PRESS RELEASE
YAWENDA’: An Exhibition Celebrating 40 Years of Francophone Indigenous Theatre in Quebec
Montreal, September 11, 2025 — Today the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and Ondinnok, in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), are proud to open YAWENDA’, a major exhibition inspired by the history of French-language Indigenous theatre in Quebec. This original photographic exhibition is presented on the Promenade des Artistes from September 11 to November 9, 2025. Discover the artists and compelling themes of theatrical productions that tell unforgettable stories and forge enduring bonds.
History, art, cultural transmission and identity come together in YAWENDA’. Taking the form of an outdoor circuit, the show explores 40 years of Indigenous theatrical creation presented on Quebec’s stages. It focuses on three key periods: the theatre of mythology and healing, represented by the pioneering Ondinnok company, whose name is Wendat for “theatrical healing ritual that reveals the secrets of the soul.” Second, the Indigenous cultural renaissance inspired the founding of several new companies. The third period is the contemporary era of Indigenous theatre, illustrated by four companies: Onishka (Émilie Monnet), Menuentakuan (Charles Bender, Marco Collin and Xavier Huard), Production AUEN (Soleil Launière) and Ondinnok.
A video projection, Woli kpotenom – purification, by Mélanie O’Bomsawin and based on an original idea by Dave Jenniss, complements the exhibition. In the Espace ONF, admire four costumes from a major production by Ondinnok, Xajoj Tun Rabinal Achi. Greetings: Te'skennongweronne, an NFB profile of Yves Sioui Durand, one of the founders of Ondinnok, is also being screened. The film, directed by Carlos Ferrand, highlights Durand’s Governor General’s Performing Arts Award (2017).
Quotes
"This exhibition is much more than an artistic tribute: it is an act of remembrance, transmission, and reconciliation. By supporting it, the Ville de Montréal proudly affirms its commitment to recognizing and celebrating Indigenous history and creativity in this territory rich in knowledge and stories. Diversity and inclusion are at the center of our Montreal identity. They represent our strength and our wealth, and in this context, the visibility of Indigenous heritage is essential. I would like to congratulate the teams and artists for their remarkable work, and I invite all Montrealers to come and discover this exceptional exhibition," said Valérie Plante, mayor of Montreal.
“The government of Quebec is proud to support this major exhibition highlighting the depth and vitality of French-language Indigenous theatre. YAWENDA’ is a powerful act of commemoration, creativity and resilience. Through the 2025 edition of the call for proposals for commemorative events (Appel de projets pour le soutien aux initiatives de commémoration), we are reaffirming our commitment to the recognition and transmission of Indigenous cultures. We are pleased to contribute to bringing these vital cultures to all Quebecers,” said Mathieu Lacombe, Quebec minister of Culture and Communications, minister responsible for Youth, and minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Outaouais regions.
“We are delighted to celebrate the first 40 years of Indigenous theatre in Quebec in the cultural heart of the city. With this major autumn exhibition, we want to put the spotlight on talented artists with unique visions, and highlight the important themes they explore in their theatrical productions. We hope this exhibition will inspire the general public to discover these insightful Indigenous voices,” said Monique Simard, chair of the board of directors, Quartier des Spectacles Partnership.
“We are absolutely thrilled to present YAWENDA’, which celebrates the power of Indigenous theatre as a space for healing, memory and cultural resistance. I am incredibly touched by this opportunity to show everyone who we are, and I want to thank all of our partners, including the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, for their support. I hope you will let yourself be transported by the sounds, words and images that we have chosen for this exhibition,” said Dave Jenniss, Artistic Director, Ondinnok.
“The NFB opens its doors to this exhibition celebrating francophone Indigenous culture today. Audiences from all backgrounds, including Indigenous Peoples, can appreciate the many different facets to the work of groundbreaking theatre company Ondinnok. The costumes and the film portrait of co-founder Yves Sioui Durand reveal the memory and spirit of original Indigenous creativity. The arts transcend cultural boundaries, reminding us that while emotion is universal, it is through sharing it that human bonds are woven,” said Mrs. Suzanne Guèvremont, Government Film Commissioner and NFB Chairperson.
