Theater as Cultural Exchange

The Anishinaabe Theatre Exchange is a group of Native artists who aim to wield the power of theater to share Native American stories and activate community networks. The exchange builds upon 2015 activities which connected University of Michigan students, faculty and staff with the Cultural Department of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Lake Superior State University, and Bay Mills community members. One outcome of the pilot project was community interest in writing and documenting local histories. This exchange brings professional artists and the Indigenous Youth Council to dialogue about social and political issues. The ATE was formed when we realized there was a willingness within the community to tell stories this way. We hope to continue to develop performance events which speak to social concerns and histories of the Anishinaabe people.