FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
Sunrise Ceremony with Allan Jamieson Sr.
A gathering to greet the sun as it rises to begin a new day and to give thanks for another day of life.
6am | The Backyard | FREE
Curtain Call by Lilly Otasevic Official Opening
All are welcome for the official opening of a new, permanent piece of public art created as a legacy for Celebration of Nations.
5:30pm | Corner of St. Paul & Carlisle St | FREE
First Daughter, Black Snake (Canada, 2017)
Directed by Keri Pickett. 94 min. NR. Presented in English and Ojibwe, with English subtitles.
When she learns that Canadian-owned Enbridge plans to route a new pipeline through her tribe’s 1855 Treaty land, threatening sacred wild rice lakes, Winona and her community spring into action to save the sacred lakes and preserve their traditional Indigenous way of life.
6:30pm | The Film House | $7/$9.50 | Sponsored by District School Board of Niagara
Skawennati. Teiakwanahstahsontéhrha’ | We Extend the Rafters
Opening reception for an exhibition designed for kids aged 5 to 11.
On display in NAC’s Show Room Gallery from 6 Sept-6 Dec 2019.
6:30pm | Niagara Artists Centre (354 St. Paul St.) | FREE
Down the Dirt Road: Origin and Evolution of the Blues
Explore the roots of blues from an Indigenous lens, featuring Pappy Johns Band, JUNO Award-winners Murray Porter, Harrison Kennedy and Lakota John.
7:30pm | Partridge Hall | $20
Anthropocene – The Human Epoch (Canada, 2018)
Dirs. Jennifer Baichwal, Edward Burtynsky, Nicholas de Pencier. 87 min. PG. Filmmakers travel to six continents and 20 countries to document the impact humans have made on the planet.
9pm | The Film House | $7/ $9.50 | Sponsored by District School Board of Niagara
SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
Sunrise Ceremony with Franklyn McNaughton
A gathering to greet the sun as it rises to begin a new day and to give thanks for another day of life.
6am | The Backyard | FREE
Procession of Nations
Beginning on St. Paul Street, the route of an ancient and enduring Indigenous trail, let us proudly walk together and honour our Nations in this special ceremony.
10am | The Backyard | FREE
Wolf: A Transformation with Jerry Longboat
An interpretive performance that honours acts of respect, knowledge sharing and spiritual transformation as Human and Wolf.
11:30am | Backyard Stage | FREE
Curtain Call Artist Talk with Lilly Otasevic and Tim Johnson
A conversation with artist Lilly Otasevic about her vision and process in creating the permanent public art work for the Carlisle Street side of the FirstOntario PAC.
12nn | Joy Williams Lobby (Upper Main Lobby) | FREE
Rez Blues Workshop with Elaine Bomberry and Murray Porter
Explore the hidden history and musical truth of Indigenous peoples and the origins of the blues.
12nn | Robertson Theatre | FREE
Niagara Adapts: Contending with Climate Change
An innovative partnership that brings together seven Niagara municipalities — Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pelham, St. Catharines, and Welland — with Brock University’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre to address what has been called the defining issue of our time.
12nn | The Film House | FREE
Introduction to Birch Bark Biting with Chantal Rochon
Engage in an ancient art, widely practiced through North America for centuries and discover how to bite shapes into the birch bark creating symmetrical 2-D designs.
12nn – 1pm| MIWSFPA 156 | FREE
Beaded Strawberry Workshop with Mary Clause
Make your own pin beaded strawberry or felt bird.
12:30pm – 2pm | MIWSFPA 256 | $10 | Sponsored by District School Board of Niagara
Brothers Wilde
An Anishinaabe country act from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation that recently won the ‘2019 International New Country Duo of the Year’ at the North American Country Music Association’s International Finals.
12:30pm | Backyard Stage | FREE
Coming Full Circle: Nation to Nation Alliance
Nehiyaw Pwat, Cree, Assiniboine, Chippew, Michif Iron Confederacy – Commemorate and honour the spirit of our ancestors, alliances, their traditions, culture, language and community with Anthony (Richard) Lafromboise, Chippewa Knowledge Keeper and Sun Dance Maker.
