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 and ancillary programming coming soon.