SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 6:30AM AT DAWN

AROUND THE SACRED FIRE IN THE BACKYARD AT FIRSTONTARIO PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

A sacred fire will burn each day from dawn to dusk in the backyard of the PAC during this year’s Celebration of Nations. 

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.​

Sunday’s ceremony will be led by Elder Mawla Shawana. 

Elder Mawla Shawana

Elder Mawla Shawana (Anishinaabe, Eagle clan)  is a proud father of four, grandfather to twelve. He was born and raised in Wikwemkoong, and has been a staple in the Niagara region for the past 30 years. 

His passion is the revitalization of the Anishinaabe language. He teaches Anishinabemowin at the elementary school in New Credit, and hosts multiple language classes in the evening.