Frozen River (Nîkwatin Sîpiy) - by Michaela Washburn & Joelle Peters & Carrie Costello (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Exploring reconciliation and connection through a story that spans seven generations, Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy) tells the story of two eleven-year-olds through the eyes of Grandmother Moon. Eilidh and Wâpam are born under the same blood moon, but Eilidh was born in Scotland and Wâpam in Kihci-Manito kâ ayapit, now known as Manitoba. After sailing across the ocean in hopes of a more prosperous life, Eilidh meets Wâpam deep in the forest, and the two become instant friends. Coming from vastly different worlds, Eilidh and Wâpam decide to teach each other about their ways of life. But when a sacred promise between them is broken, the relationship among cultures becomes jeopardized for generations to come.

Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy) shows audiences that an openness to learn from those who have protected and honoured the waterways for centuries can lead to healing and reconciliation.

Review Quotes

"The show's script cleverly makes important issues digestible for young audiences." -- Van City Vince

"...powered by a strong message and themes of reconciliation, environmentalism and interconnectedness. Firing on all cylinders this play is a can't miss sewn together with strong dialogue, captivating and enchanting performances leaving the audience with hope and to always question and wonder and start discourse." -- culturegecko.com

"[Frozen River] it dramatizes the schism that reconciliation is meant to heal. The two young protagonists illustrate how healing may be possible and how difficult it is likely to be." -- Vancouver Sun

About the Author

Joelle Peters is an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) playwright and actor from Walpole Island First Nation in Southwestern Ontario. A graduate of Seneca College's Acting for Camera and Voice Program, Joelle has appeared on Shoresy (Crave/Hulu) and in the film In Her City. She is also Interim Artistic Director of Native Earth Performing Arts. In 2020, Joelle was named the Siminovitch Prize Protégé by Laureate Tara Beagan. Joelle's other plays include Niizh (developed with Native Earth Performing Arts and commissioned by the Blyth Festival) and do you remember? (commissioned by Burnt Thicket Theatre for the We Treaty People audio series, supported by Punctuate!/Pemmican Playwrights Unit).