Announcing: Joelle Peters to step down as Artistic Director
After four years in Artistic Leadership with Native Earth Performing Arts, Joelle Peters will be stepping down from her role as Artistic Director in November 2026.
We share this news with deep gratitude for Joelle’s leadership and care for the company, and with excitement for the next chapter of her artistic journey. Joelle’s relationship with Native Earth spans more than a decade, beginning as a member of the Patron Services team before stepping into Artistic Leadership. This long-standing connection has shaped her approach - rooted in community, generosity, and a deep understanding of the artists and audiences we serve.
During her tenure as Artistic Director, Joelle has been a dedicated advocate for Indigenous artists and storytelling. Her leadership has supported the development of new work, strengthened relationships across communities, and helped guide the company through an important period of growth. Her impact has been felt not only in the work onstage, but in the spaces; she has helped hold artists, audiences, and collaborators alike.
Photo of Joelle Peters and Himanshu Sitlani by Kate Dalton, Weesageechak Begins to Dance 37
“I have so much love for Native Earth and what it stands for. It has been an honour to leave my mark on the huge legacy of this organization. I hope that my time as Artistic Director has helped to inspire others to step up and take care of Native Earth; artistic leadership is not easy, it was certainly never a role I thought I’d take on in my career, but I’m forever grateful for the lessons I’ve learned and the ways I’ve been able to give back to the community. Native Earth will always hold a special place in my heart, thank you to those that lifted me up over these past four years. As I begin to refocus my energy on my personal practice as an artist again, I look forward to seeing how the company will continue to grow and change, because I know it will. Chi miigwetch for this opportunity, and see you soon!”
- Joelle Peters
An Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) award-winning playwright and actor from Walpole Island First Nation, Joelle Peters brought exceptional artistry and dedication to her role. She was named the 2020 Siminovitch Prize Protégée for Playwriting by Laureate Tara Beagan, recognizing her as one of Canada’s leading Indigenous theatre artists. Her plays include Niizh, which premiered at Native Earth and was commissioned by the Blyth Festival and published by Playwrights Canada Press, and Frozen River.
Niizh, Written by Joelle Peters
Photo of NEPA 2023 Production by Kate Dalton
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish to express our deep respect and heartfelt gratitude to Joelle Peters for her extraordinary contributions to Native Earth Performing Arts. Joelle's artistic vision and unwavering commitment to advancing Indigenous storytelling on the Canadian stage have left an indelible mark on our organization and the broader theatre community. Her leadership has enriched our programming, inspired our audiences, and strengthened the voices of Indigenous artists across the country. We wish Joelle every success and fulfilment in her future endeavours.”
- Bob Whiteduck Crawford, President of the Board of Directors, Native Earth Performing Arts
The Board of Directors will undertake a thoughtful search for a new Artistic Director in the coming months. Native Earth remains firmly committed to its founding mission of developing, producing, and presenting professional artistic expressions of the Indigenous experience in Canada. All operations and programming will continue without interruption during this transition.
While Joelle will be stepping away from this role, her relationship with Native Earth continues. We look forward to witnessing and supporting the next chapter of her work, and to building on the foundation she has helped strengthen as the company moves forward.
Call for Artistic Director
Native Earth is seeking an Artistic Director to lead the organization through its next phase of growth and transformation.
Guided by our 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, the Artistic Director will help shape and advance Native Earth’s artistic vision, grounded in three core priorities:
● Identity, Autonomy and Place – strengthening Indigenous-led, sovereign spaces for creation and gathering
● Evolving Operations – building sustainable systems, teams, and partnerships
● Supporting the Art, the Artists, and the Artisans – expanding opportunities for Indigenous creators at all stages.