Nsituninal: Our Voices
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Stories, songs, drums & dance performed by Indigenous Women
Starring Deantha Edmunds, Leahdawn Helena and Phoebe Skinner-Gill, with Ashley Dicker, Annabelle Edmunds-Ramsay, and Janey Perrier. Projection and video design by Jerry Evans. Costume and prop design by Matt Perrier. Nsituninal (uhn-SIT-oon-in-ahl) is a Year of the Arts creative arts project of Indigenous Performing Arts NL, presented by the Arts and Culture Centres. Nsituninal is supported by Celebrate NL - Year of the Arts, as well as by Provincial Airlines and Fortis. Visit the Marketplace in the lobby before and after each performance that will showcase the remarkable craftsmanship of local Indigenous artists and artisans.
After each performance of Nsituninal, IPANL will host a Reflection Space in the form of a post-show conversation. This is a dynamic discussion guided by an Indigenous facilitator that invites audience members to reflect on their experience of the production. Our aim is to create a culturally aware and sensitive experience for Indigenous and non-Indigenous audience members. The Reflection Space will happen shortly after the play ends.
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PERFORMANCES:
TICKETS:
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Production Credits
- Stage direction and book by Leahdawn Helena
- Musical direction by Deantha Edmunds
- Movement direction by Phoebe Skinner-Gill
- Projection and video design by Jerry Evans
- Costume and prop design by Matt Perrier
- Lighting design by Bob Stamp
- Poster design by Tera McDonald
- Stage manager Anna Hansen-robitschek
- Assistant stage manager Emily Solstice Tait
- Technical director Kirsti Mikoda
- Tour manager Jennifer Deon
- Reflection Space Facilitators Noel Joe and Matt Perrier
Cast and Crew
SHAWNADITHIT / STAGE DIRECTOR & BOOK
Leahdawn Helena (she/they/nekm) was born and raised on the west coast of Ktaqmkuk (the island of Newfoundland), and is trained as an actor, writer, director, and dramaturge. They hold degrees in both Theatre and Sociocultural Studies from Memorial University Grenfell Campus. Their first full-length screenplay, Ruthless, was selected for a Newfoundland Arts and Letters prize in 2020. In 2021 they directed Petrina Bromley in Elizabeth Hicks’ one-woman short play, Hearty at Eighty, for PerSIStence Theatre. In 2021 they performed in Stephenville Theatre Festival in Meghan Greeley’s To the Girls, as well as the tour production in 2023. Their one-woman play, Stolen Sisters, has been produced and toured since 2022 and will soon be published by Breakwater Books. Their most recent work, Precariously Placed: Pandemic Monologues From The Edge, was researched and created with support from PerSIStence Theatre and York University. In addition to their role as the Artistic Curator for Indigenous Performing Arts NL, they work as a freelance Dramaturg and as an Indigenous Sociocultural Consultant for the St John’s and Avalon Arts community, working with Artistic Fraud, St John’s Shorts, PerSIStence Theatre, and the Cupids Legacy Project, among others. L’nuit. Tleiawit Nujio’qonik. (They are L’nu. They have family roots in the Bay St George region.)
Leahdawn Helena (she/they/nekm) was born and raised on the west coast of Ktaqmkuk (the island of Newfoundland), and is trained as an actor, writer, director, and dramaturge. They hold degrees in both Theatre and Sociocultural Studies from Memorial University Grenfell Campus. Their first full-length screenplay, Ruthless, was selected for a Newfoundland Arts and Letters prize in 2020. In 2021 they directed Petrina Bromley in Elizabeth Hicks’ one-woman short play, Hearty at Eighty, for PerSIStence Theatre. In 2021 they performed in Stephenville Theatre Festival in Meghan Greeley’s To the Girls, as well as the tour production in 2023. Their one-woman play, Stolen Sisters, has been produced and toured since 2022 and will soon be published by Breakwater Books. Their most recent work, Precariously Placed: Pandemic Monologues From The Edge, was researched and created with support from PerSIStence Theatre and York University. In addition to their role as the Artistic Curator for Indigenous Performing Arts NL, they work as a freelance Dramaturg and as an Indigenous Sociocultural Consultant for the St John’s and Avalon Arts community, working with Artistic Fraud, St John’s Shorts, PerSIStence Theatre, and the Cupids Legacy Project, among others. L’nuit. Tleiawit Nujio’qonik. (They are L’nu. They have family roots in the Bay St George region.)
