Riverton and District Friendship Centre and Root Sky Theater Company: Sharing Truth and Healing Through Theatre
Ontario Akwesasne, July 30, 2027
Photo Courtesy of Riverton & District Friendship Center
Photo Courtesy of Root Sky Theater Company
Bringing RATTLE to the Stage
This June 2026, audiences in Winnipeg will experience the professional production of RATTLE, an award-winning play recognized as Best Play in the Theater BC Canadian National Playwriting Competition.
Produced by Root Sky Theater companyin association with Theater Incarnate, the play was directed by Métis director Charlene Van Beukenhout and Cory Wojcik. The production brings together a predominantly Indigenous cast and prioritizes Indigenous artists across design, technical, and creative roles ensuring authenticity, representation, and community connection at every level.
left to right: Alissa Watson, Mackenzie Wojcik, Melanie Badger, Josh Ranville, Dezarae Meade, Nodin Hiltz-André. Cast with Apprentice Director: Nodin Hiltz-André in rehearsal
Photo Courtesy of Brandon University
A Story Rooted in the Sixties Scoop Experience
RATTLE tells the story of two best friends from Winnipeg whose lives have been shaped by the Sixties Scoop. Taken from their families as children and raised in non-Indigenous homes, they grew up disconnected from their culture, identity, and community.
Now, decades later, they are navigating the complex process of rebuilding their lives grappling with trauma, friendship, identity, and the long journey toward healing. This is not just a story of hardship it is a story of survival and reconnection
Left to Right. Cultural worker Robert Doucette and actor Josh Ranville. The play is partially based on Robert's life, and Josh will play his character (Dan)
Photo Courtesy of Brandon University
Theatre as a Pathway to Healing
What makes RATTLE especially impactful is its role beyond the stage. It creates space for Survivors and audiences alike to reflect on the broader systems that caused harm shifting the narrative away from individual blame and toward collective understanding.
Left to Right. Actor MelanieBadger with Costume Designer/Costume Coordinator Amy McPherson.
Photo Courtesy of BrandonUniversity
Recognize the lasting impacts of the Sixties Scoop
Understand the systemic roots of trauma
See the strength and resilience of Survivors
Engage in conversations about healing and reconciliation
The production offers validation for Survivors while educating broader audiences in a way that is accessible, emotional, and grounded in lived experience.
(Left to right) Alissa Watson,Dezerae Meade, Josh Ranville.
Photo credit: Leif Norman.
The reach of RATTLE will continue beyond its six scheduled performances. With publication through Scirocco Drama, the play will be available for future productions and wider audiences across the country. This ensures that its message of truth, healing, and hope continues to resonate, opening doors for ongoing dialogue and understanding in communities far beyond Winnipeg.
Left to Right. Dezarae Meade, Melanie Badger, Mackenzie Wojcik. Actors after morning smudge before rehearsal starts
Photo Courtesy of Brandon University
The Riverton and District Friendship Centre’s support of this initiative reflects a broader commitment to culturally relevant, community-driven healing. By investing in the arts as a tool for storytelling and education, this project strengthens awareness while creating meaningful opportunities for connection and reflection.
(Left to right) Melanie Badger and Dezarae Meade in rehearsal.
Photo credit: Leif Norman.
(Left to right) Josh Ranville, Dezerae Meade, Mackenzie Wojcik, Alissa Watson, and Cory Wojcik.
Photo credit: Leif Norman.
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For more information on the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, please visit our website here: https://www.sixtiesscoophealingfoundation.ca/