Centre for Indigenous Theatre

James H. Buller founded the Centre in 1974 as the Native Theatre School with the Association for Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts.[3] Buller was a noted opera and musical comedy singer.[4] While earlier in the Canadian Navy before founding the school, Buller competed as a popular boxer known as "Gentleman Jim". He wanted to see aboriginal actors, playwrights and directors flourish across Canada and create a network of Aboriginal theatre companies.

The School changed its name to the Centre for Indigenous Theatre in 1994.[5] The Centre first offered a one-year program which was expanded to a two-year program. By 1998, the program offered an additional, and optional, third year.

"The Centre's goal is to develop and implement educational programs that promote and foster an understanding of Indigenous Theatre while providing the highest caliber arts training to Indigenous students from across Canada."[2]

All levels of government fund the Centre.[1] The Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Management Board, The McLean Foundation, Molson Companies Donation Fund and the Toronto Blue Jays also provide monetary support to the Centre.

Students must be over the age of eighteen and of Aboriginal descent.[6]

Notable graduates

• Gary Farmer – 1974
• Graham Greene – 1974
• Billy Merasty – 1984
• Tina Louise Bomberry – 1988
• Jennifer Podemski – 1992
• George Leach – 1996
• Lucie Idlout – 1997

Notable faculty include:

• Columpa Bobb
• Margo Kane
• Jani Lauzon
• David Ley
• Lee Maracle – cultural director 1998–2000
• Muriel Miguel
• Daniel David Moses
• Drew Hayden Taylor[1]
• Paul Thompson[1]
• John Turner (Mump and Smoot)
• Tomson Highway[1]
• David Calderisi[1]
• August Schellenberg[1]

The award, established in 1995, "recognizes the work of Aboriginal people in the arts".[5]

• Official website