SANTU TONEY / MUSIC DIRECTOR
Deantha Edmunds (she/her), Canada’s first Inuk professional soprano, was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2023 for her activity as a performer, writer, composer, and mentor - work which seeks to empower Indigenous people and share their stories. Her work has international reverberation as well as community integrity. She brings a level of professional excellence to Canada’s Indigenous art scene that is unique and important. Creating original music, collaborating with other musicians, contributing to Indigenous productions, and mentoring young artists, Deantha shares her voice and vision with her whole heart, and draws accolades from across Canada and abroad. Website: deantha.ca
Deantha Edmunds (she/her), Canada’s first Inuk professional soprano, was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2023 for her activity as a performer, writer, composer, and mentor - work which seeks to empower Indigenous people and share their stories. Her work has international reverberation as well as community integrity. She brings a level of professional excellence to Canada’s Indigenous art scene that is unique and important. Creating original music, collaborating with other musicians, contributing to Indigenous productions, and mentoring young artists, Deantha shares her voice and vision with her whole heart, and draws accolades from across Canada and abroad. Website: deantha.ca
OUBEE / MOVEMENT DIRECTOR
Phoebe Skinner-Gill (she/her) is a Mi'kmaq performer originally from Stephenville, NL. As a performer, she honours her heritage by sharing the oral tradition of storytelling. She is a recent graduate of St. Lawrence College, finishing her studies in Musical Theatre Performance this past April. During her time in school, Phoebe has had the opportunity to perform in various shows, including musicals, straight plays, pop/rock concerts, and workshops. She had the honour of originating the role of Frances in the workshop production of Apothecary (2022) by Allison Wither and Laura Piccinin. For Phoebe, theatre is not just a form of entertainment but a powerful platform for fostering connection, sparking change, and embracing the unique voices within our society. Her work on Nsituninal: Our Voices perfectly embodies this belief, and being a part of it has been a dream come true for her. Phoebe expresses her deep gratitude to the entire cast and crew for this experience, especially Leahdawn Helena, for trusting her in this position and allowing her space to explore new skills as Movement Director. She also acknowledges the influence of her mother and grandmother, Michelle & Jean, for being the amazing, resilient women they are and dedicates her performance to them. Phoebe is currently based in St. John's/Toronto, continuing her passion for storytelling through theatre. Instagram: @_phoebeskinner
Phoebe Skinner-Gill (she/her) is a Mi'kmaq performer originally from Stephenville, NL. As a performer, she honours her heritage by sharing the oral tradition of storytelling. She is a recent graduate of St. Lawrence College, finishing her studies in Musical Theatre Performance this past April. During her time in school, Phoebe has had the opportunity to perform in various shows, including musicals, straight plays, pop/rock concerts, and workshops. She had the honour of originating the role of Frances in the workshop production of Apothecary (2022) by Allison Wither and Laura Piccinin. For Phoebe, theatre is not just a form of entertainment but a powerful platform for fostering connection, sparking change, and embracing the unique voices within our society. Her work on Nsituninal: Our Voices perfectly embodies this belief, and being a part of it has been a dream come true for her. Phoebe expresses her deep gratitude to the entire cast and crew for this experience, especially Leahdawn Helena, for trusting her in this position and allowing her space to explore new skills as Movement Director. She also acknowledges the influence of her mother and grandmother, Michelle & Jean, for being the amazing, resilient women they are and dedicates her performance to them. Phoebe is currently based in St. John's/Toronto, continuing her passion for storytelling through theatre. Instagram: @_phoebeskinner
CHORUS
Born and raised in Nain Nunatsiavut, Ashley Dicker (she/her) is an Inuit Throat Singer and Drum Dancer who now lives in Newfoundland. Ashley is a passionate and proud Inuit who began throat singing to reclaim an important part of Inuit Culture and is proud to show their culture and traditions to the world through practice, performances and workshops. She performs regularly with throat singing partner Sophie Angnatok and with the Inuit drum dance group Kilautiup Songuninga (Strength of the Drum).
Born and raised in Nain Nunatsiavut, Ashley Dicker (she/her) is an Inuit Throat Singer and Drum Dancer who now lives in Newfoundland. Ashley is a passionate and proud Inuit who began throat singing to reclaim an important part of Inuit Culture and is proud to show their culture and traditions to the world through practice, performances and workshops. She performs regularly with throat singing partner Sophie Angnatok and with the Inuit drum dance group Kilautiup Songuninga (Strength of the Drum).
CHORUS
Annabelle Edmunds-Ramsay (she/her) has sung in Shallaway Youth Choir for six years. She played Sibula in The Adventures of Gary and Lou by Blue Pinion Films for Bell FibeTV1 in 2021. In 2022 and 2023, Annabelle was a soloist in First Light’s Christmas in Labrador. She was in the chorus of Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland’s 2022 production of I Forgive You, and she sang solo in The 18, a Come Home Year Concert of Remembrance. She is excited to be lead actor in Panik and Ki’kwa’ju, a filmic reimagination of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, currently in development.
