Presented by Native Earth Performing Arts in association with Factory Theatre
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. Held each November in the heart of Regent Park in t’karonto, the festival is proud to welcome new theatrical, dance, music, and multidisciplinary works reflecting the breadth of Indigenous experiences, the richness of Indigenous arts, and offering a peek into Indigenous storytelling today and to come.
Now, in its 39th edition, 8 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 across Turtle Island and beyond. Guided by this year’s festival theme of RESURGENCE, Weesageechak 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.
Native Earth Performing Arts is ecstatic to bring back the Workshop Stream, a newer initiative for projects in early stages of development for artists seeking to explore their project without the pressure of a public presentation. In its third year, this year’s Workshop stream, presented in partnership with Factory Theatre, will support 2 Creators from October 12-25, 2026.
Factory season artwork by Mark Krzepis.
About the Company
Native Earth Performing Arts is Canada’s oldest professional Indigenous theatre company, dedicated to developing and presenting Indigenous theatre, dance, and multidisciplinary performances. Native Earth Performing Arts has championed Indigenous artistic expression for 42 years. Since 1989, its Weesageechak Begins to Dance Festival has developed over 100 works, fostering a vibrant creative community through theatre, dance, and mentorship. Landmark productions like The Rez Sisters and Huff continue to inspire audiences nationally and internationally.
Guided by seven traditional principles, Native Earth strives to uphold Indigenous values in all its endeavours, recognizing their universal significance across cultures. nativeearth.ca
