Sunrise Ceremony with Grandmother Marie Jones 

Sun 12 September at dawn // 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.​ Grandmother Marie Jones will lead the Sunrise Ceremony on Sunday morning.

GRANDMOTHER MARIE JONES

Marie Jones is a Mohawk traditional woman born on the Six Nations Territory, Turtle Clan and raised in the fruit belt of Niagara.  She comes from a long line of traditional women on both sides of her parents, is considered a knowledge keeper.  Marie comes from a large blended family of 14 children, is a Tota not only to her immediate family, but also to the Indigenous community of Niagara.  She walks in the footsteps of her mother, serving her community.