In tandem with our Words With Will series (https://www.repercussiontheatre.com/words-with-will/), and inspired by one of the two plays-in-development, we are holding a fundraiser for an organization that is doing direct, vital work. In his play, Wardo, Jimmy Blais reflects on the ways in which the foster care system affects Indigenous youth. He was particularly inspired by the work of The First Nations Child & Family Caring Society (https://fncaringsociety.com/), a national charity that works to ensure the safety and well-being of First Nations youth and their families through education initiatives, public policy campaigns and providing quality resources to support communities. 

We will be hosting an online auction fundraiser (https://www.biddingowl.com/Auction/home.cfm?auctionID=26024) from February 17th to March 7th featuring prints by two First Nations artists. 100% of proceeds from the auction will go directly to The First Nations Child & Family Caring Society. So by participating  in our auction, you’ll help us support The Caring Society in their mission of ensuring that First Nations children have culturally based and equitable opportunities to grow up safely at home, be healthy, get a good education, and be proud of who they are.

The auction features works by Ojibwe artists Carl Beam (1943-2005) and Richard Bedwash (1936-2007). Born on Manitoulin Island, Beam is a member of the M’Chigeeng First Nation, a Residential School survivor, and widely known as the first Indigenous artist to be featured in the National Gallery as a contemporary artist. Bedwash was born on Long Lac Reserve in Northwestern Ontario. He was a contemporary of Norval Morrisseau, employing the Woodlands School style in his work.