Set in eighteen hundred and something-something in a small room in a fort on the banks of the Reddish River on Treaty 1 land, near-ish what is commonly known today as Winnipeg, Manitoba, this story follows three women. Cecilia is a British settler, Marie-Angelique is a Métis woman “given up” by her mother, and Eugenia is an Ojibwe woman who sells furs to the inhabitants of the fort. They swear to each other “no man, no land, and no government shall ever come between us”. A bold promise in a time when poet and folk hero Louis Riel is returning to ready a provisional government, and the ever handsome Thomas Scott is surveying the Reddish River in preparation for its annexation into the Canadian State…

Written by mixed Anishinaabe and Slovene playwright Frances Koncan from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty 3 territory, Women of the Fur Trade is an invitation to review what historical narratives we know of the land we walk on. It is an opportunity to recognize Indigenous and Métis heroes and leaders, and all the women and two-spirited folks who were behind the public facing image.

When Gwaandak began work on this piece as an in person production, they determined a “COVID active case threshold” at which point the presentation would necessarily pivot to a digital presentation for the safety of the community. As this threshold has currently been reached, the piece is being filmed and presented online as a digital theatrical production. Artistic Director Colin Wolf says “While the cast, crew, and company are disappointed by this development – we are emboldened by our experience shifting productions in the past, and the potential to reach a broader audience through varied performance times. We are also excited to announce that we are able to add digital performances for school audiences.”

Gwaandak will be adding school oriented digital performances with additional content, as well as a study guide, between November 8th and 26th. This is a great opportunity for this important play to be shared with youth, and hopefully inspire more participation in the arts for Indigenous youth in schools.

Cast: Ames Val, Brandon Wicke, Isabelle James-Walker, Katelyn Clark, Kelly Vittrekwa
Director: Meredith Pritchard,
Stage Manager: Rosiland Crump,
Technical Director and Props Master: Austin Rose,
Set Designer: Blake Lepine,
Costume Designer: Jensine Emeline Trondson,
Lighting Designer: Kasey Rae Andersom,
Sound Designer: Wade Galbraith,
Head of Wardrobe: Audrey Sawyer,
Costume Assistant: Sydney Wolf,
Production Assistant: Alia Krueger,
Producer: Sara German

Free Digital Public performances

• October 27th at 6pm;
• October 28th at 12 (noon) – 6pm;
• October 29th at 6 pm;
• October 30th at 10:30 AM & 6 pm;
• October 31st at 10:30 AM
• November 3rd at 6pm;
• November 4th at Noon & 6pm;
• November 5th at 6 pm;
• November 6th at 10:30 AM & 6 pm;
• November 7th at 10:30 AM

*Stay Tuned for more information about our special live talkbacks with members of the creative team.

To get tickets and the link please go to our Facebook, Instagram, or website to find the registration link – if that is proving difficult please email Sara@GwaandakTheatre.ca and we will help you out.

Paid School Showings:

Monday – Friday, November 8 – 26.

School showings will include a screening of the piece as well as access to recorded talkback sessions with designers, actors, and the director and playwright. The presentation will be hosted live by a member of Gwaandak Theatre’s staff. Please send an email to Sara@GwaandakTheatre.ca if you are interested in booking a school performance to discuss cost and presentation details.

Gwaandak Theatre has been empowering Indigenous and Northern voices since 2000. As the only Indigenous-centred theatre company in the Yukon, we are committed to presenting artistic programming that promotes meaningful reconciliation and deeper understanding between Yukoners, both Indigenous and settlers. We tell stories that explore themes of decolonization, cultural identity, social justice, and human rights. One meaning of the word Gwaandak in the Gwich’in language is “storyteller.”

Find us at gwaandaktheatre.ca and facebook.com/gwaandaktheatre