Indigenous Reconciliation

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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

Welcome to the Grand Theatre. We’re so glad you’re here. 

The Grand Theatre acknowledges that we are located on the traditional territories of the Original storytellers and caretakers of this land and the Nations, both settler and Indigenous, who continue to uphold the various treaties of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapéewak.

In London, our treaties include the 1796 London Township Treaty and the 1822 Longwoods Treaty. The London Township Treaty was a regional treaty signed by diplomats representing all parties living on the land, which today we know as Southwestern Ontario. The Longwoods Treaty was signed by representatives of the Crown and the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and covers approximately 580,000 acres in the area.

Locally, there are three First Nations Communities. They are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, the Oneida Nation of the Thames, and the Munsee Delaware Nation. We would also like to recognize the growing Indigenous urban population, comprised of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, and affirm our commitment to welcoming these communities to the theatre, while working to remove barriers to access and participation.

We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations, and all of the Original Peoples of Turtle Island (colonially known as North America), and acknowledge the traditional lands upon which we live, work, share, and tell stories together.
 

THE GRAND’S 2024 LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IMAGERY 

In 2024 the Grand Theatre commissioned Indigenous artist & graphic designer, Katie Wilhelm, to develop a visual representation of the above land acknowledgement statement, which appears in all three of the entry vestibules leading into our building at 471 Richmond Street and at our scene shop. 
 

Artist Statement 

This visual Land Acknowledgment tells the story of London’s settlement. This artwork shows gratitude for the Land, Water, and First Peoples–the earliest caretakers of this area. 

The story of London starts at the River, known as Deshkan Ziibing, which flows from the foreground, winding its way through the scene, illustrated with dynamic and lively lines.  

A tree stump serves as a reminder of the sacrifice from the Land. 

The artwork uses a spectrum of colour and simplified shapes to create an abstract representation of the early London settlement, evoking a sense of history through key architectural and natural elements. Purple and green structures represent the settlement's early architectural styles, which are still in place today. Trees with dark green foliage are positioned behind these buildings, highlighting the living landscape. A green bridge spans the scene, representing local historical bridges and the connection between the Indigenous Peoples and Settlers of this Land. The two canoes at the bottom of the text represent these two groups and the Treaty agreement between them. 

This artwork reminds all visitors of London’s origin story, the Treaty Agreements in place, and the acknowledgement of their responsibility to the Indigenous Peoples and the Land. 

 

Artist Bio 

Katie Wilhelm, RGD (she/her), is an award-winning Indigenous Designer and Consultant based in London, Ontario, and a member of the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation. A champion for the Indigenous community, she continuously looks to inspire others to create a more colourful future for Turtle Island. Learn more at www.katiewilhelm.design. 

 

WELCOME WALL MURAL 

Conceived as part of RENO2020, the Welcome Wall features an eye-catching and significant mural painted by Indigenous artist Michael Cywink, to acknowledge and welcome all people who step inside the Grand Theatre. 

Cywink grew up on Whitefish River First Nation, south of Espanola, ON, where he is a member. His father is from Chippewas of the Thames. "I'm a big believer that representation matters. We need to be seen," said Cywink in an interview with CBC. "I think when I talk about representation, people need this, even if it's just a visual thing, like a painting on the wall, or a giant mural, or whatever. They need to feel welcomed and feel like they belong, too. And I think art helps kind of bridge that gap."

 

THE GRAND’S COMMITMENTS TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & RECONCILIATION 

 

CLICK TO VIEW OUR EDI-R INFORMATION PAGE

 

 

INTRODUCING IN 2024/25:

The Grand Theatre’s Indigenous Community Ticket Program 

The Grand Theatre is committed to welcoming Indigenous peoples to the theatre and to remove barriers to participation.  In 2024/25, the Grand is implementing an Indigenous Community Ticket Program, offering $20 tickets to welcome individuals who identify as Indigenous to all Grand Theatre productions, including: 

Grand Theatre High School Project: Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical
As You Like It 
The Sound of Music 
Heist 
The Secret to Good Tea 
Waitress 
Pride and Prejudice 
 

Click to access the Indigenous Community Ticket Program.  

 

The Grand Theatre’s Indigenous Community Ticket Program is supported through private donations from individuals in our community. Please click here to donate to this important program at the Grand. 

Need assistance booking a ticket? Call the Box Office at 519-672-8800 for assistance. 

 

PROJECTS OF INTEREST 

Please feel welcome to explore the current and past projects undertaken by the Grand Theatre.