1pm | The Recital Hall | FREE | In honour of the memory of Stephen Souter
The Story of the Tamarack with Tobias Clarke
Join a young Métis girl named Rosette as she is told The Story of the Tamarack by her moushoum. A story about how selfishness is transformed into selflessness.
1:30pm | Backyard Stage | FREE
Jace Martin Songwriting Workshop
Learn about artist development, songwriting, live performance, studio recording and more in this engaging songwriter workshop.
1:30pm | Robertson Theatre | FREE
Birch Bark Baskets with Nikki Shawana
Participants will learn traditional uses for birch bark, how to say words related to birch bark making in Anishinaabemowin and will complete their own simple birch bark basket to take home. Ages 10+
2pm – 4pm | MIWSFPA 243| $10 | Sponsored by District School Board of Niagara
Protected Areas – Plenty Canada – Cross-Cultural Partnerships with Mother Earth
This one-hour session will highlight the initiatives of four partner organizations aimed at building cross-cultural understanding, literacy and relationships as a foundation for collective action in protecting lands.
2pm | The Film House | FREE
Butterfly Spirit Drum
First created in 2017, with the inception of “Creator’s Drum,” 10 friends and family spent six days creating, building and birthing this Big Drum. The group’s vision is to create unity, peace, and love amongst all nations, creeds, religions and peoples.
3pm | Backyard Stage | FREE
Corn Husk Dolls with Mary Clause
This artistic experiential workshop will offer a unique opportunity for learners to actively engage with Indigenous traditional teachings while constructing their own Haudenosaunee Corn Husk Doll.
3pm – 4:30pm | MIWSFPA 256| $10 | Sponsored by District School Board of Niagara
Coming Full Circle: The Michif Song, Understanding the Context
The Michif Song: Understanding the context, how it came about, the search for the song, the story behind the Many Eagles Set Thirsty Dance Song and the giving of the song to Tony Belcourt who then brought the song to the drum in a Nation-to-Nation ceremony between the Métis Nation and the Anishenabek Nation at Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation.
3pm | The Recital Hall | FREE | In honour of the memory of Stephen Souter
Dwayne LaForme
For over 30 years Dwayne LaForme has been living, breathing, sleeping and playing the blues. Growing up between Mississauga of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River meant LaForme’s deep musical roots came from both sides of his family.
4pm | Backyard Stage | FREE
The Empathic Poetry Café hosted by Janet Marie Rogers
A showcase featuring Indigenous artists from diverse nations performing storytelling and poetry styles addressing unique Indigenous perspectives involving empathic traditions and environmental consciousness.
4pm | Robertson Theatre | FREE | Sponsored by Niagara Duty Free
Canadian Biosphere Reserves Shorts Program
This series of short films reveals the participation of Indigenous peoples in UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves across Canada as they work to protect and preserve the natural world. Presented by the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association, representing Canada’s 18 biosphere regions, these short films highlight Indigenous efforts to maintain the wondrous beauty and breathtaking features nature has bestowed upon the land from coast to coast to coast.
4pm | The Film House | FREE | Sponsored by District School Board of Niagara
Jace Martin
A six-time Aboriginal award-winning recording artist who has performed solo and as a singer, writer and producer with The Wolfpack, The Backroads Blues Band and TruRez Crew.
5pm | Backyard Stage | FREE
Weengushk Student Shorts Program + Pikutiskaau (Mother Earth) + Q&A with Shirley Cheechoo
Weengushk Film Institute Shorts: A selection of student shorts from Weengushk Film Institute, an organization dedicated to unlocking the creative potential of Indigenous youth.
Pikutiskaau (Mother Earth) Directed by Shirley Cheechoo. 52 min.
A feature-length documentary tracing the Cree philosophy of Mother Earth and the responsibilities of the Cree people to honour her and those who continue to give life to the Cree people. Followed by Q+A with Shirley Cheechoo.
