Tell us about yourself.
I am Ojibwe and hail from a tiny tipi in Canada. I am a First Nations, Actress, Writer, Accidental Producer and Content Creator. My dream of becoming an actor began when I watched The Kids of Degrassi Street because none of the characters were American Indian. Growing up and going to a French school, I never thought of myself as different. It wasn’t until I came to L.A. that I realized I was native. I have since been acting in local theater and film, as well as learning everything I can about the industries. Having always loved technology, I jumped at the chance to make my own content in the infancy of YouTube. Becoming an accidental producer, I have produced over 300 episodes of online content. This play has been years in the making and spawned my creation of my YouTube channel Welcome to the Tipi in an attempt to figure out how to be ndn. My co-host Geraldine Chases-her-Tail and I share our attempt at being ndn in today’s society. I have guest starred in APTN’s (Canada) Mohawk Girls and am actively involved in creating a happy place on the internet.
My youtube Channel. http://www.youtube.com/ndninla
My personal site: http://www.jenniferbobiwash.com
Tell us about your play.
THERE IS NO “I” IN NDN is a one-person play about a woman’s search for what it means to be NDN in today’s society.
What are your challenges? What are your successes?
My challenge is to write everyday. I feel it is necessary to consistently write, to be able to discover new ideas and stories. As a new playwright I am still searching for my voice and my process. I have sat with this current project for some time and am quite open to make changes that will serve the purpose of the play. As an actor I never understood the fight that some writers make for a simple word. But as a playwright, knowing the entire backstory of the project, that one word is sometimes a subtle hint of things to come. My success is being accepted by Native Voices and having the amazing opportunity to work with professionals to realize my vision.
What is your next step?
My next step is to finalize the play after reviewing the feedback I’ll receive from the public staged readings Native Voices is doing in L.A. and in San Diego. Then, I’ll work on finding a director and getting the piece ready for production to present to other theaters and interested groups.
Thank you for talking with us Jennifer! Good luck with THERE IS NO “I” IN NDN and the Native Voices Festival!
Come see There is No ‘I’ in NDN at La Jolla Playhouse on Saturday, May 31st at 2:00pm! This FREE public staged reading will be followed by a light supper reception. For more information or reservations, visit: http://theautry.org/whats-here/theater-native-voices
Native Voices at La Jolla Playhouse
16th Annual Festival of New Plays
http://www.lajollaplayhouse.org/native-voices-2014
There is no “I” in NDN By Jennifer Bobiwash (Ojibway*) Saturday, May 31, 2014, 2:00 p.m.
Our Voices Will Be Heard By Vera Starbard (Tlingit/Dena’ina*) La Jolla Playhouse: Saturday, May 31, 2014, 5:00 p.m.
Note: A light supper will be provided between the two readings on Saturday.
Measure for Measure Adapted by Randy Reinholz (Choctaw*) La Jolla Playhouse: Sunday, June 2, 2014, 2:00 p.m.
These readings are free to attend, but we strongly encourage reserving your seats by visiting our website, www.nativevoicesattheautry.org.
San Diego Playwrights 
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