Kathara Society is a registered non-profit community-based theatrical organization composed of dancers, musicians, actors, poets, martial and media artists. We are non-Indigenous first and second generation Filipinos and non-Filipinos who are dedicated to the promotion of Mindanaoan and Indigenous or Lumad cultural arts & history working as agents of peace, unity, and change. We have been given permission by the Bagobo tribe in Mindanao to portray Indigenous culture through Kathara co-founder Elenita Boots Dumlao's status as an adopted member of the Bagobo clan. In 2013, co-founder Babette Santos and long-time performer JR Guerrero were also adopted as Kataladi(s) (brother and sister) to the Bagobo Tagabawa Tribe via immersion / cultural exchange in Davao Del Norte, the low lands of Mt. VISION Our vision is that of creatively empowered individuals and communities embracing the Philippine’s Mindanaoan indigenous arts and culture working towards peace, understanding, social justice and unity. MANDATE To conduct performances and workshops that showcase Pilipino Mindanaoan Indigenous arts, culture, and history; to create space that engages and challenges community members to draw parallels from Kathara portrayal of Indigenous Philippines with their own experiences in Canada; and to promote solidarity work within arts, culture, advocacy, and Indigenous groups in Canada and the Philippines. HISTORY
In 2002, Kathara Dance Theatre Collective from Davao Mindanao Philippines, came to Canada to perform at a series of community events which led to a series of cultural workshops attracting artists who wished to learn more about Kathara and Mindanaoan indigenous identity. Filipinos and non-Filipinos from diverse ethnic and artistic backgrounds joined to explore the cultural arts of the Lumads (indigenous people) of Mindanao. The spirit of intercultural exchange was that which started the journey of Kathara Canada. Through mentorship from Kathara founder Elenita Boots Dumlao, Babette Santos helped establish the beginnings of Kathara Canada. Throughout the years Kathara Canada has participated and performed in countless community events in and around the lower Mainland reaching thousands of audience members. The number of artists who have trained, collaborated, and performed with Kathara has now reached almost a hundred participants. As a result of this work and through Ms. Dumlao’s status as an adoptive member of the Bagobo tribe of Davao, Kathara Canada was given permission by the Bagobos to potray their culture in Canada.
17 YEARS NOW: 2003 – 2019
In solidarity, particularly on our tenth year anniversary, we honour and acknowledge the land where we stand, on Coast Salish territory, a powerful nation proud of its history and its people. We also re-affirm our chosen Philippine Mindanaoan identity, with much respect to our ancestors. We acknowledge the plight of the Lumads of Mindanao who have for decades experienced injustice, discrimination, exploitation, and abject poverty.
“We acknowledge that as non-lumad people portraying lumad culture within our Canadian experience becomes a challenge both for us and our audiences to connect; we encourage people to draw parallels from our mixed backgrounds and histories in order to relate to our collective victories, struggles and resilience .”
We believe that through investigating and celebrating indigenous identity through culture, art, values, and spirituality is one unique way in offering a rich source of alternative perspectives in tackling global issues on economic sustainability, resource management, and human relations. RELEVANCE OF KATHARA
While Mindanaoans continue to experience societal inequities, polarized communities, government
neglect, and exploitation by private enterprise, its people remain steadfast. For decades, genuine
peace and justice remains a dream. We strongly speak out for the Lumads’ quest for peace in Mindanao as we search for ours here in Canada. One world. One journey. One dream.
