We invite you to take a moment to recognize the land and
examine your relationship to it.
Locate yourself. In space. In time. In the season. In the current cultural and political climate.
Some of you may reside in territories where treaties have been signed or reside in territories that remain “unceded” (not signed). Regardless of which, this is a nice way of saying lands that were never ours. Lands that stretch across Canada from coast to coast to coast, through the territories of more than 50 First Nations peoples, Inuit, and Métis: Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu, Abenaki, Anishinaabe, Ojibwe, Haudenosaunee, Cree, Salish, Haida, and Dene. These are the names of but a few, and in no way covers them all.
We all come from different places and from each of these different lands come different stories. These stories are our legacy, so let’s make sure that our narratives are about
positive change, breaking cycles, and not reproducing harm.
Let our stories show our responsibility to respect all things that are placed on this earth – whether they be people, plant, or animal. Let us show our concern that everything that is taken and used is with the understanding that we take only what we need. We must use great care and be aware of what we take and how much we take so that future generations will not be put in peril.
Let the story state that Indigenous peoples are the original stewards of these lands and waters, and that, for those of us who are new to this land, it is our duty to become informed
and involved in work that decolonizes and supports Indigenous resistance to colonialism.
Indigenous Advisory Circle
The Indigenous Advisory Circle was formed at the National Theatre School in the spring of 2021. It is composed of a diverse group of established Indigenous artists and NTS alumni. Their goal is to influence and strengthen the School’s pedagogy by contributing an Indigenous worldview, and to create opportunities for the French and English sections to come together through Indigenous artistic practice.
The Circle’s members are involved in helping to create inclusive policies, recommendations for governance, developing community for students with Indigenous ancestry and bringing awareness and education to the administration and faculty at NTS. In this way, they hope not only to bring about a deeper awareness and appreciation of the rich artistic landscape of Indigenous performing arts, but also to help students deepen their understanding of themselves as artists.
Read the Report on Indigenous Presence and Influence at the National Theatre School
Read the Action Plan developped by the School in collaboration with the Circle.