SNTC changes name to honor Tootoosis

The Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company is now known as the Gordon Tootoosis N+kn+win Theatre. The name change was made to honour the late actor, who co-founded the theatre company along with fellow actors Tantoo Cardinal and Kennetch Charlette, in 1999. N+kn+win is a Plains Cree expression for “leadership.” The theatre company says Tootoosis was the driving force behind the creation of its “Circle of Voices” program, where youth are mentored in theatre and cultural teachings. The mentorship program is now in its 13th year and more than 100 youth have been trained. Tootoosis, from the Poundmaker Cree Nation, was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2005 for his services to performing arts in the country.