Founder/Artistic Creative Director
Nova Courchene is an Anishinaabekwe artist and theatre maker whose father is from Sagkeeng First Nation and whose mother is from Rolling River First Nation. Through theatre, story, and relationship, she creates spaces where Indigenous children and youth can imagine, create, and lead.
is an emerging Anishinaabe actor, playwright, and Lead Teacher with OITY from Berens River and Hollow Water First Nations. A former student and now leader within Indigenous youth theatre, Dezarae has developed original works, performed professionally, and supported Indigenous children and youth in communities across Manitoba.
is the Administrator for Oshkagoojin Indigenous Theatre for Youth. A graduate of Red River College Polytechnic's Business Administration program with a focus in Human Resources, Alexis brings organization, creativity, and care to OITY's growing operations. She helps create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous children and youth through the arts.
is a 2Spirit Anishinaabe theatre artist, teaching artist, director, and performer from Treaty 5. Their artistic practice bridges community-rooted storytelling, performance, and emerging directorial work. As OITY's Program Communications Coordinator, Dakota supports Indigenous-centred youth programming through storytelling, collaboration, and creative leadership.
Supports Oshkagoojin Indigenous Theatre for Youth as Bookkeeper and Financial Administrator. Through her work in financial management, reporting, and organizational administration, Lolita helps ensure OITY's operations remain strong, accountable, and sustainable as the organization continues to grow.
OITY's programs are supported by a growing team of Indigenous and allied teaching artists, performers, directors, designers, and arts educators working professionally across Manitoba's theatre and arts communities. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in performance, new play development, community-engaged practice, language revitalization, and multidisciplinary arts, ensuring that young people learn alongside practicing artists actively shaping the cultural landscape.
Andrina Kirkness, Teacher and Teaching Assistant
Jessica McGlynn, Teacher
Christian Leeson, Teacher and Teaching Assistant
Kathleen Starr, Teaching Assistant, Actress
Mary Catagas, Teacher
Sage Boulanger-McLeod, Teacher
Adara Abraham, Teacher and Teaching Assistant
Kim Halcrow, Cree Language Support, Teacher
Adara Abraham, Teacher and Teaching Assistant
Sage Boulanger-McLeod, Teacher
Mary Catagas, Teacher
Kim Halcrow, Cree Language Support, Teacher
Andrina Kirkness, Teacher and Teaching Assistant
Christian Leeson, Teacher and Teaching Assistant
Jessica McGlynn, Teacher
Kathleen Starr, Teaching Assistant, Actress
OITY's Board of Directors brings together accomplished artists, cultural leaders, and administrators who support the organization's governance, strategic vision, and long-term sustainability.
Charlene Van Buekenhout, President
She is is a Michif/Belgian-Canadian theatre artist, actor, director, and the Artistic Producer of Echo Theatre. A co-creator and producer of Kiyânâw Indigenous Theatre Festival, Charlene is committed to Indigenous artistic development, community-engaged creation, and Michif language revitalization
Geneviève Pelletier,
Treasurer
They are is a Métis actor, director, and cultural leader from the Red River Valley. From 2012 to 2025, she served as Artistic and General Director of Théâtre Cercle Molière, Canada's oldest continuously operating theatre company, where they championed artistic excellence, intercultural dialogue, and diverse creative voices.
Waawaate Fobister,
Secretary
They are an award-winning Anishinaabe actor, dancer, playwright, choreographer, producer, and storyteller from Grassy Narrows First Nation. Best known for the acclaimed solo work Agokwe, Waawaate has spent more than two decades creating groundbreaking Indigenous performances that centres community, Two-Spirit experiences, and Indigenous resurgence.
Carolyn Moar,
Consulting Elder
She is a traditional knowledge keeper who has dedicated more than 30 years to supporting families, and communities through cultural teachings, ceremony, and community-based programming. Carolyn offers wisdom, mentorship, and cultural guidance to OITY and the young people it serves.