Celebration of Nations Sacred Fire 

Friday 9 September at dawn until – Sunday 11 September at sunset // The Backyard at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

A sacred fire will burn from Friday at dawn until the close of Celebration of Nations in the backyard of the PAC. Each morning, a Sunrise Ceremony will take place each day as an opportunity to greet the sun as it rises to begin a new day and to give thanks for another day of life.​ We gratefully acknowledge the care and commitment of Fire Keeper Brian Kon for watching over the Sacred Fire and holding space for the community during Celebration of Nations.

Brian Kon

Brian Kon is a leader within the Metis Nation and within the local Indigenous Community. He is the Chair of Niagara Region Métis Council and sits on numerous Indigenous Community Advisory Boards ranging from homelessness through education to the 2022 Canada Summer Games.  Brian is currently the Indigenous Lead for Niagara Catholic District School Board and is a Knowledge Carrier who is helping to re-write the history of the War of 1812 from an Indigenous perspective.

As a visual artist, Brian’s art pays homage to his Cree/Métis ancestors through his paintings, which have been on display across Canada, including a current piece on extended display in Ontario’s legislature.  Brian uses his art as a platform for telling the story of Métis people, but also to draw attention to important issues that face Indigenous people – Indian Residential Schools, Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, and Two Spirited people. 

Most of Brian’s career has been focused on advancing the lives of people with disabilities.