Lianna Makuch has been involved in several reconciliation-focused projects, using storytelling to spark reflection, dialogue, and allyship. Raised within the Ukrainian cultural community, she acknowledges the complexities of her Settler heritage and the privileges it has afforded her family on Indigenous land. Her work also explores the intersections of Ukrainian and Indigenous experiences, considering how current events, such as the war in Ukraine and the fight for freedom and dignity, can deepen understanding of Indigenous struggles for decolonization and reconciliation.
Through various initiatives, Lianna hopes to create opportunities for audiences to untangle old narratives and contribute to building a more just and equitable future together.
Reconciliation Projects
Theatre Productions
Kohkom’s Babushka
A play-in-development, co-written with Métis playwright Joleen Ballendine.
Kohkom’s Babushka is a family theatre production inspired by the work of prairie author Marion Mutala. This story re-examines the legacies of traditional Canadian settler narratives, fostering dialogue that celebrates both differences and shared values. It highlights the beauty of cultural traditions, the spirit of generosity, and the enduring power of friendship.
Kohkom’s Babushka will premiere at the Banff Centre for the Arts in October 2025.
First Métis Man of Odesa
by Matthew MacKenzie and Mariya Khomutova
Directed by Lianna Makuch
Matt and Masha’s love spans continents, but distance can’t tame their passionate connection. After meeting on a theatre research trip in Kyiv, a Métis Playwright and a Ukrainian artist spark up a romance that takes them from the beaches of the Black Sea to the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, through the onset of a global pandemic and the eruption of a brutal war, plus many moments of joy through it all including marriage and the birth of their son.
Matt and Masha’s son, Ivan, is a reminder of this unbreakable spirit. Ivan is a beautiful union of two cultures whose love has created a symbol of the kind of future we are fighting for.
Bears
by Matthew MacKenzie
Associate Produced by Lianna Makuch
The prime suspect in a workplace accident, Floyd has to get out of town fast. Pursued by the RCMP, he heads through the Rockies for Burnaby, B.C, along the route of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline. By the time he reaches the Pacific, Floyd has experienced changes - his gait has widened, his muscles are bulging, his sense of smell heightened...
Written and directed by Métis playwright Matthew MacKenzie (SIA, The Particulars, The Other) and starring award-winning (and former tar sands worker) Métis theatre artist Sheldon Elter (Métis Mutt), BEARS asks “What the hell is going on in Wild Rose Country?”
Community Projects & Events
Storying Indigenous-Ukrainian-Canadian Relationships
A roundtable discussion organized by the Indigenous Ukrainian Relationship Initiative (IURI) in collaboration with Punctuate! Theatre. The Indigenous-Ukrainian Relationship Building Initiative is a joint initiative between the Ukrainian Resource and Development Centre, MacEwan University and the Kule Folklore Centre, University of Alberta. Round table participants: Myrna Kostash, Naomi McIlwraith, Matthew Mackenzie and Mariya Khomutova; facilitated by Lianna Makuch.
Sunday, May 7, 2023.
Lianna was a key organizer, and moderated the discussion.
Lianna was invited to participate in this land-based research event taking place at Métis Crossing and the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village sites, that aimed to build respectful relationships between Indigenous and settler communities.
A joint project between the Ukrainian Resource and Development Centre (MacEwan University) and the Kule Folklore Centre (University of Alberta), 26 people were able to attend the two-day event, immersing themselves in both Ukrainian and Métis culture and traditions.
August 26-27, 2023.
Visiting Neighbours Retreat
Amiskwaciwâskahikan Indigenous and Ukrainian Community Arts Hub
Lianna was a key organizer of this arts hub, which was a series of ancillary events and art installations, running concurrently with our company’s theatre production of First Métis Man of Odesa at the Citadel theatre. April 22 - May 13, 2023.
Working with community partners such as the Citadel Theatre, the Indigenous-Ukrainian Relationship Building Initiative (a joint initiative of the Ukrainian Resource and Development Centre and Kule Folklore Centre), Indigenous Arts Market, Alberta Council for Ukrainian Arts, Whiskeyjack Arthouse, and Blue Horse Gallery, the hub hosted art installations, cabaret performances, artisan markets, and panel discussions, providing an incredible vehicle for community building and inter-cultural exchange and development, making our hub a true celebration of Alberta’s rich Indigenous and Ukrainian cultural communities.
Virtual Indigenous Artist Hub
Lianna was a key producer in creating two seasons of the Virtual Indigenous Artist Hub
The Hub shares video profiles about 10 exciting Indigenous artists in our community from multiple disciplines, including drag, fashion design, theatre, culinary arts, visual art, musicians, and more! These videos share who they are and what motivates them to do what they do, creating conversations that inspire audiences to learn more about Indigenous arts and artists in their community.