6:30pm | The Film House | $7/ $9.50
Unsettled Scores: RADAR & Contraries
RADAR (premiere) is a new work for oboe, bassoon, horn, bass trombone, guitar and timpani that explores the conceptual idea of a palindrome, and the notion of being targeted while invisible. This piece is a musical response to the violence experienced by Indigenous people, particularly Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, and Trans-identified persons.
Contraries: a chamber requiem tells the story of a little boy and his quest to relearn his gifts. After escaping the grip of a tyrannical schoolmaster, he embarks on a journey to fulfill his heroic destiny and transform into a sacred being.
7:30pm | Partridge Hall | $20
First Daughter, Black Snake (Canada, 2017)
Directed by Keri Pickett. 94 min. NR. Presented in English and Ojibwe, with English subtitles. When she learns that Canadian-owned Enbridge plans to route a new pipeline through her tribe’s 1855 Treaty land, threatening sacred wild rice lakes, Winona and her community spring into action to save the sacred lakes and preserve their traditional Indigenous way of life.
9pm | The Film House | $7/ $9.50 | Sponsored by District School Board of Niagara
SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
Sunrise Pipe Ceremony
Elder Tony Belcourt, Chief Nelson Toulouse, and Elder Anthony Richard LaFromboise hold a pipe ceremony. All pipe carriers are welcome to participate. All are welcome.
6am | The Backyard | FREE
Coming Full Circle: Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 **CANCELLED
Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, Metis Alliance at Sault Ste. Marie and the impact of the Robinson-Huron Treaty on the Recognition of Metis Rights in the Supreme Court of Canada case of R v. Powley with Nelson Toulouse.
10am | The Recital Hall | FREE | In honour of the memory of Stephen Souter
Indigenous Perspectives Docuseries – Fort Erie Friendship Centre Shorts Program
Written and directed by Michael Summers
Part 1: War of 1812 | Part 2: Residential Schools
10am | The Film House | FREE | Sponsored by District School Board of Niagara
Drum and Rattle Making
Construct your very own Cree-style hand drum and rattlesnake shaker with local musician, Phil Davis and Gary Parker who will offer teachings about the drum and reflect on the value of song and music in communities.
10am – 1pm | MIWSFPA 256 | $50 | Sponsored by District School Board of Niagara
Science as a Human Right
Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits” (UN, 1948). In November 2017, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) unanimously adopted the Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers, which replaced the former recommendation of 1974. This includes a stronger link between science and society and aims to ensure that research outcomes can best support sustainable development and a more just world. Presentations followed by Q&A.
10am | MIWSFPA 156 | FREE
Aboriginal Symbols with Chantal Rochon
Participants will paint the background of thin layers of paint, trace symbols and apply the masking solution creating a beautiful and unique work of art.
10am – 11am | MIWSFPA 505 | $10
Lighting the Way: Indigenous Renewable Energy Projects
Increasingly, First Nations have been exploring and developing renewable energy projects as a means toward implementing their empathic traditions while creating jobs and generating income for their communities. Led by Matt Jamieson & Kate Flynn.
11am | Robertson Theatre | FREE
Haudenosaunee Right to Hunt
The co-founders of the Supporters of Haudenosaunee Right to Hunt, Celeste Smith and Jodielynn Harrison offer a decolonized reading of the experiences at Short Hills Provincial Park during the annual Haudenosaunee deer harvest.
11am | The Film House | FREE
Nicole Joy Fraser – Drum Teachings
Nicole will share her journey through hand drum songs while giving opportunity for participation and for repetition to learn. Participants are encouraged to bring First Nation hand drums and shakers for this session.
11am | Backyard Stage | FREE | Sponsored by Niagara College
Baby Moccasins with Tobias Clarke
You will be guided through your pre-cut deer hide moccasin kit where you will be able to walk away with a pair of beautiful baby moccasins to keep or gift to a loved one.
11am – 2pm | MIWSFPA 243 | $20 | Sponsored by District School Board of Niagara
The Lydia Ruth Project: Unity Bracelets
Participants learn about and work with disparate materials-from lava to crystal, to semi-precious stones. Everyone leaves with a bracelet as unique as they are, yet connected by the circle. Led by April Mitchell-Boudreau.