Annabelle Edmunds-Ramsay (she/her) has sung in Shallaway Youth Choir for six years. She played Sibula in The Adventures of Gary and Lou by Blue Pinion Films for Bell FibeTV1 in 2021. In 2022 and 2023, Annabelle was a soloist in First Light’s Christmas in Labrador. She was in the chorus of Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland’s 2022 production of I Forgive You, and she sang solo in The 18, a Come Home Year Concert of Remembrance. She is excited to be lead actor in Panik and Ki’kwa’ju, a filmic reimagination of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, currently in development.
CHORUS
Janey-Lynn Perrier (she/her) is a Mi’kmaq classical singer from Kippens, Newfoundland. She graduated from University of Prince Edward Island with a Bachelor of Music. Janey was part of the first class of Indigenous Studies Minors at UPEI. Growing up Janey was very involved with musical theatre and the music festival in her hometown. Most recently, Janey has performed and soloed with the UPEI Chamber choir and Concert choir. She has competed in the National Music festival. Janey has also had the honour to be the first to sing the national anthem at the UPEI convocations in Mi’kmaq. Instagram: @janeyisthesop
Janey-Lynn Perrier (she/her) is a Mi’kmaq classical singer from Kippens, Newfoundland. She graduated from University of Prince Edward Island with a Bachelor of Music. Janey was part of the first class of Indigenous Studies Minors at UPEI. Growing up Janey was very involved with musical theatre and the music festival in her hometown. Most recently, Janey has performed and soloed with the UPEI Chamber choir and Concert choir. She has competed in the National Music festival. Janey has also had the honour to be the first to sing the national anthem at the UPEI convocations in Mi’kmaq. Instagram: @janeyisthesop
PROJECTION AND VIDEO DESIGNER
Jerry Evans (he/him) is Mi’kmaq and settler ancestry born in central Newfoundland. In 1986 he graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Art. He completed an Education Degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador and has been a practicing Visual Artist for over thirty years. Primarily a painter and printmaker, Jerry is also a multi-media artist who has worked in film, has qualified, and reclaimed traditional hand poke tattoo as a means of expression and gift exchange, and has created regalia for his own Mawiomi dancing for more than a decade. Jerry most recently celebrated his work through Weljesi an exhibition curated by Jenelle Duval at the Rooms in St. John’s with a substantial catalogue and will tour outside the province stating 2025. He was one of the participating artists in the biannual Bonavista Biennale in 2023. In May of this year, he well have a solo exhibition “Place of Life” curated by Emily Critch, at the Owens Gallery in Sackville New Brunswick. Jerry coordinated and was principal researcher for the 1996 exhibition FIRST: Aboriginal Artists of Newfoundland and Labrador, which presented works by aboriginal artists in Newfoundland and Labrador to provincial audiences, and for many years worked as shop technician and master printer at St. Michael’s Printshop in St. John’s where he has helped artists like Anne Meredith Barry, Michael Robinson and Joseph Norman render their work in lithograph or intaglio. His own visual artwork has been exhibited across Canada, and internationally and is included in private and public collections across the country. He has been an Artist-in-Residence in Canada and Ireland, has received grants from the Canada Council and the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council, and is working to develop and deepen his collaborative creative practice and work with communities. Website: jerryevans.ca
Jerry Evans (he/him) is Mi’kmaq and settler ancestry born in central Newfoundland. In 1986 he graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Art. He completed an Education Degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador and has been a practicing Visual Artist for over thirty years. Primarily a painter and printmaker, Jerry is also a multi-media artist who has worked in film, has qualified, and reclaimed traditional hand poke tattoo as a means of expression and gift exchange, and has created regalia for his own Mawiomi dancing for more than a decade. Jerry most recently celebrated his work through Weljesi an exhibition curated by Jenelle Duval at the Rooms in St. John’s with a substantial catalogue and will tour outside the province stating 2025. He was one of the participating artists in the biannual Bonavista Biennale in 2023. In May of this year, he well have a solo exhibition “Place of Life” curated by Emily Critch, at the Owens Gallery in Sackville New Brunswick. Jerry coordinated and was principal researcher for the 1996 exhibition FIRST: Aboriginal Artists of Newfoundland and Labrador, which presented works by aboriginal artists in Newfoundland and Labrador to provincial audiences, and for many years worked as shop technician and master printer at St. Michael’s Printshop in St. John’s where he has helped artists like Anne Meredith Barry, Michael Robinson and Joseph Norman render their work in lithograph or intaglio. His own visual artwork has been exhibited across Canada, and internationally and is included in private and public collections across the country. He has been an Artist-in-Residence in Canada and Ireland, has received grants from the Canada Council and the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council, and is working to develop and deepen his collaborative creative practice and work with communities. Website: jerryevans.ca
