ABSTRACTThis article explores the role of play and how the integration of play in the arts contributes to supporting holistic well-being in Indigenous youth. We specifically focus on ‘Games of Presence’ (Gee, personal communication, August 25, 2015) which are theatre games often categorized as warm-ups, energizers and exercises in applied theatre programmes. We draw on interviews with youth participants in our workshops and adult facilitators who have told us that these games are not just fun – they have a greater significance, in that they build trust, enabling the development of voice, positive relationships and the sharing of power. Play also connects youth to elders and cultural practices; they told us that these connections were also ways to learn about themselves. Our hope is that this article will point to the need for further research on play and youth in different cultural contexts.