In January 2004, the Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance’s inaugural board meeting was held in Vancouver, Canada. The following year IPAA became a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization. In its foundational years, IPAA underwent several conceptual transformations. Its previous titles were (i) the National Aboriginal Theatre Alliance and subsequently (ii) the National Aboriginal Arts Alliance. Thereafter, the Board of Directors adjusted IPAA’s title to reflect the organization’s Indigenous ethics and broad interdisciplinary nature.

Annually, between 2004 and 2006, IPAA presented two conferences and conducted three annual general meetings in conjunction with Full Circle Performance’s reputed Talking Stick Festival. Many artists and artistic leaders met to discuss and determine IPAA’s conceptual and practical framework – its principle objective, project initiatives, and strategic multi-year action plan – as well as participate in associated professional development workshops. In late 2006, IPAA became an entirely independent entity, moving across Canada, from the Full Circle Performance office in Vancouver to its independent office in Toronto. However, since the early 2009 Board of Director’s restructuring, IPAA has relocated to Vancouver. Presently, IPAA operates virtually through the Board of Director’s creative counsel and the coordinator’s administration.

IPAA's 2008 Think Tank National Symposium

As a national organisation, IPAA aims to provide opportunities and, most importantly, an assured and organized space, or “virtual geography,” for geographically diverse artists and arts organizations to gather and discuss shared and/or variant experiences within the Indigenous arts community and in relation to the broader Canadian arts community.

IPAA has and continues to evolve its role in the Indigenous Arts community as both a consolidator of diverse peoples and groups and an advocate for Indigenous arts in Canada.  IPAA represents and facilitates creative relationships and strategic partnerships within the Indigenous arts community as well between the Indigenous arts community and the broader Canadian arts community.