Qaggiavuut

Indigenous Arts at Canada Scene

June 21, 2017
PHOTO: Jamie Griffiths

First Nations, Inuit and Métis arts proudly proclaim their place amongst the 201 projects funded through New Chapter, the Canada Council’s one-time program to mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation. They also play a starring role at the National Arts Centre’s (NAC) Canada Scene, now on view until July 23.

Calgary’s Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society takes the audience on a journey through past treaties between Canada and Indigenous Peoples and their implications on the present (June 20).

Nunavut-based Qaggiq Performing Arts Collective’s Kiviuq Returns (July 21) brings to life the story of an eternal wanderer and the legendary hero of Inuit stories, through music, dancing, brilliant costumes, elder storytelling, and Inuit actors of all ages.

Kiviuq Returns
Kiviuq Returns Photographer(s): Jamie Griffiths, Qaggiavuut

Meanwhile the potential of reconciliation through the arts comes through clearly in Toronto’s National Youth Orchestra’s The Unsilent Project (July 22). This two-part musical piece was created in collaboration with Michael Greyeyes and Signal Theatre, composers Juliet Palmer and Ian Cusson (Métis), and a cast of spoken-word artists who explore the themes found in the work of the late slam poet Zaccheus Jackson.

Stay tuned for more Spotlights on New Chapter projects and follow us on social media at #CouncilNewChapter.

We’re also extremely proud that the original touring musical Children of God, by Vancouver’s Urban Ink’s is also at Canada Scene. This powerful musical about the impact of residential school on an Oji-Cree family was one of the 17 projects funded through the Canada Council’s {Re}conciliation initiative.

The Canada Council / NAC partnership extends beyond Canada Scene. It includes the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards, the Carrefour residency for emerging composers, the biennial Zones Théâtrales and a host of other initiatives to optimize the organizations’ respective roles in developing and promoting the performing arts in Canada.