Learn. Create. Connect.

RootsPulse Fest offers interactive workshops led by accomplished Indigenous, Black, Brown, and Asian (IBBA) Deaf artists from across Canada and internationally. Open to the public, these workshops invite participants to explore Deaf arts, develop new creative skills, and connect with artists and community members in an inclusive and accessible environment.

Whether you are an emerging artist, an experienced performer, a student, or simply curious about Deaf arts and culture, our workshops are designed to inspire creativity, encourage collaboration, and celebrate diverse artistic voices.

This Year's Workshops

RootsPulse Fest is proud to present interactive workshops led by invited Deaf artists from Indigenous, Black, Brown, and Asian (IBBA) communities. These workshops offer an opportunity to learn directly from experienced artists while exploring Deaf arts, creative practices, movement, performance, and cultural perspectives.

Our workshops are open to the public. Deaf, hard of hearing, hearing, signing, and non signing participants are welcome. Whether you are an artist, student, educator, community member, or simply interested in exploring Deaf arts and culture, we invite you to join us.

ASL and interpretation access will be provided throughout the workshops.

2026 Workshop Lineup

*Julian Ortiz
Performance Art: ASL Song Interpretation
Explore ASL song interpretation through expression, movement, rhythm, and visual creativity as a form of performance art.

*Gaitrie Persaud Killings
Theatre Acting: Spitting Lens
Explore physical storytelling using masks, movement, gesture, rhythm, and body expression to communicate emotion and character beyond facial expression.

*Dr. Jenelle Rouse
Dance and Movement
Explore dance, movement, body expression, and creative approaches to developing confidence and expression through performance.

*Paula Wesley (Siyámotsiya)
Storyteller Tactics: You Need This!
Visual Storytelling and Creative Expression
Explore visual storytelling techniques and creative tools for developing, expressing, and sharing stories through performance.

*Jamila Ouahid
Visual Vernacular: Visual Storytelling Through Movement
Explore Visual Vernacular through movement, facial expression, body language, visual imagery, and cinematic techniques to transform ideas, emotions, and stories into visual performance.

Duration: 2 hours
Who Can Attend: Deaf , Hard of Hearing and hearing participants
Accessibility: ASL and interpretation access provided
What to Wear: Comfortable clothing suitable for movement

Registration Coming Soon

Workshop registration will open soon. Public workshops will take place during RootsPulse Fest, October 22 to 24, 2026, with workshop sessions primarily scheduled during the afternoon.

Complete workshop descriptions, schedules, artist information, and registration details will be announced soon.

Workshop spaces will be limited, so early registration is encouraged once registration opens.

We look forward to welcoming participants from across our communities to learn, create, experiment, and connect at RootsPulse Fest 2026.