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Windspeaker.com
Faye Naveau, an actor, artist and performer has a vision that revolves around the creation of an Indigenous theatre reality that features a venue, programming and a place where First Nation people can showcase their art in all forms.
Naveau, who is from Mattagami First Nation in Ontario, has a leading role as ‘Sybil’ in the upcoming play ‘Witches In The Woods’ during the inaugural Tamarack Festival, which runs Sept. 13-15 in Timmins.
Naveau hopes to inspire young Indigenous actors, performers, storytellers and writers into joining local theatre arts groups and encourage them to use the dramatic arts to share their stories and take part in a positive and creative outlet.
“This is an opportunity for me to do something I really enjoy which is to perform for others,” Naveau said. “It’s also a chance for me to promote Indigenous theatre in the north and encourage all those young people from our First Nations to share their gifts in acting, performing, writing and storytelling.”
Naveau is also a mental health care worker for Wabun Health Services, which assists First Nations in northeastern Ontario. She is very active in the Indigenous community as an advocate for youth and First Nation issues.
Naveau has taken part in traditional ceremonies, gatherings, powwows and events as a traditional dancer, singer and hand drummer for many years. She is very passionate about supporting Indigenous youth and in creating opportunities to lead them into positive avenues in the arts, writing, music, dance and theatre.
“To me, I see theatre as a doorway for Indigenous people in the north to so many opportunities for positive change,” she said. “One of my hopes in taking part in this performance is that it will encourage Indigenous youth to take up the arts in some form.
“I want to see those budding young actors … to embrace their artistic talents and become part of local theatre arts groups and associations in the north. I also want to thank Wabun Tribal Council and our chiefs for sponsorship aid and for the support they have shown me.”
Naveau hopes to see a growth of Indigenous participation in the theatre arts community in Timmins and northeastern Ontario. She is inspired by Indigenous-based arts and theatre groups such as the nationally famous Debajehmujig Theatre Group from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory in Manitoulin Island.
And her vision and dream are to see a similar group and venue developed in the Timmins area. Those interested in being a part of developing this vision you can contact Naveau on Facebook @faye.naveau to become involved. This will be an opportunity for Indigenous political organizations, tribal councils and First Nation arts promoters to help with this initiative.
“The theatre arts is a great platform to support our young people in so many ways,” Naveau said. “It is not just a way to encourage their talents but also a platform that can empower, build and strengthen our people emotionally, socially and mentally. It is also a great idea for everyone to support groups such as the Tamarack Arts Association and the festival they have created for everyone to enjoy.”
‘Witches in the Woods’ will be performed on Sept. 14 and on Sept. 15 at the Tamarack Festival. Written by playwright Amy Neufeld, the play is a retelling of the classic Grimms’ Fairy Tales with a modern twist.
“I’m really happy to be taking part in this as it is a lovely script taken from old classic stories of Hansel and Gretel but with a few modern twists and turns,” Naveau said. “It’s a story that is both heart-pulling, funny but also with serious moments. We’re grateful to have playwrights like Amy share their talents to create performances like this. I think everyone will enjoy it.”
The Tamarack Festival is a multidisciplinary event hosted by the Tamarack Arts Association. Events will be at the Timmins Museum and Timmins Public Library.
Besides ‘Witches In the Woods’, the festival includes the play ‘How A Bear Dies’ as well as musical concerts and literary presentations by northern writers and publishers.
For more information about the Tamarack Festival, event schedule and ticket purchase, visit their website at https://www.tamarackfestival.ca/