De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group


Debajehmujig / De-ba-jeh-mu-jig - Storytellers is a First Nations theatre group and multi-arts organization based in the Wiikwemkoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario. Debaj is the longest running Indigenous theatre in North America.

History

De-ba-jeh-mu-jig is from the Ojibwe and Cree, both meaning "storytellers". De-ba-jeh-mu-jig was founded by Shirley Cheechoo, Blake Debassige and colleagues in 1984 in M'Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island. In 1989, the company moved to Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve. In addition to being located in Wikwemikong, the company operates the De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Creation Centre in Manitowaning. The main stage is the open air stage in the ruins of the Holy Cross Mission in Wikwemikong. The company plays throughout Canada under its Outreach program. The company was established so that "Native youth be given the opportunity to see themselves and their lives reflected on the stage, in the characters, in the stories, in the experiences portrayed."

Core Staff 2019/2020

Production archives

;2008
;2007
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;2004/2005
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