Indigenous Summer Play Readings 2025

Keira Ash is a proud Tłı̨chǫ Dene Indigiqueer from Somba K’e Denendeh (Yellowknife, NWT). She is an artist, educator, student, beader, maker and doer. Keira grew up playing on the shores of Great Slave Lake. They flowed to and learned in Moh'kinstsis where the Elbow River and Bow River meet, as well as Amiskwaciwâskahikan which the North Saskatchewan River runs through. Now, she has flown south to where mountains and ocean meet during the school year resides on lək̓ʷəŋən lands that have been carefully cultivated since time immemorial. Last, last winter they migrated North to help create art along Chu Nínkwän, the Yukon River, and are now back to help with ISPR and to see how the territory changes with the seasons.

Isabelle Katoogoo James-Walker was born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon. Her Tlingit name is Gus’duteen, and she is a proud member of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, belonging to the Dakl’aweidi Clan.

Isabelle has been immersed in theatre since 2016, beginning with the Music, Arts and Drama (MAD) program. While she began primarily as an actor, she has recently expanded her work into directing and writing, two areas she’s excited to continue growing in.

In 2023, Isabelle performed at the Council of Yukon First Nations’ 50th Anniversary Gala, a landmark celebration that brought together leaders, Elders, and community members from across the territory.

Select Theatre Experience:
        •       Music, Arts and Drama Program – 3 Years (2016–2019)
        •       Newsies (2019) – Yukon Theatre for Young People
        •       Dreary and Izzy (2021) – The Guild
        •       Women of the Fur Trade (2021) – Gwaandak Theatre
        •       WYRD (2023) – Larrikin Entertainment
        •       CYFN 50th Anniversary Gala Performance (2023)
        •       Indigenous Summer Play Readings (2022–2025) – Gwaandak Theatre

Frank Henry Katasse, also known as Kaash, is an Alaska Native Tlingit from the Tsaagweidí clan. He is a versatile artist involved in acting for both the screen and stage, directing, producing, improvising, educating, and writing. Frank has received various awards and accolades for his work and has been involved in the production of Alaska Native-themed plays. He was also Emmy-nominated for his writing and story contributions for Molly of Denali.

Yvette Nolan (Algonquin) is a playwright, director and dramaturg who makes theatre across Turtle Island. Her works include the play The Unplugging, the dance-opera Bearing, the libretto Shawnadithit, and the verbatim play Reasonable Doubt (with Joel Bernbaum and Lancelot Knight). From 2003–2011, she served as Artistic Director of Native Earth Performing Arts.