This year’s artists include:

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

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 19-29, 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 19-29, 2026

FESTIVAL LINE-UP:

Thurs, Nov 19 - 7:30 PM (2h30m runtime) 
Opening Ceremony 
Presentation: The Poisoner's Daughter by Danielle LaRose 
W39 Creators Roundtable 
Post-Opening Reception 
 
Fri, Nov 20 - 7:30 PM (2h runtime) 
Presentation: The Lottery by Waverley Stanley Jr 
Presentation: Northern Indigenous Play Readings presented by Gwaandak Theatre 
 
Sat, Nov 21 
Presentation: Animikiig Creators Unit Sharing (DETAILS AND TIME TBD) 
 
Sat, Nov 21 - 7:30 PM (2h runtime) 
Presentation: IXKAME: Baile de los ancestros (Jaguar Death: Dance of the ancestors) by B'atz' Recinos 
Presentation: The Poisoner's Daughter by Danielle LaRose 
 
Sun, Nov 22 - 2:00 PM (2h runtime) 
Presentation: The Lottery by Waverley Stanley Jr 
Presentation: Northern Indigenous Play Readings presented by Gwaandak Theatre 
 
Wed, Nov 25 - 7:30 PM (Audio-described presentation, 2h runtime) 
Presentation: [soft waters] by Erica Wilson 
Presenation: IXKAME: Baile de los ancestros (Jaguar Death: Dance of the ancestors) by B'atz' Recinos 
 
Thurs, Nov 26 - 7:30 PM (Relaxed performance, 2h runtime) 
Presentation: [soft waters] by Erica Wilson 
Presentation: Shelter from the Storm by Curtis Kaltenbaugh 
 
Fri, Nov 27 - 7:30 PM (2h runtime) 
Presentation: The 7 Fires: A New Musical by Dillan Meighan Chiblow 
Presentation: Shelter from the Storm by Curtis Kaltenbaugh 
 
Sat, Nov 28 - 7:30 PM (2h runtime) - 
Music & Comedy Night (Event Details and Line-Up TBA) 
 
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 
 
Sun, Nov 29 - 2:00 PM (2h30m runtime) 
Presentation: The 7 Fires: A New Musical by Dillan Meighan Chiblow 
Voices of Aki