De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group - History

History

De-ba-jeh-mu-jig is from the Ojibwe (debaajimoojig) and Cree (tepācimūcik), both meaning "storytellers". De-ba-jeh-mu-jig grew out of West Bay (now known as M'Chigeeng) Children's Theatre which was founded by Shirley Cheechoo. In 1981, Cheechoo was asked to "host the theatre part of the festival {of sharing}". Presently, the company plays throughout Canada under its Outreach program. The company was established so that "Native youth be given the opportunity to see themselves and their lives reflected on the stage, in the characters, in the stories, in the experiences portrayed."

Cheechoo was artistic director from 1983/1984 "until {in the later 1980s} it went to Wiky {Wikwemikong Uncede Indian Reserve}".

The theatre has a strong history of community involvement. Shirley Cheechoo has stated that "usually every time we did some kind of workshop or even if it was in writing we would do a reading just to show the community what we were doing. Wa walsy wanted to show the community exactly what the theatre was developing at the time"

The theatre strives to "bridge" the urban and rural, native and non-native communities and artists, traditional and contemporary forms of expression.

Its repertoire generally presents plays reflecting Native culture, and tours Canada. Shirley Cheechoo, talking about touring, suggests that

it's very wise to tour because most of the issues and situations that happen on one reserve are happening on every reserve. I thought it would be best to share what come up with other communities

The theatre's mandate, which was changed in 1993 by its board of directors, states that Debaj "is a professional community based non-profit organization dedicated to the vitalization of the Anishnaabeg Culture, Language and Heritage, through education and the sharing of original creative expression with Native and Non-Native people."

Debaj is one of two professional Native theatres in Ontario and is the longest running Native theatre in North America.