11:30am | MIWSFPA Lobby | $10 | Sponsored by Gales Gas Bar
The Lightning Lacrosse Zone
Over the past ten years, the Iroquois Lacrosse Program has reached over 108,000 students/young participants through their interactive cultural experiences. Join them for teachings on Haudenosaunee Stick Ball Games, Wooden Stick Teachings, Origins of the Game Teachings.
12:00pm – 1:15pm Interactive Lacrosse Workshop
1:20pm – 2:00pm Interactive Doubleball Workshop
2:05pm – 2:55pm Stories And Teachings On Stick Ball Games
3:05pm – 4:00pm Lacrosse Demonstration With Audience Participation
12pm – 4pm | St. Paul St. in front of PAC | FREE | Sponsored by District School Board of Niagara
Living in the Anthropocene
What are the avenues of solutions to reduce the current pressure we have put on Mother Earth? What actions do participants feel can be undertaken in our communities?
12:30pm | The Film House | FREE
WillPowr
William Baisely, better known as WillPowr is an Aboriginal-Canadian Hip Hop artist getting his feet wet in the Christian rap genre. Now, as a motivational speaker with the goal to uplift and enrich the lives of others through his music, Will is determined to create a sound that echoes action.
12:30pm | Backyard Stage | FREE
Coming Full Circle – History of the emergence of the Métis with Mitch Case
Métis historian, Mitch Case will recount the history of the emergence of the Métis Nation in the Upper Great Lakes; the history of resistance against Canadian expansion by these communities and the relations between them.
12:30pm | Robertson Theatre | FREE | In honour of the memory of Stephen Souter
Indigenous Diet Through Indigenous Language – Anishnaabemowin Language Lab
In this workshop, participants interactively explore Anishnaabemowin (the Ojibwe language), learning food words and Indigenous nutrition.
1pm – 2pm | MIWSFPA 156 | FREE
The Great Niagara Escarpment Indigenous Cultural Mapping Project
Official Premiere of a multimedia online resource containing stunning photography, captivating video, and contextual information that identifies important Indigenous historic, cultural, and natural world locations along more than 725kms from Niagara Falls to the western region of Manitoulin Island.
2pm | Partridge Hall | FREE
Ohnia:Kara
A diverse group of First Nations music and styles, sharing traditional music, dance and culture.
3pm | Backyard Stage | FREE
Michif Song workshop and teachings
Michif Song workshop and teachings with Tony Belcourt, Chief Nelson Toulouse, Anthony LaFromboise, and Mitch Case. Join in as they teach the Michif Song at the Drum. Bring your drum and/or rattle.
3:30pm | Backyard Stage | FREE | In honour of the memory of Stephen Souter
Bringing Sacred Michif Song to the Drum
The Michif Song, a historic song from the early 1800s passed down through generations and gifted to the Métis Nation to use in nation-to-nation ceremonies, will be brought to the Celebration of Nations drum.
4pm | Backyard Stage | FREE | In honour of the memory of Stephen Souter
Rekindling Nation-to-Nation alliances: Métis and First Nations bring their songs to the Drum
4:15pm | Backyard Stage | FREE | In honour of the memory of Stephen Souter
Closing Round Dance – All Are Welcome!
4:30pm | Backyard Stage | FREE
Anthropocene – The Human Epoch (Canada, 2018)
Dirs. Jennifer Baichwal, Edward Burtynsky, Nicholas de Pencier. 87 min. PG. Filmmakers travel to six continents and 20 countries to document the impact humans have made on the planet.
4pm | The Film House | $7/ $9.50 | Sponsored by District School Board of Niagara
Weengushk Student Shorts Program + Pikutiskaau (Mother Earth)
Directed by Shirley Cheechoo. A short film program followed by a feature-length documentary tracing the Cree philosophy of Mother Earth and the responsibilities of the Cree people to honour her and those who continue to give life to the Cree people.
ONGOING
ONE DISH, ONE MIC
Indigenous Niagarans Sean Vanderklis and Karl Dockstader provide a uniquely urban Indigenous perspective through their podcast One Dish – One Mic. They’ll be on site all weekend to record your stories and perspectives.
