Native Earth Performing Arts (NEPA)
Founded in 1982, NEPA is Canada’s oldest professional Indigenous theatre company. NEPA provides a platform for both traditional and contemporary Indigenous themes, sharing First Nations cultural values with all peoples. Through theatre, dance, multi-disciplinary art, new script development, and apprenticeships, NEPA fosters a community of artistic visions.
In 1989, NEPA instituted an annual development festival of new work called Weesageechak Begins to Dance. Since then, the Weesageechak Festival has helped develop over 100 new dance and theatre works by emerging and established artists. The festival is now known and respected locally, nationally and internationally.
Our work and every decision we make as an organization is guided by the Seven Sacred Teachings: Tolerance, Humility, Strength of Character, Patience, Wisdom, Courage, Generosity. The way that we approach each of the key themes is centred around a deep relationality and desire to share Indigenous performing arts with the broader community.
We serve First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists, audiences, communities and organizations.
