An acclaimed opera about missing and murdered Indigenous women, a conversation with Cree author Michelle Good, and a harvest celebration led by Haudenosaunee artist David R. Maracle are coming to the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts this fall.

Taking place from September 29 to October 2, the three events offer Queen’s and Kingston audiences distinct ways to experience Indigenous stories, knowledge, and artistic expression through opera, literature, and music.

The programming coincides with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. Throughout the month, Queen’s is highlighting campus activities that encourage learning and reflection.

"The arts create space for reflection, dialogue, and a deeper understanding of the communities around us,” says Gordon E. Smith, Queen's Professor and Director of the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. “For The Isabel, that means presenting Indigenous artists and ensuring their work has a strong place in the cultural life of the university and the wider community.”
 

Missing opera explores loss and hope

The first event, Missing, is a chamber opera by Métis playwright Marie Clements and JUNO Award-winning composer Brian Current. Performed in English and Gitksan, it tells stories of missing and murdered Indigenous women through a narrative of loss, memory, and hope set in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and along British Columbia’s Highway of Tears. The performance takes place Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m., with free admission for all audiences. Tickets can be reserved through the usual booking process and will appear at a price of $0. With the performance nearly at capacity, audiences are encouraged to join the waitlist to be notified if tickets become available.
 

Michelle Good discusses new novel Eliza Sunshine

On September 30, award-winning Cree author Michelle Good will join Queen’s Chancellor Shelagh Rogers for Sculpted by Storms, a conversation about Good’s new novel, Eliza Sunshine. The book follows three generations of Cree women connected through story, survival, and the land, and the evening will include a performance by singer-songwriter Kym Gouchie. The Kingston WritersFest-presented event begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $50.
 

David R. Maracle leads Harvest Moon Celebration

On October 2, award-winning Haudenosaunee musician and stone sculptor David R. Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte will lead a Harvest Moon Celebration. A member of the Bear Clan whose Mohawk name, Tehanenia’kwè, means Cutter of Stone, Maracle will blend ancestral teachings with contemporary forms in a performance celebrating harvest, gratitude, and Indigenous traditions. The event begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.

Together, the events reflect The Isabel’s commitment to supporting Indigenous artists and works while creating opportunities for audiences to listen, learn, and encounter Indigenous perspectives through the arts.

Queen’s students can attend all Isabel-presented performances free of charge throughout the season.

Beyond The Isabel, a series of events and activities will take place across Queen’s throughout September and in the days following the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. Details are available in the Queen’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation calendar.