortisBC, TD, Vancity and Western Forest Products. 

The BC Achievement Foundation is an independent foundation established in 2003 to celebrate community service, arts, humanities and enterprise. 

2019 BC Indigenous Business Awardees 

• Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Mr. Bannock Indigenous Cuisine, North Vancouver Outstanding Business Achievement: Persistence Training Centre, Merritt 

• Business of the Year – one-to-two person enterprise: Imagination FX, Port Alberni Outstanding Business Achievement: Tseax Development Group Ltd., Terrace 

• Business of the Year – three-to-10 person enterprise: T’ashii Paddle School, Tofino Outstanding Business Achievement: Nechako Valley Animal Health, Vanderhoof 

• Business of the Year – 11+ person enterprise: Animikii Indigenous Technology, Victoria Outstanding Business Achievement: Rivermist Excavating Ltd., Kamloops Outstanding Business Achievement: Top Notch Oilfield Contracting Ltd., Fort St. John 

• Community-Owned Business of the Year – one entity: Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Course, Chase Outstanding Business Achievement: Mustimuhw Information Solutions Inc., Duncan 

• Community-Owned Business of the Year – two or more entities: Simpcw Resources Group of Companies, Barriere Outstanding Business Achievement: Coast Salish Group, Ladysmith 

• Industry Business Partnership of the Year: Salish Seaside RV Haven, Victoria Outstanding Business Achievement: Lower Nicola Site Services, Kamloops Detailed information about the awards and a list of past winners is posted on the Foundation’s website at

http://www.bcachievement.com/indigenousbusines

Reconciliation in action: Fisheries agreement reached between Government of Canada and the Elsipogtog and Esgenoôpetitj First Nations

Halifax, Nova Scotia – The Government of Canada is committed to a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. Building on this commitment, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, together with Chief Arren Sock of the Elsipogtog First Nation and Chief Alvery Paul of the Esgenoôpetitj First Nation, announced today that they have agreed to a long-term plan to advance reconciliation in the fisheries. This will benefit the Mi’kmaq communities of Elsipogtog and Esgenoôpetitj and the broader fishing communities in New Brunswick.

The 10-year Interim Fisheries Implementation Agreement addresses areas of mutual interest in the fisheries, and will help foster improved relationships with, and outcomes for, the Elsipogtog and Esgenoôpetitj First Nations by:

  • upholding the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision regarding these First Nations’ Treaty rights to harvest and sell fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood;
  • reducing socio-economic gaps by supporting these First Nations’ capacity to participate in the fisheries and obtain additional fisheries’ access, such as licenses and quota, as well as vessels and gear; and
  • establishing future negotiation processes regarding the co-development of a collaborative fisheries management approach.

This agreement was reached in the spirit of collaboration; it will advance recognition of rights and make real progress on the issues most important to the Elsipogtog and Esgenoôpetitj First Nations. Having a long-term agreement in place will help provide for stable, predictable and sustainable fisheries for all harvesters in the region.

Open letter to Quebecers: No “Oka Crisis 2.0”

Kanesatake, July 29th 2019- In an open letter addressed to Quebecers this morning, the Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake Serge Otsi Simon reiterates his desire to live in peace and harmony, with his Oka neighbors. 

The letter aims to clearly express that there is no question right now of a second Oka Crisis. The situation has changed, certain measures were taken since 1990 in order to take things further. Even though much remains unaccomplished, and that the federal government needs to assume its fiduciary duty, the Grand Chief insists on the fact that the Kanesatake Mohawks wish to live in peace. 

Moreover, this open letter aims to clarify certain questions on the rights of indigenous peoples, that many may find complex. With a better knowledge of these issues, the Grand Chief hopes that Quebecers may be able to better understand the urgency of the situation regarding repatriation of Mohawk lands to Kanesatake, as well as understanding the insistence of the Grand Chief in order to obtain a formal apology from the mayor of Oka to the Mohawk community. 

