Young People’s Theatre (YPT) is pleased to present We Are All Treaty People, created by the Artists of Making Treaty 7 and co-produced by Quest Theatre and Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society, on the Mainstage from February 11 to 22, 2019.

Two children – one Indigenous, one white – are told by the Trickster they cannot be friends due to the terms of Alberta’s Treaty 7. But the Trickster’s words inspire them to prove him wrong. Using history, song, story, dance and puppetry, this inspiring production forges understanding between the citizens of Canada and Indigenous peoples. 

Directed by Troy Emery Twigg and Nikki Loach, We Are All Treaty People is performed by Marshall Vielle, Elizabeth Ferguson, Lara Schmitz, Curt Young and Sonia Deleo, with Stage Management by Shelby-Jai Flick.

Production Design by Scott Reid; Additional Design by Adrian Stimson; Original Composition by Anders Hunter and

Kris Demeanor; Sound Design by Nikki Loach; Sound Recordings by Infinite Loop (Dewi Wood), Lighting Design at YPT by Jennifer Lennon.

Making Treaty 7 – The Play: The original interdisciplinary production, Making Treaty 7, was presented in a tent in Heritage Park in Calgary, Alberta with a cast of 30 actors, writers, poets, dancers and performance artists. The project was launched by the late, great Michael Green as a Calgary 2012 legacy project. It was a co-creation of First Nation and non-First Nation artists, informed by the stories of the respected Elders of the Treaty 7 Nations. The goal of the original production was to create a truthful, respectful theatrical performance to help audiences understand the true spirit, intent and historical significance of the treaty. We Are All Treaty People is a theatre for young audiences adaptation of that original work.

This production highlights the notion that agreements made between the Crown (Federal government) and the First Peoples of many different territories across Canada affect all who live in those territories, regardless of background. It recognizes and highlights many topics: for instance, the concept of treaties being living, current contracts that create ways to share and protect territories. Treaties are not only of the past. They represent the present and future as well.

We Are All Treaty People aims to kickstart a discussion amongst young audiences about the reality of Canada’s treaties, the terms of which were not honoured by the settlers who came to this continent. The play stimulates meaningful dialogue about how Canada can improve its relationship with Indigenous peoples across the nation.
 
WE ARE ALL TREATY PEOPLE
Created by the Artists of Making Treaty 7
A Co-production between Quest Theatre & the Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society
MAINSTAGE | Feb. 11-22, 2019 | Recommended for ages 6 & up
Runs approximately 45 minutes (does not include the post-show Q&A that takes place immediately after most performances)

Weekday Performances: Feb. 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22 at 10:15AM & 12:45PM; Feb. 14 at 12:45PM
Weekend Performances: Feb. 16, 17 at 2:30PM; Family Day: Feb 18 at 2:30PM
ASL Interpreted Performances: Feb. 18 at 2:30PM (public) | Feb. 20 at 12:45PM (school)
Relaxed Performances: Feb. 17 at 2:30PM (public) | Feb. 21 at 10:15AM (school)
Young People’s Theatre | 165 Front Street East, Toronto

Tickets: $10-$39, HST & service charges extra; subject to change without notice; online | youngpeoplestheatre.ca 
Box Office: 416.862.2222 x2 | For more information visit youngpeoplestheatre.ca

 Photo: Cast of We Are All Treaty People. © 2017 Andy Wright.