ONGOING | Roving | FREE
Chantal Rochon
Artist in Residence, Chantal Rochon will be onsite painting through the Celebration of Nations weekend at the PAC. Stop by to chat with this exceptional artist about her work.
ONGOING | Upper Film House Lobby | FREE | Sponsored by Niagara Duty Free
Chuck Commanda – Birch Bark Canoe
Master Birch Bark Canoe Builder Chuck Commanda has undertaken a two-week residency where he builds a traditional Algonquin-style birch bark canoe. Along with apprentice Fred Bowering, the community has participated in the building process and the finished piece will be launched into Niagara waters and then proudly be displayed at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
ONGOING | Algoma Central Lobby | FREE
ALL WEEKEND in The Backyard
Saturday 7 + Sunday 8 September | 10am – 6pm
LANDSCAPE OF NATIONS 360° INDIGENOUS DISCOVERY ZONE
An interactive area designed for hands-on learning and fun for the whole family.
Free and paid workshops available at each location.
Two Row Wampum Community Chalk Project
We invite YOU to participate in a weekend-long community art chalk project, helping to create the Two Row Wampum on the grounds of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre (Sat 7 Sept only)
Make & Take Medicine Pouches
Teachings on what the medicine pouches are used for & teachings on the various types of Medicines we use.
10:30am – 12nn
Creation Story & Beaded Bracelets/Necklace
Teachings on the creation story, make and take bracelets & necklaces.
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Indigenous aspect of the environment
Incorporate the thanksgiving address, who we are, how we relate & connect.
4pm – 5:30pm
Also, make & take key chains, rock painting and information about the awesome program offerings at the Fort Erie Friendship Centre. Free and by donation.
Niagara Regional Native Centre (Sun 8 Sept only)
Make & Take Crafts
Rattles, large bead bracelets, leather braided bracelets, and a variety of other easy crafts will be laid out for anyone to join at any time.
10am – 3pm
Dream Catchers
Speaking to cultural appropriation and the true meaning behind the Dream Catcher.
11am -1pm
Recyclable Drums
Joe will give a teaching about how to make a hand drum and participants will be able to make mini drums out of tuna cans and recycled materials.
1pm – 3pm
Métis Voyageur Teachings at the Encampment
A traditional Métis encampment hosted by descendants of the fur trade living life as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago. Daily interactive demonstrations and teachings will be held and all are welcome to learn about the Métis ways of life and their bead work, leather pouch making and stories. Presented by Niagara Region Métis Council.
Discover the Observation Hive with Small Scale Farms
We need the BEES. So what better way to learn about honey bees than through an observation hive. Small Scale Farms’ unique hive is equipped with glass on both sides specifically for those who might not normally have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of this amazing super organism.
Willowbank Love Garden
with Marie Louise Bowering, Spirit Fire Rising Indigenous Community Consultant
In 2014 the Willowbank School of Restoration and the Niagara Native community came together to plan and implement a community garden. We are in the time of “Truth and Reconciliation” and the garden has been instrumental in bringing community together and has been the vessel to allow the people to come together and honor our teachings and treaties. Stop by to learn more about the Love Garden!
Discovering Kaná:ta Exploration Zone – Niagara Falls History Museum
Explore reproductions of Indigenous artefacts found in the Niagara Falls History Museum’s collection. Six Nations artisans created the objects to allow visitors to engage with history in a hands-on way. Use all of your senses to investigate Indigenous culture — touch, hold and even smell!
Infinite History – Métis in Niagara Exhibition
Welland Museum in partnership with the Niagara Region Métis Council
An exhibit that celebrates the history and culture of the Métis and their significance to the Niagara area. Explore the Museum’s educational kits on Indigenous studies in language, social studies and visual arts.
Workshops for English Kits – 10:30am + 1:30pm and French Kits 12nn + 3pm.
+ VENDOR MARKET
Indigenous artists and artisans share their gifts including original sculptures, pottery, paintings, crafts and more.
