Outside Looking In brings Canada’s largest Indigenous youth performance to Chrysalis

The 18th annual showcase celebrates culture, resilience, and storytelling through movement and music

By: Mays Saifan

June 10, 2025

Canada’s largest Indigenous youth performance, Outside Looking In (external link, opens in new window) (OLI), brought its 18th annual showcase to Chrysalis on May 9, 2025. Featuring powerful performances from Indigenous peoples across remote communities, the event spotlighted stories of resilience, identity, and culture under the theme Share the Flame. Performers combined traditional and contemporary elements through dance and storytelling, with live music by JUNO Award winner Shub and JUNO nominee Drezus. Through OLI’s arts-based programming, participating youth gain skills in commitment, accountability, and self-expression to envision bold futures through creativity.

“OLI was pleased to bring its 18th Annual Showcase to The Creative School's Chrysalis after 10 years at TO Live's Meridian Hall. Presenting our show and rehearsing for a week at the Chrysalis allowed our youth to experience campus life for the first time, and many were inspired to pursue a post-secondary education,” says Hope Sanderson (Iksisttssi), CEO, Outside Looking In.

A large number of dancers are on the stage with light beams surrounding them. They are all dressed in similar attire.

18th Annual OLI Showcase in 2025 at Chrysalis, The Creative School. Image Courtesy of Sid Naidu.

The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University

The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.