ABOUT US
Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwin Theatre is an award-winning theatre company and Saskatchewan’s leading Indigenous theatrical institution. Formerly known as the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company, the organization
would become Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre in 2015 in honour of the respected Cree actor, activist, community leader, and one of GTNT’s founders, Gordon Tootoosis.
Since it began operations in 1999, GTNT has worked to strengthen Indigenous representation within the performing arts through the creation of opportunities for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists, youth, and communities. GTNT’s theatrical productions entertain, educate, and empower audiences and its artistic development initiatives provide support, mentorship, and experiences that bring artists together to enjoy, learn, and bridge social and cultural gaps.
Programs such as Circle of Voices are foundational to the organization, providing mentorship, training, creative opportunities, and culturally supportive environments for Indigenous youth and emerging artists. Many participants and alumni have gone on to pursue careers in theatre, film, education, community leadership, and other creative fields.
GTNT is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by staff, artists, Elders, mentors, volunteers, and community partners who collectively contribute to the organization’s continued growth and impact.
Our MANDATE
To produce and present innovative cultural theatre experiences that engage and empower First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth, artists, as well as the greater Saskatchewan community. GTNT programming includes youth, mentorship and professional practice, thereby raising the profile of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people while acknowledging their unique identities.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create an environment where First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artistic talent and genius will be recognized and celebrated through public performance, and encouraged to thrive. Using a model that weaves culture, community and economic development, GTNT validates, promotes and supports the importance of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples’ contributions to the arts, to cultural diversity and in community building – yesterday, today and tomorrow.
We are an award-winning theatre company that focuses on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit culture, language, identity, and performance traditions. We create an environment that nurtures artists and original art.
Our Values - R.I.S.E.
Respect: The promotion of respect for ourselves, others and our creative art form that results in a commitment to welcoming everyone to the circle and valuing every contribution as meaningful.
Identity: Fostered in culture, language, and history we encourage an exploration of who we are, what we speak, where we are from, and where we are going as individuals and as a community.
Sharing: The inclusion of knowledge, friendship, and resources that brings us closer together as a community of working artists.
Excellence: With pride and professional integrity we commit to encouraging constant growth as artists, to challenge the status quo, and to push the creative envelope.
Our Culture
The founding vision of Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company was to create a culturally grounded theatre training program for Indigenous youth in Saskatoon. Identity was at the core of this vision, and many young people have reconnected with their culture, language and history through our programming. Through ceremony and protocol we have renamed the organization Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre, in honour of one of the founding members and to remind us to continue the legacy of strengthening Indigenous identity in Saskatoon, in Saskatchewan and across Canada. Gordon Tootoosis never lived in Hollywood – he stayed here because he believed in his community and the importance of strengthening it through the mentorship of our youth. This is the culture of GTNT.
In line with our mandate, GTNT produces thematic and relevant presentations that are seen locally and provincially by a diverse audience. We are Saskatchewan’s only professional Indigenous theatre company, recognized province wide as a producer of culturally based Indigenous theatre that educates and promotes racial harmony in Saskatchewan’s diverse population. GTNT is also committed to forming innovative partnerships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural/arts leaders, businesses, community organizations, and institutions that recognize the power of the arts as an effective means to develop strong and vibrant individuals and communities. These sector partners also allow GTNT to grow Indigenous Theatre in Saskatchewan as we strive to increase the number of Indigenous people trained and gainfully employed in the performing arts.
Community Partnerships
GTNT recognizes the immense value of maintaining strong partnerships in the community, especially in regard to the company’s work with children and youth.