 

24/25: THE SECRET TO GOOD TEA [Current Project]


 

A Co-Production with National Arts Centre Indigenous Theatre

THE SECRET TO GOOD TEA

By Rosanna Deerchild
Directed by Renae Morriseau

February 18 to March 8, 2025

Opening Night Friday, February 21

Spriet Stage

A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER FIND THEIR WAY TO EACH OTHER IN A STORY STEEPED IN HUMOUR, TRUTH, AND A COZY CUP OF TEA.

Learn more about The Secret to Good Tea here.

23/24: HUFF


 

HUFF

February 6 to February 17, 2024

Opening Night February 7

Auburn Stage
 

From Cliff Cardinal, multi-award-winning Cree writer, poet and actor, comes a darkly comedic solo production that tells the tale of Wind and his two brothers, who are caught in a torrent of solvent abuse and struggling to cope with the sudden death of their mother. Wind’s fantastic dream world bleeds into his haunting reality, as he’s preyed on by the Trickster through the hallways at school, the abandoned motel he loves more than home, and his own fragile psyche.


A theatrical breath of fresh air, the critically-acclaimed Huff has shocked audiences across North America with its biting humour, unflinching honesty, and ability to find laughter in the darkest places.


READ HOUSE PROGRAM

22/23: RUBABOO


 

WORLD PREMIERE

RUBABOO

A Métis Cabaret with Andrea Menard

March 7 to March 25, 2023

Opening Night March 10

Spriet Stage

Derived from the Michif word for “leftovers stew” or “big pot,” Rubaboo will take audiences on an intimate, moving, and joyous musical journey – guided by powerhouse, Métis performer, Andrea Menard. An award-winning singer-songwriter and actor, Andrea’s lyrical voice and masterful story telling will envelop you into the beauty of Métis culture. Featuring the sounds of drums and guitar, this grand musical feast will include songs of reconciliation, unity, love, frustration, and resilience.


READ HOUSE PROGRAM


The Title Sponsor of RUBABOO was Canada Life. 

Pictured: Andrea Menard in RUBABOO (2023). 
Directed by Alanis King
Music Directed by Robert Walsh
Set Design by Cimmeron Meyer
Costume Design by Samantha McCue
Lighting Design by Kimberly Purtell
Sound Design by Mary Jane Coomber
Photo by Dahlia Katz. 

21/22: Summer Bresette's GRAND RE:OPENING FESTIVAL (and LOVESONG FOR THE THUNDERBIRDS)

The Grand Re:Opening Festival was initially staged at the Theatre from October 13 – November 6, and was performed at no cost for intimate viewing audiences. Following the provincial announcement, which removed capacity limits, the theatre expanded the capacity of each show. However, to preserve the artistic integrity of the work, in-person audience sizes were still very limited.

In “Love Song for the Thunderbirds,” Summer Bressette employed elements of magical realism to tell the story of Jackrabbit, Nokomis, and Thunderbird in her loosely autobiographical play. Set in contemporary time, the play centres on the ‘rule’ that children were forbidden to sing while at residential school, and consequently many words and stories have vanished. In an effort to find what has been lost, Jackrabbit is tasked with the imperative mission of finding the words to their Grandmother’s lullaby. Through Jackrabbit’s journey, audiences will come to understand the interconnectedness of the human experience and the power in understanding one’s own unique gifts.

In addition to “Love Song for the Thunderbirds,” audiences experienced traditional drumming by the Eagle Flight Singers, comprised of Gordon Sands, Vydel Sands, and Liam Sands. Hoop dancer, River White will also appear alongside the Eagle Flight Singers. The experience culminated in a live performance by the Red Skye Sisters and spoken word poetry by Awasis.

19/20: HONOUR BEAT

Honour Beat

By Tara Beagan
On the Spriet Stage February 4 to February 22
Opening Night: February 7

In February, 2020, the Spriet Stage was the setting for award-winning playwright Tara Beagan’s Honour Beat—an honest and touching story of two sisters who come together by their mother’s side as she faces the end of her life. It is in these moments of togetherness where they confront their relationship with each other and with their mother, and show that although the impending passing of a loved-one can be a time fraught with complications and sadness, those final days with our loved ones can also be filled with laughter amid the tears.

The Title Sponsor of Honour Beat was W4W (Women for Women).

Pictured: Tai Grauman
Directed by Valerie Planche
Set Design by Tamara Marie Kucheran
Costume Design by Samantha McCue
Lighting Design by Kaileigh Krysztofiak
Projection Design by Alex Williams
Sound Design by Verne Good

 

STAY IN TOUCH – GET INVOLVED 

Want to stay in touch, or get involved in the Grand’s efforts towards Indigenous reconciliation? Please reach out to  

Breanne Ritchie, Director of Education & Community Engagement 
britchie [at] grandtheatre.com (britchie[at]grandtheatre[dot]com)