Aboriginal/Indigenous Peoples

 

Drew Hayden Taylor, an Ojibway playwright, delves into the lives of three young natives from different time periods who gather at a sacred place for vision quests. His play, Toronto at Dreamer's Rock, will be featured at the Asia Connects conference.

Toronto at Dreamers Rock

Drew Hayden Taylor, a critically acclaimed Ojibway actor and playwright, has traditionally explored issues of preserving the native culture in past productions, but not from the perspective of young people. He takes this next step in Toronto at Dreamers Rock which addresses a younger generation, struggling to to secure a balance in their lives. In Odawa, 'toronto' means 'gathering'.

In the play, Taylor contrasts the lives of three characters from different eras in an effort to define what it is to be native in today's society. The gathering of youth is instrumental to show how far native people have come in regard to the modern world while demonstrating what has been sacrificed.

The story probes the life of Rusty, an everyday Odawa teen who climbs Dreamers Rock, (a sacred place for vision quests) to find solace from his problems in a knapsack full of beer. Before he is able to drown his sorrow, Rusty, a "cynical malcontent" , encounters two teens: Keesic, an ancestor from the past, and Michael who represents the future.

Keesic, played by Bossy Ducharme, is representative of an Odawa from 1595, prior to the Native's first contact with the Europeans. He possesses a firm sense of his identity due to his surroundings, his people, his elders and their teachings. He comes from an era in which the land is fertile, game is bountiful, abuses of any kind are rare among his people and issues of unemployment are unheard of.

Rusty, played by Johnathan Fisher, demonstrates life at a crossroads in contemporary society. Though he is aware of some traditional ways, he is more acquainted to a way of life that is inharmonious and confusing. His desire to reclaim his culture and traditions are complicated by an uncertain future that lure him to Dreamer's Rock.

Michael, played by George Leach, portrays an Odawa from 2095. Not being familiar with his ancestry, language, or culture, Michael represent a culture lost. He comes from an era in which self-government has become a reality that allows for tax-free benefits, free Medicare, free schooling and large reservations. However, his only identification attesting to his native status is a card which he must carry on him.

In today's confused society it is hard enough for youth to sort out their emotions without having to cope with cultural survival. But since colonisation, it has been the responsibility of young people, of many races, creeds or ethnic backgrounds to carry on their language, traditions, and culture.

With the help of an excellent cast, and a good dose of humour the message of the play offers a timeless sense of urgency that transcends the various cultures in Canada and which addresses the concerns of not only Aboriginal people but anyone who is concerned about losing their culture, their language, and ultimately themselves.