Mi’kmaw elder Calvin White will perform a live show in St. John’s. It’s a conversation with his son about the exclusion of Mi’kmaw people in confederation, along with his life’s work in restoring Mi’kmaw cultural identity and pride. (Alex Kennedy/CBC)
A new professional performing arts organization is kicking off its debut season.
Founded in March, the Indigenous Performing Arts N.L. (IPANL) aims to highlight and support Indigenous performing artists in the province starting with three projects from June to October.
The organization was founded by Ivan J. White, Senator Judy White, Tera McDonald and Leahdawn Helena.
“We are overdue to address the historical and ongoing underrepresentation of indigenous stories and perspectives in the canon of professionally produced storytelling in this province,” Helena told CBC News.
The inaugural event, No Indians Here, starts Tuesday night at the First Light Centre for Performance and Creativity on Cochrane Street in St. John’s.
Mi’kmaw elder Calvin White will speak with his son — painter Nelson White — about the exclusion of Mi’kmaw people in confederation, along with his life’s work in restoring Mi’kmaw cultural identity and pride.
White said he wants to inspire young people and educate the general public.
“My quest is to bring the truth,” he said.
Later this summer, Sister Stories will take to the stage. The project was developed with IPANL alongside PerSIStance theatre company.
Two one-woman shows, Stolen Sisters, written and performed by Helena, and Koqm, written and performed by Shalan Jourdy, will happen in tandem. That show runs from July 2 to July 4 on the lawn of Government House and then at the Miawpukek and Bay St. George powwows.
Then, in October, Nsituninal: Our Voices will tour the Arts and Culture Centres of the province.
From Oct. 6 until Oct. 17, Indigenous women, two-spirit and non-binary artists will blend theatre, dance and music in the spirit of sharing Indigenous culture and artistry “not often showcased on main stages in the province.”
When the season closes the current IPANL board plans to expand in November.
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