The impetus for this research report came directly from Indigenous performing artists - mostly those who work in theatre and their community(s). Across the territory we now call Canada, conversations, talking circles, panels, workshops, Indigenous curriculum development meetings and numerous articles, essays and studies have been conducted over the last four decades.
At Scháyilhen - Salmon Going Up River - the 2018 Industry Series at Talking Stick Festival. Primary Colours/Primaires couleurs was invited by Margo Kane - Artistic Director of the festival - to facilitate a workshop entitled Creating an Indigenous Arts Action Plan. A subsequent partnership with Indigenous Theatre (National Arts Centre) and Creating, Knowing, Sharing (Canada Council for the Arts) ultimately led to this research.
The purpose of the research report is to give respect to the history of Indigenous performing arts, to gather existing studies, and to point to the way forward/the way back for concrete actions that sustain Indigenous performing arts.
Banner image: provided by France Trépanier
