Kiyanaan Indigenous Theatre Festival
February 6-8, 2026
- Prairie Theatre Exchange 3rd Floor Portage Place Mall
Produced by Echo Theatre
As the company in residence at Prairie Theatre Exchange
NEW
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ARTIST DEVELOPMENT AND SHOWCASE PROGRAM
Kiyanaan is pleased to invite First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists to apply to the National Indigenous Artist Development and Showcase Program. This new initiative supports the development of new, unproduced work across performance disciplines. This groundbreaking opportunity supports creation from the seed stage to early presentation, with access to mentorship, support, and two national presentation opportunities.
We welcome submissions from emerging and established artists.
This opportunity is made possible through a partnership with Native Earth Performing Arts and Gwaandak Theatre and with generous support from the Manitoba Arts Council and in friendship with Prairie Theatre Exchange.
Check out last year's Festival below!
What is the Kiyanaan Indigenous Theatre Festival?
Kiyanaan is a southern Michif word for "Us". The Kiyanaan Indigenous Theatre Festival is dedicated to bringing Indigenous theatre to audiences, offering production support to achieve artistic goals of the work of First Nations, Métis, Inuit artists. It aims to create more local opportunities for Indigenous creators, crafts and trades people, and performers, while nurturing a new generation of artistic and technical theatre professionals.
Festival Schedule at a Glance
COMING SOON!
All events at Prairie Theatre Exchange 3rd floor of Portage Place Mall. Info on getting here, accessibility, parking etc. HERE
Friday February 6
Opening Ceremony
6:00pm
Theatre Production
7:30pm
Saturday February 7
Bawaajigan–Dreaming interactive workshop
11:00am - 12:00am
Workshop
2:00pm
Workshop Presentation
3:30pm
~Feast~
4:30pm - 5:45pm
Production
6:00pm
Cabaret
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Shows and Events
Friday
Opening Ceremony
6:00pm
Join us as we start the festival in a good way! We begin with opening prayers, drumming, dancing, conversation, and a communtiy smudge.
We invite you to expereince the meaning of Kiyanaan – the inclusive us in Southern Michif.
SATURDAY
Bawaajigan-Dreaming
January 19
11:00am
FIRST NATIONS, METIS, INUIT PARTICIPANTS ONLY
Interactive workshop and discussion. For Indigenous emerging, established, adjacent theatre community to share dreams, visions, desires for what this festival can be. Includes a zoom discussion with Indigenous Artistic Directors and Festival Producers across Turtle Island. Snacks and morning beverages provided.
Kiyanaan Cabaret
February 7
7:30pm
For the 18:00 hours crowd
Indigenous creators share their works in this celebratory cabaret! Dance, comedy, music, poetry, and more!
Festival Funders, Sponsors, and Supporters!
Echo Theatre is an independent theatre company and support from our friends here is integral to the realization of the festival.
Echo Theatre is the Company - In - Residence at Prairie Theatre Exchange through the support of TD Ready Commitment
