IAN ROSS
(April 8, 1968 – November 18, 2025)
Ian was a giant, and his legacy is profound, not only in theatre but in the greater community, and to everyone whose lives he touched. A Governor General Award-winning playwright, he started the Pimootayowin Creator’s Circle in 2020 and was visionary in sharing his wisdom to seed a whole new generation of Indigenous storytellers. His light was very bright, driven by hope and belief in the power of story to change the world. And what a storyteller he was, not only in his many wonderful plays but in every corridor of his life. He never missed an opportunity to share a story, taking us on long curving paths as he revealed a shining nugget of wisdom. It is how he taught, how he led, how he shared his friendship with all who knew him. Through story. There are no words to sooth the sorrow we all feel at this terrible loss. Ian chose the word Pimootayowin for the Creator’s Circle as it means journey in Anishinaabemowin. He knew that pursuing a life in art, as a storyteller was a journey, and that all of us are on a journey to bring light to the world. His journey continues, and his legacy lives on in all who have been touched by him.
We welcome the 25/26 cohort of the Pimootayowin Creators Circle:
Michael Hutchinson Kim Wheeler Jordan Wheeler Liz Barron April Seenie Arlea Ashcroft Curtis Kaltenbaugh To guide this cohort to the 2026 Pimootayowin: A Festival of New Work, we welcome Herbie Barnes as the Interim Program Director who will carry these artists on their own writing journey.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Pimootayowin is an Anishinaabemowin word meaning journey, a word chosen by Ian Ross who explained: “The creation of new art is often described as a journey, so too, our lives. In any journey, we often don’t know what lies ahead but we can emerge enriched by them. I look forward to mentoring talented creators who have fascinating, relevant stories to tell.”
Pimootayowin is dedicated to developing new voices for the theatre. All participants will receive an honorarium, as well as fees when the play is professionally workshopped in preparation for the public presentations. View list of past Creators Circle participants >