Oshkagoojin
Indigenous
Theatre for
Youth
A Home of Indigenous Youth Theatre in Winnipeg.
Registration Now Open
Rising Voices Teen Theatre | Ages 15–18 | Starts Sept 30
Join a 10-week Indigenous youth theatre program in Winnipeg, where teens build confidence, explore storytelling, and share their voices on stage.
Our story
The Oshkagoojin Indigenous Theatre for Youth (OITY) program grew out of a commitment to create Indigenous-led spaces where young people could learn, create, and perform theatre rooted in their own traditional teachings and voices.
After years of building programming within colonial structures, Nova Courchene transitioned to ensure that Indigenous youth could continue to access theatre spaces that reflects their cultures, stories, and communities.
OITY matters because it gives Indigenous youth a stage to grow confidence, connect with each other, and carry forward traditional and contemporary storytelling.
Download
fillable Registration Form
Click below to download the fillable PDF.
You can type directly into it and save, then email it back to:
ncourchene@oshkagoojin.com
Download Printable registration Form
If you prefer, download a printable version.
Fill it out by hand and either scan/email it or bring it with you.
ncourchene@oshkagoojin.com
Program Information
Teen Classes (15-18)
Rising Voices
Middle Years (10-14)
Growing Voices
TBC
Early Years (6-9)
YOUNG VOICES
TBC
Rising Voices is a 10-week Indigenous youth theatre program in Winnipeg for teens ages 15–18. Through cultural teachings, languages, and drama games, youth explore storytelling in a fun and creative space that celebrates their voices on stage.
Growing Voices will open later in the school year. This 10-week intake focuses on teamwork, improvisation, and script development, giving students the tools to bring stories to life on stage.
Dates: January 13 – March 22, 2026 (Tuesdays and/or Thursdays)
Performance: March 21–22, 2026 (Spring Equinox Celebration)
(Subject to funding.)
The Early Years program is designed especially for our youngest participants, introducing them to the magic of theatre through storytelling, movement, and drama games. With narration and guided play, youth learn the building blocks of performance in a fun, supportive environment.
Dates: April 13 – June 20, 2026
Performance: June 20, 2026 (Summer Equinox Celebration)
(Subject to funding.)
Heather Russell-Smith, Drama Educator
Issa Kixxen, Producer
"Nova is a generous and empathetic mentor, who facilitates the rebirth of Indigenous voices in positive and uplifting ways."
Trudy Hart, parent and gaurdian
“Nova Courchene is such an invaluable person to collaborate with. She brings self-confidence to young Indigenous actors through her various Theatre Programming. As an Indigenous performer, she creates work for other people like me. She is fierce and talented."
“When Nova came to Norway House, she was able to teach our history through fun, play and interaction and was an innovative way of rooting the learning in young minds and spirits. They often reflect on their history and always round back to you.”
OITY Team
Meet the Indigenous artists, educators, and theatre professionals guiding the next generation.
Several of our teachers and assistants began as students in our program, and today they return as mentors, educators, and working theatre professionals. They are joined by Indigenous artists from the national stage who bring their expertise and cultural knowledge to the classroom, showing youth what is possible when their voices are nurtured. Together, this team reflects the heart of Oshkagoojin: a circle of growth where former students become leaders, and nationally recognized talent helps guide the next generation of Indigenous storytellers.
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