February 2023 marks the beginning of SK Arts' 75th anniversary year. On February 3, 1948, the Saskatchewan Arts Board opened its doors, supporting artists across the province. As we celebrate this milestone, we look to honour the past, the present and the future of the province's vibrant arts community with the We Celebrate You campaign. SK Arts asked 75 established artists to nominate one strong, emerging artist, program or training opportunity that makes the future of Saskatchewan arts exciting.

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Photo credit: Danielle Tocker Photography 

Ruth Smillie

Ruth Smillie is the CEO of Darke Hall Society, a non-profit created to operate the newly renovated Darke Hall in support of Saskatchewan artists and arts organizations. She was the Artistic Director and CEO of Globe Theatre from 1998 through 2019. Ruth was the Artistic Director of Catalyst Theatre (Edmonton) from 1985 through 1995 and is the founding Artistic Director of Persephone Youtheatre. She is a director, playwright, actor and educator.

Erin Goodpipe - Woman sitting on a sofa holding a hat in her hand.

Photo credit: Erin Goodpipe as Angel Carrier in In Care. Photo credit: Chris Graham

Erin Goodpipe

Erin is a dakȟóta wíŋyaŋ / anishinaabekwe from tatanka najin oyate (Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation) in Treaty 4 territory. Erin is a mother, wife, multidisciplinary artist, educator and researcher with a Bachelor of Indigenous Education from First Nations University of Canada (FNU) and the University of Regina. She is currently in the Master of Indigenous Education program (FNU), where she has also taught. Alongside her formal education, she has been involved in various media projects, most notably as the host of RezX, an Indigenous lifestyles show, co-host on APTN’s The Other Side and Treaty Road (premiering fall 2023). Her heart is rooted in the valuing, learning and storying of Indigenous people and Nations which can be seen in her involvement in several various Indigenous arts, health and wellness research projects. Erin is a co-founder of the Making Treaty 4 Collective, a group of artists from Treaty 4 territory dedicated to community education by story sharing through the arts. Her most recent theatre work can be seen in the performances: Making Treaty 4, In Care and Education is Our Right. She is currently directing the Globe Theatre’s upcoming mainstage show, Sir John A: Acts of a Gentrified Ojibway Rebellion. Her personal and professional work is rooted in her ongoing journey in (re)valuing and (re)claiming her identity as an Indigenous woman while exploring and searching for truth through diverse layers of story work.

“…an exceptional artistic leader, performer, and educator.” – Ruth Smillie

Erin Goodpipe is an exceptional artistic leader, performer, and educator. She was the bold visionary and key artistic leader behind Making Treaty 4 that was produced by Globe Theatre in 2019. Since then, Erin trained at the Vancouver Film School and is pursuing a master’s program at First Nation University. She also works as a television host for APTN. Erin recently co-directed Sir John A.: Acts of a Gentrified Objibway Rebellion for Globe Theatre. Erin is a rising star who is deeply rooted in her culture and passionate about the transformative powers of the arts and education.