Sask. Indigenous storytelling lives on through award-winning radio play [Video]

For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples in North America have passed down stories and history through oral tradition. That age-old practice continues today with We Treaty People, a nine-part radio play series created by Burnt Thicket Theatre.

“Everything was verbal, so it makes sense in this medium. It’s like doing an up-to-date, contemporary version of storytelling,” said Jennifer Dawn-Bishop, one of the series’ writers and directors.

The series intertwines modern Indigenous stories with science fiction narratives, exploring themes surrounding treaties and reconciliation.

“The nine plays that were created are spectacular and provocative,” said Stephen Waldschmidt, artistic director of Burnt Thicket Theatre. “They’re each paired with an interview with the creative team to discuss the play and reconciliation.”