A reading of Blood Sport, a short play by January Rogers dealing with Indigenous identity, followed by a
panel discussion, will be presented at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, Thursday June 27, at 7pm.
Blood Sport, by playwright January Rogers, a Mohawk/Tuscarora writer from Six Nations of the Grand
River, is a satirical play about indigenous identity, using humour and a game-show scenario to confront
the seriousness about the issue of ‘pretendianism’ – the term used when individuals claim false
Indigenous identity. Rogers is responding to recent revelations about singer Buffy Sainte-Marie, author
Joseph Boyden, filmmaker Micelle Latimer, and former judge Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, amongst others,
that have angered and disappointed Indigenous communities across the country.
Said Rogers, “Blood Sport seemed to be the perfect story to tell,” said Rogers, “because with the
fictitious game show scenario and the use of lots of satire, I have been able to address exactly what is at
stake for (real) Native people when fake Native people are exposed as interlopers within our education
and art sectors, specifically.” In the play, ‘culturally confused’ contestants compete for the right to claim
Indigenous identity through a through a series of crazy games and tasks, guided by ‘The Ref’, while
learning the right ways to claim their Indigenous identities.
Following the play there will be a panel discussion on the work itself and the subject of Indigenous
identity. Panelists will include the writer herself, January Rogers, acclaimed poet, author, and media
producer; Dr. Jolene Rickard, Tuscarora, associate professor of Indigenous Art at Cornell University; Karl
Dockstader, Oneida, Indigenous cultural advisor for Niagara College; and Tim Johnson, Mohawk, senior
advisor for museums, heritage and legacy with Lord Cultural Resources and Plenty Canada, and Board
member of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum.
Said Rogers, “Knowing the complex elements that I wove into Blood Sport, and the affirmations of
Indigenous identity experienced by its protagonists, audiences will enjoy an entertaining and
educational theatre offering which is sure to spur more discussion and understanding.”
Pease call 905-468-3912 to reserve your seat. Admission is by donation.
For more information: www.notlmuseum.ca