From the Performance, Scenes from the Nanaimo Indian Hospital

Meet the Cast

  • Dorothy

    On reflection, my BA in English, MA in Curriculum Studies, and my PhD in Language and Literacy Education was a halting two steps forward, one step back journey to self-empowerment from the development of my writing voice to a theatrical expression of voice which led me back to where I began, the language of my paternal lineage in which I was first raised—Kwak’wala. Blending my therapy with my creative writing I was able to express my response (to Canadian colonial history writ large) through the non-linear art form of a dramatic script “DP’s colonial cabaret: A play in two acts” (University of Victoria, 2002).

    Continuing my pattern of autoethnographic writing, I documented my language reclamation process in my dissertation, “Reclaiming Kwak’wala through co-constructing Gwanti’lakw’s vision” (University of British Columbia, 2016). As a professor of Indigenous / Xwulmuxw Studies at Vancouver Island University, and VIU Honorary Research Associate, I am interested in how the literary and performing arts in the mode of auto-ethnographic inquiry can contribute to Indigenous language revitalization. As a Namgis/Haida residential school survivor, I am also interested in how the literary and performing arts create a transformational space for all those engaged in Indigenous language reawakening.

  • Esther

    My traditional name is Siqultunaat, and my English name is Virginia Robertson. I am of Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wa̱kw ancestry, the daughter of Kw̓atkw̓umat and Guyusedisalas, and the granddaughter of Siqultunaat (Emily Bob, née Seward), SeluXtun (Samuel Bob), Daisy Robertson (née Ford), and William Robertson.

    I teach Hul’q’umi’num’ language and culture at Shawnigan Lake School, and I hold a Master’s in Indigenous Languages and Linguistics from Simon Fraser University. My research focused on language and drama, and I continue to act in Hul’q’umi’num’ plays such as Scenes from the Nanaimo Indian Hospital. My long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in Theatre and Linguistics at the University of Victoria and to continue advancing community-based language revitalization through teaching and theatre.

  • Mary|Mental Health Support

    Ida Thompson is a recent graduate of Vancouver Island University, hailing from the Haisla and Ditidaht First Nations, with strong familial ties to the Heiltsuk, Quwutsun, and Snuneymuxw nations. She now works as Aftercare Counsellor at Tsow-Tun Le Lum, supporting individuals in their healing journeys. Her path has been shaped by a deep commitment to addressing the intergenerational impacts of the Indian Residential School system. Ida is passionate about working with intergenerational survivors, honouring the resilience of Indigenous communities in leading their own healing processes.

    Her academic and professional work reflects her dedication to amplifying the true history of Canada, particularly the enduring consequences of the residential schools, Indian hospitals, and other historical injustices that continue to affect her people. With a strong belief that every Canadian has a responsibility in truth-telling and healing, Ida works to foster awareness, understanding, and collective responsibility. As she continues her professional journey, she envisions contributing to a future where the strength and resilience of each generation enrich the broader tapestry of healing and reconciliation.

  • Mental Health Support Lead/Nurse Faith

    Daisy Elliott (Snuneymuxw/ Musg̱a̱ma̱kw) graduated with her BA in Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies and MA in Community Planning from Vancouver Island University’s. Prior to her current position as Crisis Line Team Lead for the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, Daisy worked as a counsellor at Tsow Tun Le Lum with talented healers such as Carol White and Ann Bob. Daisy supports the project as a Research Team member, Research Assistant and Mental Health support worker at rehearsals and performances. She plays Nurse Faith in the production. This production hits close to home as Daisy has had family who lived and worked in the Nanaimo Indian Hospital. This play has not only brought Daisy another family but has provided her with another opportunity to be a part of Reconciliation. 

  • Super

    Amanda (PhD) is a Canada Research Chair in Community-Engaged Research and Professor in the Faculty of Education at Vancouver Island University. Born in Los Angeles and having grown up in Amsterdam, she embraces learning languages and creating art as cultural advocacy. Her research focuses on community-led public art projects involving languages, literacies and participatory arts-based methodologies. Amanda has published about this shared passion widely and is the founding Director of the arc: Art Research Community Institute that works together with many communities across Vancouver Island and beyond using the arts as a form of bridging communities, truth-telling and language reawakening.

