Land an audio drama by Stephen Waldschmidt

We Treaty People

In the midst of spring seeding, a farmer is interrupted by the landowner. New voices join the fray, but what can break up entrenched opinions and cultivate common ground?

Written by Stephen Waldschmidt

direction by Kenn McLeod*

dramaturgy by Yvette Nolan, with Tim Bratton

performed by:

Lancelot Knight (Benjamin)

Abbey Thiessen (Melissa)

Kent Allen* (Albert)

Louise Halfe (Kohkum)

sound design, recording, and audio production by Tim Bratton

production dramaturgy by Yvette Nolan

stage management by Yulissa Campos

original music by Darryl Dozlaw, Jordan Daniels, Marc Okihcihtaw, and Donny Speidel

image design by Brooklynn Bitner

Gratefully created on Treaty 6 Territory, Treaty 4 Territory, and the traditional homeland of the Métis.

If you’re listening for the first time, we encourage you to start from episode one.

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Free to stream on-demand on our website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, with English subtitles/closed captions available on our YouTube channel. Audience advisory: Content may not be suitable for children.

One way to learn and take action:

Ask a friend to join you to have a face-to-face conversation with your local government representative, MLA and/or MP. Ask them how are they working to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (which became law in Canada on June 21, 2021, see: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/declaration/index.html). Also ask how are they taking action in response to the Calls To Action from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission and the Calls For Justice from the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry (see https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/). Set a date with them to follow up together in 3 to 6 months.

We want to hear what you think – leave a comment on our social media or send your feedback through the widget on our website.

The playwright wishes to thank Ray Aldred (Northern Cree Elder, Director of the Indigenous Studies Program at UBC’s Vancouver School of Theology) for his teachings in a 2021 online course, and Bob Joseph (Gwawaenuk Nation, Hereditary Chief) for his book 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act.

This project is made possible by a Digital Now Grant from Canada Council for the Arts, and by our major sponsors Shercom Industries, SK Arts, and Creative Saskatchewan.

*The participation of these Artists is arranged by permission of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance Opera Theatre Policy (DOT), and under ACTRA's National COVID-19 Response Initiative.