It also expresses the wish to continue to work together in finding solutions for the recognition of the rights of the Mohawks of Kanesatake is made quickly and in harmony with their Oka neighbors.

Kanesatake: Grand Chief Simon will meet with the governments

Kanesatake, July 25th 2019- The Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake Serge Otsi Simon having confirmed his availability, two meetings should indeed take place this Friday July 26th, concerning Kanesatake’s issues. There will be a confirmed tripartite meeting between Kanesatake and the federal and provincial governments representatives.

A second meeting could also take place immediately after, including the mayor of Oka, Mr. Pascal Quevillon.

The first meeting is necessary in order to discuss a certain amount of urgent issues requiring governmental action. The potential second meeting is to include Mr. Quevillon. However, in order for it to be a productive discussion in peace and harmony, the Grand Chief reiterates his demand of an apology from Pascal Quevillon. Without this apology, the Grand Chief will not be participating in the second meeting.


Information meeting with the MRC de Deux-Montagnes
In parallel, Grand Chief Simon has sent a letter to the MRC’s prefect, Denis Martin, in order to propose a meeting with the mayors of the MRC. Minister Sylvie D’Amours, the minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and the member for Mirabel, is also invited to this meeting. This meeting would aim to inform the mayors directly on questions pertaining to the Kanesatake Mohawks’ territorial rights and claims, as well as opening a dialogue regarding future collaborations in economic development

There’s a pipeline to Reconciliation. We should take it.

Project Reconciliation readies bid for TMX

Project Reconciliation says when the federal government wants to talk about its proposal, it will be ready–as early as next week.

Indigenous-led group readies bid for TMX

Calgary, July 2—An Indigenous-led group that wants to buy a majority stake in the Trans Mountain pipeline says a formal bid could be made as early as this month.

When the federal government re-approved the pipeline’s expansion last month, the prime minister said he was open to as high as 100 per cent Indigenous ownership.

“There’s real momentum towards Indigenous ownership,” said Delbert Wapass, Founder and Executive Chair of Project Reconciliation. “It’s exciting to see support is growing in governments and among Indigenous people. There is a pipeline to reconciliation and we should take it.”

Steve Mason serves as its Managing Director and has been heading financing.

“We’ve been assembling something that will work for all sides and it will be ready as early as next week. When the government wants to talk, we’ll be ready,” he said.

Project Reconciliation’s innovative ownership structure is open to almost 340 First Nations and Métis communities in Alberta, B.C., and Saskatchewan.

Announcing Native Earth’s 2019/20 Season

TORONTO, ON – Native Earth Performing Arts is proud to announce its 37th season, featuring a dynamic line-up of some of the most remarkable Indigenous voices working in theatre and dance today. Exploring stories of resilience, reclamation, and triumph, Native Earth’s season is a riveting showcase of successive generations of contemporary Indigenous artists. The season includes the recently Dora-nominated playwright Yolanda Bonnell, Dora winner Waawaate Fobister, Christine Friday, and the Governor General Award-nominated Drew Hayden Taylor and Keith Barker, as well as artists from across Turtle Island and Australia at Native Earth’s annual Weesageechak Begins to Dance festival.

“Stories are medicine. Stories are what we do. It’s how we’re built. It’s how we connect with each other, our communities, and our audience. Stories remind us that others have travelled the same roads we have and we are not alone. Which is why we are excited to share this new season of stories with you. Each one embarks on its own unique journey of forgiveness, of resilience against impossible odds, of reclamation and triumph that transcends the injustice and cruelty of the world. It is a season of truth telling, of hearts breaking with lots of giggles in between. So please come join us on the journey. All are welcome.” – Keith Barker, Artistic Director

CAMINOS 2019
A Festival of New Performance Works
Presented by Aluna Theatre in partnership with Native Earth
October 3-13, 2019 | Aki Studio & Ada Slaight Hall


CAMINOS are the roads, paths, or life journeys that take us from one place to the next. Now in its third edition, Aluna’s CAMINOS is a biennial curated festival that presents an exciting line-up of new performance experiments on the road to becoming something more. Join local, national, and international guest artists to push the boundaries of theatre, dance, performance art, music, visual arts, installation, and film.

