Amplifying Voices Through Allyship: Far North Dance and Drama Programs
At The Travelling Stage, we are honoured to facilitate programming in collaboration with Northern communities, guided by a spirit of allyship and respect. Our Far North Dance and Drama Programs are co-created to amplify Northern voices, celebrating the rich cultures and stories of the region.
Through dynamic arts and wellness education, our programs empower participants to nurture positive identity, build literacy skills, and develop performing arts proficiency. These initiatives also promote acceptance, self-esteem, and innovative approaches to addressing challenges like bullying.
We are deeply grateful to have partnered with the 22 communities and 2 school boards across the Northwest Territories to facilitate these programs. The moments of connection and creativity we’ve shared reflect the strength and vibrancy of the Far North and demonstrate the power of collaboration and shared learning.
We recognize and celebrate the unique stories, talents, and traditions of Northern communities, fostering spaces where voices are heard and a brighter future is imagined.
“Our people believe in peace. Our people believe in love. We believe in responsibility.” — Niigaan Sinclair
The Travelling Stage
Empowering Connection Through Far North Dance and Drama Programs
In partnership with the Dehcho Divisional Education Council and the Beaufort-Delta Educational Council, we are honoured to collaborate with schools in 22 remote communities across the Arctic. Together, we celebrate creativity, connection, and cultural expression through meaningful programming.
No matter where your community is located in Canada, we are committed to fostering connection. This journey is about amplifying voices, honouring stories, and sharing in the power of creativity and collaboration.
Our journey is about celebrating diverse perspectives, fostering meaningful connections, and embracing the transformative power of the arts.
It’s all art!
The Travelling Stage goes to Fort Simpson
CANADA WIDE VIRTUAL OR IN PERSON
FAR NORTH and REMOTE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Celebrating Northern Voices: The Travelling Stage in the Northwest Territories
In our third year of programming in the Far North, The Travelling Stage is proud to continue our partnership with the Dehcho Divisional Education Council (DDEC). Through innovative arts initiatives, we aim to amplify Northern voices, create opportunities for creative expression, and nurture meaningful connections across 22 remote communities in the Arctic.
- Sambaa K’e: Despite weather challenges, students and community members collaborated on a project that brought local stories to life through drama and dance. The program culminated in a community presentation and included support for local Halloween activities.
- Fort Simpson: Elementary students reimagined local legends through devised theatre, blending movement, drama, and mask work. High school students explored the theme of “What is art?” through filmmaking, alongside creating a stunning community mural.
- Jean Marie River: For predominantly non-verbal students, creative movement, dance, and yoga became powerful forms of expression. Artists embraced the natural environment, participating in daily nature walks with students.
- Fort Providence and Kakisa: Programming ranged from creative movement and drama to short film creation. Students explored storytelling, filmmaking, and visual arts, culminating in videos and performances rooted in their local environment.
- Fort Liard: Students brought Dene myths to life through drama and visual arts, including costume and mask creation. They also explored filmmaking and improv, producing documentaries that highlighted community life and identity.
- Fort McPherson: Students explored spoken word and traditional jigging while older students interviewed Elders and created videos about local traditions. The final presentation brought the community together for a feast, performance by local fiddlers, and celebration of student creativity.
- Inuvik: Artists engaged students in dance, creative writing, drama, and video production. The program culminated in a joint school celebration featuring student videos, photography, live performances, and a hall filled with student-created art.
- Sachs Harbour: Working closely with the school principal, students explored puppetry, building a puppet theatre and incorporating Indigenous languages into their final performance. Collaboration with the Indigenous language teacher brought depth and authenticity to the project.
- Paulatuk: Students expressed themselves through drama strategies such as tableau, improv, and teacher-in-role exercises, culminating in a vibrant final drama and creative movement presentation.
- Tsiigehtchic: Projects spanned dance, storytelling, and filmmaking. Students explored themes of past, present, and future, creating a film titled Empowered Together, offering solutions to community challenges and celebrating unity.
- Aklavik: Middle and high school students created a video presentation, while younger students brought stories to life through drama. The community’s support and involvement enhanced the program’s impact.
- Ulukhaktok: Students devised The Blizzard of Ulu, an original theatre work inspired by The Wizard of Oz, incorporating Inuktun with support from the Indigenous language teacher. Older students created short films and an art gallery wall, and the community gathered for a feast and drum circle to celebrate the final presentation.
- Tuktoyaktuk: Elementary and High School students expressed themselves through movement, wellness and drama and Travelling Stage artists were embraced by the community and invited to attend their annual dogsled races.
“Love is something you and I must have. We must have it because our spirit feeds upon it. We must have it because without it we become weak and faint. Without love, our self-esteem weakens. Without it, our courage fails. Without love we can no longer look out confidently at the world.” — Chief Dan George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation of Canada
Gallery - Our Curriculum Programs
