We Are All Treaty People theatrical production takes the stage in Toronto

February 9, 2019

Young People’s Theatre will be presenting We Are All Treaty People beginning February 11 in Toronto, ON. Photo from Impact17 by Andy Wright of DeadFly Media.

By Josée Duranleau

Young People’s Theatre (YPT) will be presenting an inspiring theatrical production entitled, We Are All Treaty People, beginning February 11 in Toronto.

Created by The Original Artists of Making Treaty 7 and Co-Produced by Quest Theatre and Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society, the story encompasses themes around truth and reconciliation, and forging understanding across cultures.

In this play for ages six and up, two children – one Indigenous, one non-Indigenous – are told by the Trickster that they cannot be friends due to the terms of Alberta’s Treaty 7. But the Trickster’s words inspire them to prove him wrong. Using history, song, story, dance and puppetry, this moving production forges understanding between the citizens of Canada and Indigenous peoples.

“We believe We Are All Treaty People has the power to make history come truly alive for young people. Even though Treaty 7 is specific to Southern Alberta, all treaties have enormous relevance across Canada. Understanding them can be a small but important step on the long road toward repairing the damage between communities …and encouraging reconciliation,” says YPT’s Artistic Director Allen MacInnis.

This presentation is just one aspect of the Indigenous learning taking place at YPT. For the past two years, YPT has been actively engaged in researching, designing, and implementing a program of community engagement with newcomers and Indigenous peoples through a lens of cultural exchange and reconciliation. To begin this program, all YPT staff took part in a series of workshops that immersed them in Indigenous culture. Designed by YPT Community Engagement Facilitator Lindy Kinoshameg (A proud Odawa from the Pike Clan) and Artist Educator Leslie McCue (a proud member of the Mississaugas of Curve Lake First Nation), the INDIGENizeUS program encompasses a series of learning sessions, centered on the Seven Grandfather Teachings of the First Peoples of Turtle Island.

We Are All Treaty People is directed by Troy Emery Twigg and Nikki Loach, and performed by Marshall Vielle, Elizabeth Ferguson, Lara Schmitz, Curt Young and Sonia Deleo. It will play on the Mainstage at YPT until February 22. For tickets and information, visit youngpeoplestheatre.ca or call 416-862-2222 x2.