COSTUME AND PROP DESIGNER / REFLECTION SPACE FACILITATOR
Matt Perrier (he/him) is an artist of L'nu and mixed ancestry based out of Shallop Cove, Newfoundland. With no degree to speak of, he's slowly making his way into the art scene, including modeling at Petapan 2024 and at St. John's Fashion week 2024. Though primarily known for his exceptional beadwork, he also dabbles in traditional mediums, including working with birch bark , basket weaving, quillwork, textiles, working with and processing fur. Matt is also excited to announce he has his first galley show for his paintings coming up at the Rotary Arts Centre in Corner Brook in November. Instagram: @koboldbeads
Matt Perrier (he/him) is an artist of L'nu and mixed ancestry based out of Shallop Cove, Newfoundland. With no degree to speak of, he's slowly making his way into the art scene, including modeling at Petapan 2024 and at St. John's Fashion week 2024. Though primarily known for his exceptional beadwork, he also dabbles in traditional mediums, including working with birch bark , basket weaving, quillwork, textiles, working with and processing fur. Matt is also excited to announce he has his first galley show for his paintings coming up at the Rotary Arts Centre in Corner Brook in November. Instagram: @koboldbeads
COSTUME AND PROP ASSISTANT
Juniper McCarthy (they/them) is a crafter that works with textiles and sculpture. They're inspired by beautiful things they find in nature and strive to incorporate that into their work. Taught to embroider by their great aunt, you can usually find June embroidering random household objects with nature themes when they aren't tromping about looking for pretty things on the beach.
Juniper McCarthy (they/them) is a crafter that works with textiles and sculpture. They're inspired by beautiful things they find in nature and strive to incorporate that into their work. Taught to embroider by their great aunt, you can usually find June embroidering random household objects with nature themes when they aren't tromping about looking for pretty things on the beach.
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Originally from St. John’s, Bob Stamp (he/him) moved away 40 years ago and returned in 2021. While primarily engaged in Lighting Design, Bob’s career has led him through numerous roles in productions for stage and screen. With over a hundred original designs for both Television and Performing Arts productions to his credit, he still enjoys climbing ladders and handling lights. Bob's first job behind the scenes was on the stage of the Arts and Culture Centre in 1976 and he is delighted to be back.
Originally from St. John’s, Bob Stamp (he/him) moved away 40 years ago and returned in 2021. While primarily engaged in Lighting Design, Bob’s career has led him through numerous roles in productions for stage and screen. With over a hundred original designs for both Television and Performing Arts productions to his credit, he still enjoys climbing ladders and handling lights. Bob's first job behind the scenes was on the stage of the Arts and Culture Centre in 1976 and he is delighted to be back.
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Kirsti Mikoda (she/her) is a theatre professional from Vancouver, B.C. There she specialized in Stage Management, Technical Direction, Fight Choreography, and Special FX Make-Up for the theatre and film industry. Some of her favourite past credits include: The Pillowman, for Theatre Inconnu, The Hobbit for Kaleidoscope Theatre, and Titus Andronicus for Mad Duck Theatre Collective. Here on the island she has worked with RCA Theatre, C2C Theatre, Gros Morne Theatre Festival, and is currently a props assistant on the television show Hudson & Rex. She looks forward to her run with Indigenous Performing Arts NL.
Kirsti Mikoda (she/her) is a theatre professional from Vancouver, B.C. There she specialized in Stage Management, Technical Direction, Fight Choreography, and Special FX Make-Up for the theatre and film industry. Some of her favourite past credits include: The Pillowman, for Theatre Inconnu, The Hobbit for Kaleidoscope Theatre, and Titus Andronicus for Mad Duck Theatre Collective. Here on the island she has worked with RCA Theatre, C2C Theatre, Gros Morne Theatre Festival, and is currently a props assistant on the television show Hudson & Rex. She looks forward to her run with Indigenous Performing Arts NL.
