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Yolanda Bonnell | The First Piece of Art I Made At 8 yrs Old Was An Act Of Political Outrage
07/28/2025
Yolanda Bonnell | The First Piece of Art I Made At 8 yrs Old Was An Act Of Political Outrage
Yolanda Bonnell(She/They) is a disabled, Queer (bi/pan), 2 Spirit Ojibwe, South Asian mixed (Scottish & English) storyteller and facilitator. Originally from Fort William First Nation Indian Reservation 52 in Thunder Bay, Ontario (Superior Robinson Treaty territory), her arts practice is now based in Tkarón:to. She is a proud citizen of the Anishinaabeg Nation. Yolanda introduced themselves in their native language: "Aanii boozhoo, Yolanda Bonnell Ndishinikaaz, Giizhibaa Mi’ingan ndigo, Makwa gaye Miigizi ndodem, Fort William First Nation Ndonjibaa, Tkarón:to niindaa" Yolanda is a multi-award nominated performer and published playwright and their role as a storyteller covers many aspects of their artistic practice (performer, creator, writer, space-holder, producer, director) and they consider this role as a way to maintain sovereignty over their work. Their storytelling is a form of Indigenous governance. They are Co-artistic leader of manidoons collective, that they run with Michif (Métis) artist, Carmen Alvis. manidoons collective was formed in 2016 as a producing circle of Indigenous artists who are continuously working to implement Indigenous methodologies, which include practices of care and disability justice into theatre spaces. They are also artistic leader of their own collective, Animikii Creations. Lacey talks with Yolanda about disability justice in theatre, getting older and the body breaking down, things people don't consider disabilities, the social model of disability, the abuses of her ancestors, food, and more! Want to make your digital documents and files more accessible? Check out these courses from Squarely Accessible (a Canadian company): Yolanda's links: Lacey's links: Podcast links:
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