For 2019, CAMINOS adds a special opening weekend presentation by Native Earth of international guest artist Ghenoa Gela (Torres Strait Islands). Mura Buai (Everyone Everyone) showcases Gela’s collaborative journey with local Indigenous artists from Big Medicine Studio to the National Arts Centre to Toronto for final showings at the Aki Studio.

For more information, visit alunatheatre.ca. #alunaCAMINOS

WEESAGEECHAK BEGINS TO DANCE 32
Annual Development Festival of Indigenous Work
November 13-23, 2019 | Aki Studio

Taking place over two weeks in Native Earth’s Aki Studio, the 32nd annual Weesageechak festival welcomes emerging, mid-career, and established artists from across Turtle Island and Australia to develop and showcase contemporary Indigenous theatre, dance and multi-disciplinary creations. The festival offers audiences an opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of contemporary Indigenous performance. Full artist line-up will be announced on August 1, 2019, followed by a full schedule on September 2, 2019.

Native Earth and Buddies in Bad Times partner once again to present an exciting evening of the 2-Spirit Cabaret as part of Weesageechak festival. A celebration of the strength, beauty, and talent of queer and 2-Spirit Indigenous people, the Cabaret features music, dance, drag, spoken word, and comedy, curated by award winning 2-Spirit theatre artist Michaela Washburn. Sold out for three years in a row, the fourth edition of the Cabaret will be held on Saturday November 16, 2019 at The Chamber, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.

The Festival Pass is valid for all Aki Studio performances and is currently on sale at nativeearth.ca/boxoffice. Single tickets for the 2-Spirit Cabaret are on sale at buddiesinbadtimes.com.

THIS IS HOW WE GOT HERE
Written & Directed by Keith Barker
Produced by Native Earth 
January 26-February 9, 2020| Aki Studio

Meet Lucille, Paul, Liset, and Jim. Best friends, sisters, spouses – stumbling in the dark one year after a tragic loss. They struggle to find each other again, when a mysterious fox shows up with a curious gift. Simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming, This Is How We Got Here is a complex and hopeful story of letting go.

2018 Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama FINALIST

“…nothing short of breath catching” – My Entertainment World
“Entirely relatable, heart-wrenchingly frank, and dazzlingly honest.” – Tara Beagan, co-founder of ARTICLE 11

BUG
Written & Performed by Yolanda Bonnell
Directed by Cole Alvis | Dramaturgy by Yvette Nolan
manidoons collective co-presented by Theatre Passe Muraille and Native Earth
February 7-22, 2020| Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace

The Girl grapples with the obstacles on her path to adulthood. She clings to anything that gives her comfort. As her power grows, so too does Manidoons*, devouring her from the inside. Her struggle to overcome these challenges fuses movement, poetry, and music in a brilliant Dora-nominated performance by Yolanda Bonnell. *Ojibway for bug, insect, or worm.

2019 Dora Mavor Moore Award NOMINATIONS: Outstanding Production, Outstanding New Play, Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role, and Outstanding Lighting Design

“A riveting solo show” – NOW Magazine
“…the heart and gut wrenching, powerfully beautiful piece…an excellent physical performance.” – Canadian Theatre Review

OMAAGOMAAN
Choreography & Performance by Waawaate Fobister
Direction & Dramaturgy by Troy Emery Twigg
Co-presented by Native Earth and Theatre Passe Muraille – World Premiere
April 2-5 2020 | Aki Studio


The Anishinaabe of Grassy Narrows are resilient. They are stitching their fractured landscapes back together from the impact of mercury poisoning.

Using dance, movement, sound, and storytelling, the Dora-award winning Waawaate Fobister embodies Omaagomaan, a two-spirit being, and a manifestation of the earth and man-made poisons that have seeped into the earth’s crust. A fierce shape-shifter inspired by Anishinaabe mythology, Omaagomaan forces us to reckon with the ways the maanaadizi (ugly) and the onizhishi (beautiful) collide.