STAGE MANAGER
Anna Hansen-robitschek (she/they) is a graduate of MUN’s Fine Arts program in Theatre at Grenfell. Her favourite roles in theatre are props and paint, as well as Stage Management. Highlights of her career-so-far include: Costume Designer for Picnic at Hanging Rock, directed by Alex Fallis, Theatre @ Grenfell; Head of Props for 9-5: The Musical, directed by Heather Braeten, STF; direction of Without a Doubt (unpublished), Rotary Arts Centre; Stage management for High Steel directed by Mary Walsh, and Stage Management for Tempting Providence, directed by Jillian Keily, Perchance Theatre. Our whole team here with IPANL is so proud to share Nsituninal with your community, and hope you learn, and cry, and laugh from these stories.
Anna Hansen-robitschek (she/they) is a graduate of MUN’s Fine Arts program in Theatre at Grenfell. Her favourite roles in theatre are props and paint, as well as Stage Management. Highlights of her career-so-far include: Costume Designer for Picnic at Hanging Rock, directed by Alex Fallis, Theatre @ Grenfell; Head of Props for 9-5: The Musical, directed by Heather Braeten, STF; direction of Without a Doubt (unpublished), Rotary Arts Centre; Stage management for High Steel directed by Mary Walsh, and Stage Management for Tempting Providence, directed by Jillian Keily, Perchance Theatre. Our whole team here with IPANL is so proud to share Nsituninal with your community, and hope you learn, and cry, and laugh from these stories.
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER
Emily Solstice Tait (she/her) is excited to be the Assistant Stage Manager for this production. With a background in theatre and dance and a passion for supporting others, Emily has worked on productions like the new musical End of the Line (Walk & Talk Theatre) and The Three Musketeers (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre). She loves collaborating with the cast and crew to bring Indigenous-led stories to the stage. Emily is grateful for the invitation to be part of Nsituninal: Our Voices, learning and sharing with this talented team.
Emily Solstice Tait (she/her) is excited to be the Assistant Stage Manager for this production. With a background in theatre and dance and a passion for supporting others, Emily has worked on productions like the new musical End of the Line (Walk & Talk Theatre) and The Three Musketeers (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre). She loves collaborating with the cast and crew to bring Indigenous-led stories to the stage. Emily is grateful for the invitation to be part of Nsituninal: Our Voices, learning and sharing with this talented team.
TOUR MANAGER
Jennifer Deon (she/her) is a St. John's-based arts administrator and theatre artist of French settler and British ancestry. Taking a wee break from her role as the producing artistic director of PerSIStence Theatre, Jennifer is thrilled to be on the road with IPANL in this support capacity.
Jennifer Deon (she/her) is a St. John's-based arts administrator and theatre artist of French settler and British ancestry. Taking a wee break from her role as the producing artistic director of PerSIStence Theatre, Jennifer is thrilled to be on the road with IPANL in this support capacity.
REFLECTION SPACE FACILITATOR
Noel Joe (he/him) was born and raised in Miawpukek First Nations (Conne River) Reserve in Bay D'Espoir, Newfoundland. A strong advocate for Indigenous youth Noel served as Co-Chair of the Assembly of First Nations National Youth Council. He was elected to Miawpukek First Nations Band Council in 2012 and served two consecutive terms. Noel has been involved in several community initiatives, most notably The Red Road Walk from Miawpukek to St. John’s, raising $12K for homelessness and youth at risk. In 2012 Noel was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II diamond jubilee for his many efforts in volunteerism and involvement. His love of politics led him to pursue a bid for Federal and Provincial politics under the NDP banner. In 2022 Noel began working for the Office of Regional Chief for Newfoundland and Nova Scotia before returning home to Miawpukek. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation and is a member of Arts NL’s Indigenous Advisory Circle. Noel is an emerging first-time filmmaker having directed his first documentary film The Forgotten Warriors (Up Sky Down Films).
Noel Joe (he/him) was born and raised in Miawpukek First Nations (Conne River) Reserve in Bay D'Espoir, Newfoundland. A strong advocate for Indigenous youth Noel served as Co-Chair of the Assembly of First Nations National Youth Council. He was elected to Miawpukek First Nations Band Council in 2012 and served two consecutive terms. Noel has been involved in several community initiatives, most notably The Red Road Walk from Miawpukek to St. John’s, raising $12K for homelessness and youth at risk. In 2012 Noel was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II diamond jubilee for his many efforts in volunteerism and involvement. His love of politics led him to pursue a bid for Federal and Provincial politics under the NDP banner. In 2022 Noel began working for the Office of Regional Chief for Newfoundland and Nova Scotia before returning home to Miawpukek. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation and is a member of Arts NL’s Indigenous Advisory Circle. Noel is an emerging first-time filmmaker having directed his first documentary film The Forgotten Warriors (Up Sky Down Films).
