SASKATOON – Canada is becoming more inclusive toward aboriginal actors over the years by more often honouring their work, according to the artistic director of a Saskatoon-based theatre group.
“Within categories like the Junos, within the Doras, within the Saskatoon and area theatre awards, we’re starting to recognize more indigenous work and performance,” said Curtis Peeteetuce, the Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwin Theatre artistic director.
“You can see that in Canada, there are big steps forward,” he said.
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However, Peeteetuce alluded to the fact that things may not be the same in the United States. For the second year in a row, no minorities were nominated in any of the main Academy Awards acting categories. The move sparked the social media trend #OscarsSoWhite.
“I think the barriers are basically about colour, we often assume that indigenous actors exist in a more past tense than a contemporary sense,” said Peeteetuce, in regards to potential limits placed on aboriginal performers.
“A lot of indigenous actors feel like they’re usually just cast in that role that is a dated piece, or a period piece.”
One example is The Revenant, which is set in the 19th century and features a number of First Nations actors. The success of the film could open doors for other aboriginal performers, according to Duane Howard, an actor in the film.
“It’s going to open their eyes up to that, you know, there is a lot of talent, there is a lot of successful people out there that are in the industry,” said Howard, in an interview with Global News BC.
If Howard is proven right, it would be good news for aspiring young actors like JoHannah Angus. She is currently preparing for her first role with the Nikaniwin Theatre.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve had like a platform to, you know, have our voice heard,” said Angus.
“The stage is a perfect format.”
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