“Fobister is a dynamic, engaging performer, and you owe it to yourself to listen to his story.” – Mooney on Theatre

MAGGIE & ME: A HEALING DANCE
Concept, Choreography & Performance by Christine Friday
Featuring: Penny Couchie, Waawaate Fobister, and Beany John
Dramaturgy by Robert Desrosiers
Co-produced by Friday Creeations and Native Earth – Toronto Premiere
April 16-19, 2020 | Aki Studio

Maggie & Me honours the legacy of women as healers in our communities. Through her ancestral gifts and experiences, the dancer receives a contemporary healing dance. Travelling through dimensional realms of existence – spirit, dream, and present – we are invited into the dancer’s journey of healing and revitalization of the Anishinaabe culture. With a movement style that is free, lyrical and explosive, she walks into her own power.

Created by Christine Friday, the recipient of the 2018 K.M. Hunter Award for Dance, this breathtaking immersive performance shares the story of how a healing dance can strengthen communities.

“The stage was alive with a resurgence of culture and dancing with ancestors.” – Anishinabek News

SIR JOHN A: ACTS OF A GENTRIFIED OJIBWAY REBELLION
Written by Drew Hayden Taylor
Directed by Jim Millan
Produced by Native Earth – Toronto Premiere
April 26-May 10, 2020 | Aki Studio


Bobby Rabbit has some unfinished business with Canada’s first prime minister. He convinces his friend Hugh to accompany him on a “sojourn of justice” to dig up the bones of Sir John A and hold them ransom. When Bobby learns that his grandfather’s medicine bundle lies moldering in a British museum, taken long ago from him at residential school, he enlists his friends to secure a bargaining chip and execute a heist so epic in scale none of them may ever see the light of day again.

Multi-award winning Ojibway playwright Drew Hayden Taylor serves up an uproariously funny and sharply inquisitive new play exploring the possibility of reconciliation while urgently questioning past and contemporary forms of Canadian colonialism.

“A smart, punchy story that’s bolstered by sharp satire, a quirky musical score…and a refreshing dose of humour.” – Ottawa Citizen

PAPRIKA FESTIVAL 2020
The 19th Annual Youth-Led Performing Arts Festival
Produced by Paprika Festival in partnership with Native Earth
May 25-31, 2020 | Aki Studio
For the fifth year running, Paprika Festival is partnering with Native Earth to present the 19th annual youth-led performing arts festival. Following a year of professional theatre training and mentorship programs, Paprika Festival showcases creations from the next generation for one full week in Aki Studio.

Paprika programs are free of cost for participants and offer exceptional training in playwriting, performing, directing, producing, collective creation, and design and arts administration. Through the support of Native Earth and other industry partners, Paprika Festival launched the Indigenous Arts Program in 2017 to support and present work by young Indigenous artists. Previous artists include Theresa Cutknife, Cole Forrest, Pesch Nepoose, Joelle Peters, and Jesse Wabegijig. For more information, visit paprikafestival.com.

2019/20 TICKETS AND SEASON OFFERS

Theatre Package (This Is How We Got Here | Sir John A) $45 (incl. HST)
Dance Package (Omaagomaan Maggie & Me) $45 (incl. HST)
Season Bundle (This Is How We Got Here | Sir John A | Omaagomaan | Maggie & Me) $80 (incl. HST)

Single tickets for 2019/20 performances range from PWYC to $38.00, with discounts available for students, seniors and arts workers, and will be on sale Fall 2019. Single tickets for BUG will be on sale at passemuraille.ca.

Weesageechak Festival Pass $60 (incl. HST). Discounted rate of $50 is available until October 20, 2019. The Festival Pass is valid for all Aki Studio festival performances. Single tickets to the 2-Spirit Cabaret are on sale at buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Call Aki Studio Box Office at 416-531-1402 ext. 34, or purchase online at nativeearth.ca/boxoffice.