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Gwaandak Theatre Indigenous Summer Play Readings

July 13 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Let us tell you a story… 💜
Join Gwaandak Theatre for our annual Indigenous Summer Play Readings! This Season, we are proud to be presenting two scripts that are new to the Yukon: The Spirit of the Valley by Frank Henry Kaash Katasse and Jordan by Yvette Nolan, with presentations in Whitehorse, Dawson City, and Haines Junction.
This annual summer tour creates opportunities for emerging theatre artists, promotes stronger community connections, and showcases both new and returning Indigenous scripts to local audiences. We invite you to experience these stories with us!
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Sunday July 13th – 5:30PM Reading Start / 5PM Doors – The Spirit of the Valley & Jordan
Dënäkär Zho / KIAC Ballroom
Dawson City YT
Free tickets will be available at the Dënäkär Zho / KIAC Ballroom when doors open at 5:00PM prior to the start of the readings at 5:30PM. Donations to KIAC will be accepted.
Both scripts will be read at this event, with a short intermission in-between.
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*Stay tuned for dates & times of encore radio presentations
of both scripts on CFYT 106.9FM, subject to recording quality. Please follow KIAC and CFYT 106.9FM for updates!
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The Spirit of the Valley
Written by Frank Henry Kaash Katasse
Directed by Isabelle Katoogoo James-Walker
On a family vacation to their cabin nestled in the beautiful wilderness of Alaska, Tlingit twins Kaash and Shaa find themselves on the adventure of a lifetime! Suddenly separated from their family and from each other, they have to figure out how to reunite and above all, how to save the valley that they love so dearly. Join these clever kids on their journey as they face ferocious Wolves, rap battle the fast-talking Raven, reason with the dramatic Bear, and search for the elusive Spirit of the Valley. This show is fun for the whole family and asks the important question, “What can you do to protect the magnificent land and nature that surrounds you?”
This play was developed as the “Playwright in Residence” at La Jolla Playhouse and had itʼs World Premiere with Perseverance Theatre.
Ages 6+
~60 Minutes
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Jordan
Written by Yvette Nolan
Directed by Keira Ash
Jordan is a play that depicts Jordan River Anderson as a superhero. Awakening in a hospital, Jordan discovers newfound abilities to speak and move, guided by his spirit bear companion, Maskwa. The story addresses the healthcare challenges faced by Indigenous children, highlighting the significance of Jordan’s Principle in ensuring equal healthcare for First Nations youth. Jordan represents hope and resilience, reflecting the broader struggle for justice within Indigenous communities.
This play was created by an Indigenous-led team, with the blessing of Jordan River Anderson’s family.
Ages 6+
~60 Minutes
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Thank you to the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) for presenting these readings!
ISPR 2025 is funded by The Government of Yukon,
Canada Council for the Arts & The City of Whitehorse.
For a full list of sponsors and supporters, including other presenting organizations, or to find out more about the creative team, please visit: gwaandaktheatre.ca/indigenous-summer-play-readings-2025

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Age Restriction
All Ages
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Is Alcohol-Free (Dry)

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Artist In Residence Activities & Outreach

Artist in Residence activities include artist talks, studio tours, interactive events, and more.

Founded in 2001, in a partnership with Parks Canada, the KIAC Artist in Residence Program has welcomed over 300 talented artists, musicians and filmmakers to Dawson City from all regions of Canada and around the world. Our alumni include Sobey Art Award nominees, Western Canada Music Award winners, and prize-winning filmmakers from film festivals across the globe.

Check out the current Artists in Residence

Film Events

Film activities include film screenings, film selections, and more.

KIAC is proud to host an exciting roster of film screenings and film-related events throughout the year, such as the 48 Hour Film Challenge and Dawson City International Short Film Festival, numerous workshops, and other opportunities.

Exhibitions

Exhibition activities include gallery viewing hours, exhibition openings, artist talks, calls for submissions, and more.

ODD Gallery

The ODD Gallery, located in the Dënäkär Zho / KIAC building, presents a wide array of outreach programming including artist talks, openings, lectures, screenings, youth programs and other special events. Gallery programming fosters professionalism and appreciation of regional visual arts practice, and provides the community with exposure and access to a diverse range of contemporary visual arts practices and theories in a remote, northern setting.

Check out the current exhibition

Kids & Youth Programs

Kids & youth activities include: music lessons, art classes, dance classes, book readings, toddler classes, after-school programs.

Year-Round Programming

Kids and Youth (toddler to teen) programming ranges from music lessons (vocals, piano) to dance class (ballet, hip hop, and more), to hands-on workshops (pottery, screen-printing, animation and more) and is offered regularly throughout the year. KIAC strives to subsidize Kids & Youth programs as much as possible via grants and funding. Programming ranges from free Drop-Ins to registered weekly programs.

Youth Art Enrichment

Youth Art Enrichment is an annual four-day art program for Yukon youth hosted by the Klondike Institute of Art & Culture in Dawson City. Artistically-inclined youth ages 14 – 18 travel from across the Yukon to take part in intensive workshops led by professional artists. Students choose one of three mediums to study for the duration of the program, learning new skills, techniques, and ways to creatively make artwork for the world to see. The mediums change every year: we have offered printmaking, animation, painting, carving, stained glass, illustration, improv, and much more over the last two decades.

Learn more about Youth Art Enrichment

Performing Arts

Performing arts activities include: concerts, theatre and dance performances, open mics, radio broadcasts, special events, and more.

KIAC presents a year-round professional performing arts series in the beautiful second floor Ballroom that actively engages our community and provides inspiring performance opportunities for international, national, and regional artists in many disciplines. Our diverse programming includes jazz, classical, folk & roots, experimental, dance, theatre, and more.

Workshops

Workshops include: weekly drop-ins, registered programs, weekend workshops, and more.

KIAC presents a year-round schedule of educational opportunities ranging from drop in programs (pottery, screenprinting, seniors painting, concert band), to registered workshops (dance, music, film, visual art, craft, textiles, etc), to professional development opportunities for artists (grant writing, artwork documentation, etc).

Learn more about registration, upcoming courses, and outreach activities.