  • Dr. S. Needles

    Ross Stephansonis a university-trained actor with performance credits on professional and community theatre stages as well as in film and television. Ross has designed and built decks and theatrical sets, renovated homes, taught secondary school theatre, created a popular Victoria cafe and been a lifelong volunteer and student. His most cherished moment in a theatre was standing on the center slab of stone in the ancient Greek amphitheatre at Epidaurus where he was struck by the historic responsibility of the actor to tell stories about truth and justice. Favorite roles include Prospero from The Tempest; Aslan from Narnia; Captain Hook from Peter Pan; Lewis Carroll from Forever Young; Reverend Lee from The Foreigner. His very first role, while in pre-school, was a tree. Ross feels honoured to participate in this truth-telling project helping to give voice to untold stories of trauma and recovery. He is grateful to Laura for her vision and tenacity, the Leadership Team for their organizational support, to each courageous participant for sharing their creativity and to each of you for coming to bear witness to our work.

  • Gagamp Peter Myth/Drummer/ Tsunuk̓wa the legendary giantess

    Gilakas’la 'Nugwa'am Gamutalagalis gayutłan lax Gwa'yi. He'ma̲n dłig̲a̲mi David Dawson. Hello, I am Gamutalagalis, which means Howling Around the World. I come from Kingcome Inlet of the Musgamagw Dzawada’enux people. I was born and raised in the k’omoks (Pentlatch) territory, and now reside in the beautiful territory of the Snuneymuxw people. I am an Intergenerational Trauma Survivor and I have been on a healing journey for the past nine years, free of drugs and alcohol. I have lived a hard life filled with hurt, pain, and suffering. Over time, I knew I needed to break this vicious cycle of trauma that lingered(s) within my family. I embraced recovery to grow a new way of life. My positive choice let me to college where I learned about what shaped my family relationships, and what shaped my perspective. In the process of all this learning, I became aware of the colonial behaviours and attitudes that I walked with, and knew from my past life, that was not for me. I now weave in and live the values of my people. LOVE. KINDNESS. RESPECT and GENEROSITY. What a blessing this has been. My healing journey has brought me to many beautiful circles. To name a few, I currently work out on Comox Valley Schools as an Indigenous Support Worker for Nala’atsi Alternate Program, as well as a Crisis Line Responder through The Indian Residential School Survivors Society, and now I am part of this strong and powerful production “Scenes from the Nanaimo Indian Hospital”. What makes this the absolute best, is that I get to share this new life with my beautiful partner Virginia, and children Dion, Emma, and Izzaiah. It is true. It’s the journey, not the destination. Embrace life, and LOVE. With Great Respect, Gamutalagalis

  • Kwak’wala Language Expert

    Ǧʷixsisa̱las:“how to place your feet” (Emily Aitken) is of the Tłowit̕sis Nation of the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw peoples. She is a certified Kwak’wala language teacher. She was one of the first to graduate from UVic’s Certificate in Aboriginal Language Revitalization. she lives in ƛəmatax̌ʷ (Campbell River). Emily’s first language is Kʷak̓ʷala. In the last twenty years has learned to read and write Kʷak̓ʷala and works at keeping Kʷaḱʷala language alive by teaching in the Mentor/Apprentice Program.  Recently retired from the Campbell River School District Kʷak̓ʷala Lik̓ʷala program although she will be still a part of the teaching team as an elder in residence language person.” She has made a life long commitment to the revitalization of Kwak’wala for her it brings aliveness to her heart. 

  • Mrs. Powell │ Project Support

    I am a PhD student at the University of Victoria where I live with my family on Lekwungen territories. I am of Scottish, Irish, and German ancestry, and my family settled in the United States, where I was born and raised in the foothills of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, on Cherokee homelands. As a settler, I work in solidarity with Black, Indigenous, and economically marginalized communities on projects that oppose oppressive systems and ideologies while aiming to center relationships, collective care, and strengths-based research. New to acting – unless you count high school drama class – I am eager to take on the role of Mrs. Powell and to be involved in the theatre process. I am truly honoured to be a part of this beautiful and transformative project. 

  • Stage Manager

    is a graduate of the Vancouver Island University Technical Theatre program and is currently studying to become an Early Childhood Educator at Selkirk College. Born and raised on Vancouver Island, she has always held a deep appreciation for language learning and culture. As Stage Manager for “Scenes from the Nanaimo Indian Hospital”, she has been able to aid in bringing to the stage a powerful and authentic storytelling experience that resonates with audiences and honours the hard work of every artist involved. This project, rooted in truth and resilience, has further deepened Jenna’s commitment to creating spaces where voices are heard, histories are respected, and healing can begin.

  • crew

    Alex is a recent graduate of Vancouver Island University, having completed a BA in Psychology and Diploma in Theatre. He is deeply interested in using theatre to share stories of social justice, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire meaningful dialogue and change. Alex is incredibly honoured to have been welcomed into this show’s team and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a show that sheds light on untold stories and creates space for reflection, accountability, and reconciliation.