Three decades have passed since the theft of the wampum, a sacred object and symbol of unity for the small community of Whitefish (Wapeyit-Nomehs). The village is being torn apart by a political crisis: two influential clans are engaged in a fierce power struggle.
The developers of a neighbouring mine are trying to take advantage of the rift, so it’s not just the village’s peace that is hanging in the balance, but also its territorial integrity. Polam Nicolas unwittingly finds himself on the frontlines of the conflict. He lets others convince him to run for chief of the band council and is charged with finding the stolen wampum to restore peace to Wapeyit-Nomehs. But his quest will transform him in unexpected ways, when the beaded belt comes to him in a dream and takes on a deep spiritual dimension related to his family’s past.
To mark the 40th anniversary of Ondinnok, its artistic director Dave Jenniss reached out to artists from the companies Menuentakuan and Auen to create a powerful, original, collective work. The product of our writing residences, this original creation is at the crossroads of political thriller and quest for identity, offering a universal reflection on our inner landscapes and what unites us, regardless of culture or origin. Tupqan (“land” in the Wolastoqey language) is a chance to revisit our private and collective stories to better understand the present. Blending several art forms, this poetic play is an enriching experience that can’t help but spur our growth.