meet justine

Justine Gogoua

Originally from the Ivory Coast and living in Canada since 1994, I am a performing artist, educator, and community builder dedicated to driving social change through the arts.
After founding and leading Toronto’s Arts Bassan Group, I relocated my family to Northern Ontario, where I founded CanAfric Théâtre in 2005. My mission was clear: to promote Afro-Canadian culture, bridge cultural divides, and build genuine understanding across diverse communities.

As an accredited bilingual teacher specializing in Early Childhood Education, I uniquely blend artistic excellence with foundational learning. I design multi-sensory educational programs, spanning storytelling, rhythm, dance, visual arts, and culinary traditions, that engage students from Pre-K through Secondary School in both French and English.

Through my work in Northern Ontario classrooms and communities, I empower youth, celebrate diversity, and nurture empathy, proving that local arts access is a powerful catalyst for inclusive community change.