Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

WHAT WE BELIEVE

The Citadel Theatre is in the heart of amiskwaciwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Edmonton, AB), and we are proud to call Treaty 6 territory home. As a regional theatre, it is integral that we ensure that the stories we tell, as well as the composition of our artists, board, staff, students, and audience are reflective of the diverse lived experiences in this dynamic city.

We commit to dismantling the systems of oppression that our organization has benefited from. We acknowledge our privilege as one of the largest arts organizations in Alberta, and one of the largest regional theatres in Canada; it is our responsibility to enshrine this commitment at the heart of our company. We pledge to be held accountable to this ongoing work with transparency and in dialogue with communities and all stakeholders.

We believe this work requires immediate and ongoing action and constant reflection. We will continue to build an anti-racism and anti-oppression intersectional framework through training, paid consultation, internal analysis, the engagement of an Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, a commitment to Edmonton’s 35//50 Initiative, and significant policy changes and accountability throughout the entire organization.

We are proud to be part of our city’s vibrant theatre community and commit to working together with our colleagues to exchange knowledge and ensure lasting systemic change at the Citadel and throughout the arts community. We welcome and celebrate all voices, all bodies, and all experiences.

This is a living statement that was crafted by Citadel Theatre’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee. If you have any questions, please contact EDICommittee@citadeltheatre.com.

AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

Treaty No. 6 was created with the intention of fostering harmonious co-existence, and the Citadel Theatre acknowledges our responsibility to be an active participant in reconciliation in this place we all call home. We express deep gratitude for the knowledge that has long guided these lands—political, cultural, historical, social, spiritual, and philosophical.

We commit to this work through ongoing training, resource sharing, the inclusion of Indigenous stories, histories, and experiences in our programming, and by fostering meaningful relationships with the community.

We seek to uphold the spirit and original intent of the Treaty and strive to create a Story together of our responsibility to this land and to each other.

Guided by Elders Jo-Ann and Jerry Saddleback, and Christine Sokaymoh Frederick, the Citadel Theatre’s leadership team and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee are in the process of developing a Reconciliation Statement. This statement will replace our current Land Acknowledgement and will reflect a deeper engagement with this important work through a commitment to reciprocity, making amends, and redress.

This collaborative process, which began in December 2023, is ongoing, and we look forward to sharing it with our community soon.

Jessie van Rijn, Executive Director & Daryl Cloran, Artistic Director

September 30, 2024