The Hnatyshyn Foundation - University of Saskatchewan Scholarship for Indigenous Students in Drama
This program, inaugurated in 2022, consists of a $10,000 scholarship to recognize the academic achievement of an Indigenous undergraduate student in drama studying in the University of Saskatchewan’s wîcêhtowin Theatre program.
The Foundation is particularly proud of this partnership because Ray and Gerda Hnatyshyn were both alumni of The University of Saskatchewan.
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The wîcêhtowin Theatre program is a transformative certificate program in performance and theatre design. This comprehensive and experience-based learning approach for emerging First Nations, Métis, and Inuit actors, playwrights and designers—as well as students interested in an Indigenous perspective—delivers meaningful and principled skills in the areas of performance and technical theatre design.
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Gabe Martell (he/they) is pursuing a major in drama with a minor in English. Recently, they played E2 in 10 Out of 12 (by Anne Washburn, directed by Clare Middleton, 2024) and were the sound designer for Brainstorm (by Ned Glasier, Emily Lim, and Company Three, directed by Shannon Blanchet, 2025).
Gabe Martell (lower left) with the cast of 10 out of 12 (2024) at the University of Saskatchewan’s Greystone Theatre.
Gabe thanks the professors who continue to inspire him, including Ken Mackenzie and Deneh’Cho Thompson, for assisting him in fuelling his emotions and passion into what he does and for never giving up on him and his classmates, and Carla Orosz, for guiding him towards a future in stage design. Gabe is a member of the Waterhen Lake First Nation and is of mixed Indigenous and settler descent. He is in the second generation of his family to pursue university studies. Gabe wishes to thank his band, particularly his father, for their ongoing support.
“My father, Robert Martell, has been there to help ground me while I came across many challenges with my mental health and with feelings of self-doubt as I sought to learn about my Indigenous roots as an Indigenous person who presents as white. After enrolling at the University of Saskatchewan, I feel more comfortable with my identity, as my peers and teachers have created an open and understanding space for others and myself. This award means a great deal to me, and I will utilize it to continue growing as an Indigenous theatre artist.”
Poster for the University of Saskatchewan Drama performance of Ayapîhk: An Indigenous Story (2025), by Gabe Martell and the Drama 298 Indigenous Playwriting class.
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Darius Kiskotagan enjoys the collaborative nature of theatre and hopes to establish an independent company where emerging artists like him can showcase their work.
“I know a number of creative, hard working artists that have yet to be fully recognized. I hope this venture could serve as a stepping off point into larger opportunities.”
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Leze Pewapsconias is from Little Pine First Nation reserve in Saskatchewan. Her hope is to bring theatre training back to the reserve, explaining:
“I ultimately believe the arts and drama are a gateway to self-actualization, positive mental and physical health, and [that they] will continue to set my people down, as they have for me, a positive path of healing.”
In the summer of 2023, Pewapsconias worked with SUM Theatre in Saskatoon as an actor in an ensemble cast. At the University of Saskatchewan, she has been in multiple Greystone Theatre productions, including The Secret in the Wings by Mary Zimmerman, directed by Treena Stubel, Gordon Winter by Kenneth T. Williams, directed by Deneh'Cho Thompson, and Sir John A. Acts of a Gentrified Ojibway Rebellion by Drew Hayden Taylor, directed by Deneh'Cho Thompson.
Image from Concord Floral by Jordan Tannahill. Directed by Natasha Martina, shown at Greystone Theatre, University of Saskatchewan Campus. Nov 17-27, 2021. Leze played Character 8 (Fox).
