Individual tickets starting at $15.00

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This year’s artists include:

Dillan Meighan Chiblow
Waverley Stanley Jr
Shawn Cuthand
B'atz' Recinos
Izzy Bull Bear
Erica Wilson
Curtis Kaltenbaugh

as well as sharings from:
• Gwaandak Theatre
• Native Earth’s Animikiig Creator’s Unit: Shyanne Duquette, Iota’keratenion Thomas-Beaton, and Cameron Fraser-Monroe

Weesageechak Begins to Dance is Native Earth Performing Arts’ annual performing arts festival showcasing new works and works-in-development by Indigenous artists across Turtle Island and beyond. Now, in its 39th edition, eight Creators have been invited to develop and showcase new works that put Indigenous artists and their creative impulses at the forefront, shifting the expectations of Indigenous stories in the performing arts landscape.

Guided by this year’s festival theme of RESURGENCE, Weesageechak Begins to Dance 39 will run from November 20-29, 2026, celebrating the ever-urgent necessity for Indigenous storytelling in an inspirational and revitalizing gathering of stories, performances, conversations, and workshops.

Workshop Stream Dates:
October 12-25, 2026

Festival Presentation Dates:
Nov 20-29, 2026

FESTIVAL LINE-UP:

Fri, Nov 20 - 7:30 PM (2h runtime)
The Lottery by Waverley Stanley Jr
Northern Indigenous Play Readings presented by Gwaandak Theatre: Ämbäya Shäw/Big Aunties by Christine Genier
Post-Opening Reception
More details and content warnings here

Sat, Nov 21 - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Drop-In)
Animikiig Creators Unit Sharing
More details here

Sat, Nov 21 - 7:30 PM (2h runtime)
IXKAME: Baile de los ancestros (Jaguar Death: Dance of the ancestors) by B'atz' Recinos
More details and content warnings here

Sun, Nov 22 - 2:00 PM (2h runtime)
The Lottery by Waverley Stanley Jr
Northern Indigenous Play Readings presented by Gwaandak Theatre: Dègok’ee’ǫǫ̀ the Land, it is burnt by Keira Ash
More details and content warnings here

Wed, Nov 25 - 7:30 PM (Audio-described presentation, 2h runtime and will have Active Listeners on site)
[soft waters] by Erica Wilson
IXKAME: Baile de los ancestros (Jaguar Death: Dance of the ancestors) by B'atz' Recinos
More details and content warnings here

Thurs, Nov 26 - 7:30 PM (Relaxed performance, 2h runtime)
[soft waters] by Erica Wilson
Shelter from the Storm by Curtis Kaltenbaugh
More details and content warnings here

Fri, Nov 27 - 7:30 PM (2h runtime and will have Active Listeners on site)
The 7 Fires: A New Musical by Dillan Meighan Chiblow
Shelter from the Storm by Curtis Kaltenbaugh
More details and content warnings here

Sat, Nov 28 - 8pm (2h runtime)
WAAWOONO
A Weesageechak Begins to Dance Revue
-PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT BEVY (738 Dundas St E) we will have printed list of pre paid tickets and it will be cash at the door only. Venue is not completely accessible
EVENT DETAILS AND LINE UP TBA

Sun, Nov 29 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Drop-In)
Animikiig Creators Unit Sharing
More details here

Sun, Nov 29 - 2:00 PM (2h30m runtime)
The 7 Fires: A New Musical by Dillan Meighan Chiblow
Voices of Aki
More details and content warnings here