As Gwaandak Theatre enters its third decade, it’s inviting Yukoners to welcome incoming artistic director Colin Wolf on Friday evening.

Wolf and the Gwaandak Theatre team will announce upcoming programming and provide food to share. A silent auction will feature crafts from local artists, baked goods, and unique experiences.

Wolf and the outgoing artistic director, Patti Flather, will both be present to mix, mingle, and listen to what Gwaandak means to live theatre fans.

There will be a special sneak listen to the Vuntut Gwitchin radio play podcasts before they go live next month.

The free event will begin at 7 p.m. at The Old Fire Hall on Front Street.

“Since arriving in the territory in October, I have already met so many wonderful people,” Wolf said this week.

“ I hope for this to be an opportunity to meet more folks in the Gwaandak community. I am truly humbled every day to have been chosen to continue Gwaandak Theatres legacy as the first full-time Indigenous artistic director.

“We couldn't do this work at Gwaandak Theatre without a strong community supporting us.”

“Co-founding and being artistic director at Gwaandak Theatre the past 20 years, I have had the honour to connect with many people in the Yukon and across Canada who supported our passion for Indigenous and Northern stories,” Flather said.

“I am thrilled to welcome in Colin’s powerful new artistic vision, and witness the new Gwaandak team in action, with integrity and conviction.”

Gwaandak Theatre has been empowering Indigenous and northern voices since 2000.

“As the only Indigenous-centred theatre company in the Yukon, we are committed to presenting artistic programming that promotes meaningful reconciliation and deeper understanding between Yukoners, both Indigenous and settlers,” the company said.

“We tell stories that explore themes of decolonization, cultural identity, social justice, and human rights.”

One meaning of the word Gwaandak in the Gwich’in language is “storyteller”.