Indigenous Theatre at the NAC presents a collection of virtual and in-person offerings in observance of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
OTTAWA, Sept. 29, 2022 – Under the theme Ngii-noondam, niwaabamaa – an Anishinaabemowin expression meaning “I hear you, I see you.” – these offerings from Indigenous Theatre at NAC aim to educate and share the truths of Indigenous peoples with the rest of the country.
Tomorrow (September 30) is National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, a time when we wear orange to remember the Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools and never returned, and to honour the survivors, their families, and their communities. It is also a day for Canadians from coast to coast to coast to reflect on what reconciliation means to them, or more precisely: “What will be my contribution to truth and reconciliation?”
From September 26 to 30, NAC Indigenous Theatre proudly offers series of activities under the theme Ngii-noondam, niwaabamaa – an Anishinaabemowin expression meaning “I hear you, I see you.” – to educate and share the truths of Indigenous peoples with the rest of the country. Offerings includes reading lists, panel discussions, workshops, videos and colouring pages. It will also be an opportunity to share Indigenous experiences, culture and languages. National Day of Truth and Reconciliation activities were curated by Mairi Brascoupé and Kerry Corbière, members of the NAC Indigenous Theatre.
“These activities proudly proclaim: ‘We are still here’ and help us reclaim the things that residential schools tried to erase,” said Lori Marchand, Managing Director, Indigenous Theatre.
This year Indigenous Theatre at the NAC will highlight the work of Dr. Peter Henderson Bryce on the 100thanniversary of his 1922 report. He played an important role in Canadian history as a “whistleblower”, someone who documented and released evidence of the rate of Indigenous children who were dying in residential schools.
And all are invited to view Mariah Meawasige’s work on our Kipnes Lantern as a living testament to the beauty and resilience of Indigenous culture. The Kipnes Lantern is the signature feature of the National Arts Centre’s architectural rejuvenation. Rising dramatically above the NAC’s new front entrance, the five-story glass tower incorporates cutting-edge transparent LED screens to display stunning images of Canada’s leading artists and productions.
Join the National Arts Centre tomorrow Sept. 30, 2022, on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation for a special televised recorded event of an incredible night of Indigenous voices celebrating the music, art and activism of Buffy Sainte-Marie. Watch “Buffy Sainte-Marie: Starwalker” on CBC and CBC Gem at 7:30 pm, and on APTNat 8 pm EDT.
NAC Artwork by Mariah Measwasige
SOURCE National Arts Centre
