Isitwendam (An Understanding): Ojibwe - A word that describes a feeling of sorrow and empathy. It suggests that no matter what hurt has been inflicted, there is an understanding of that wrong and the chance to be forgiven is present.

Does healing have an expiry date?

When Brendan White’s new job with Indian Affairs sends him out to discredit a Residential School survivor’s reparation claim his whole world turns upside down. As he learns the truth about this troubled and often unspoken part of Canadian history, Brendan rediscovers his role within his family, generation, his people, and within the national community at large.

Through selected writings, personal experiences, interviews with survivors, as well as alternating views from other Canadians, Isitwendam examines the collateral damage of the Residential School system through a one-person multidisciplinary theatrical exploration of text, song, movement, and innovative storytelling dubbed Ceremonial Art.

A fusion of western and Indigenous storytelling that includes Ancient Indigenous Sign

Language, drumming, dance, and song, this powerful, heart-wrenching, yet humorous theatrical production explores various perspectives of atrocity and the steps we all need to take to find Isitwendam.

ISITWENDAM (AN UNDERSTANDING)

WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY MEEGWUN FAIRBROTHERCO-CREATED AND DIRECTED BY JACK GRINHAUS

WORLD PREMIERE

March 20-31, 2019, Aki Studio

Opening Night Wed March 20th, 2019.

Photo: Meegwun Fairbrother in Isitwendam. © Michael Kast.