The 24/25 Indigenous Arts Program is for emerging Indigenous performing artists of any experience, discipline, and skill level looking for personalized and flexible training. Two artists were offered space to gather with other Indigenous creatives to develop skills to grow their artistic practice. Mentors and guest artists help connect artists with the community and the Indigenous arts scene in Tkaronto and beyond (including Paprika partner company, Native Earth Performing Arts).
This program is presented with Lead Support of Native Earth Performing Arts
Brefny Caribou
Brefny Caribou is a performer, writer, and educator of Cree/Irish-settler descent based in Tkaronto. Holding an MFA in Acting from York University she loves telling Indigenous stories and making people giggle. She has worked across Turtle Island on productions of The Tempest (Theatre Rusticle), Otîhêw (Shakespeare in Action), and completed 3 seasons at the Stratford Festival in Little Women (Beth March), and The Rez Sisters (Zhaboonigan Peterson). Most recently she played Susan Blackbird in the Canadian Stage/Belfry production of 1939. Brefny has worked as an Acting Tutorial teacher at Sheridan College since 2019 and is entering her 3rd year facilitating the Indigenous Arts Program at the Paprika Festival. Her writing has been featured in many festivals including Groundswell (Nightwood Theatre), Brave New Works (Theatre Aquarius) and the Weesageechak Begins to Dance festival (NEPA).
Entering my third year facilitating the Indigenous Arts Program, I feel grounded in what I’ve learned thus far and excited to continue to challenge what leadership in this space feels like. Working with artists of various disciplines, I know I won’t always have the exact language or expertise and that invites a humility and curiosity into the role that I embrace. My goal is to cultivate an environment where artistic growth can take place; to hold space for discussion, questions, laughter, and connection for Indigenous storytellers. Working with Aleria and Jane-Leigh this year has reminded me of the power of our stories and left me inspired and in awe of the coming generations of artists to come.
Thank you to the previous cohort of the IAP, I am eternally grateful to have grown alongside you in last 2 years, thank you to Keshia Palm and Cheyenne Scott for inviting me to come on this journey, to Amanda Lin and Julia and all of the staff at the Paprika Festival for their leadership, camaraderie, and candour in creating this vital space for emerging artists. And to my parents, Paddy, and Poe for everything.
— Brefny Caribou, 2025 Indigenous Arts Program Facilitator
