Gwaandak Theatre presents Awaken Festival 2026 – Featuring in-person and digital workshops, cultural presentations, performance showcases, and more – all in an effort to celebrate the different ways we can gather and connect! This hybrid festival is curated for Indigenous and Northern artists as well as interested members of the public.

As winter transforms into spring, life wakes up in the North. Mother Bears pass on knowledge to their cubs in order for them to thrive on their own. Awaken – so to speak – connects “cubs” (new and aspiring artists) to “mother bears” (experienced artists). Join us this spring from April 12th-26th, 2026 in Whitehorse YT and Online to learn, share, and Awaken new beginnings within yourself and your community.