Construct your very own Cree-style hand drum and rattlesnake shaker with local musician, Phil Davis (Mohawk) and Gary Parker (Tonawanda Seneca Territory) who will offer teachings about the drum and reflect on the value of song and music in communities.
Gary Parker
Gary is the Principle Consultant for an Aboriginal owned consulting company with a focus in the areas of program development, governance, effective communications and strategic planning and other Aboriginal culturally relevant services.
Gary is a Faithkeeper (a title holder) in the Aboriginal community where he was raised (Tonawanda Seneca Territory). He has a strong cultural knowledge as well as the necessary requirements for working with the mainstream. This combined balance provides him with the strong cultural standing. He implements this balance with the many Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities he works with.
Mr. Parker’s academic background is in Aboriginal Education as well as Business Management. He has been formally educated about the uniqueness of Aboriginal Epistemologies as well as holistic approaches to Aboriginal Education in which he incorporates into his work today. Gary carries an extensive background in management by his past experiences as a leader of a mainstream senior management team for a variety of profiled construction projects throughout the United States and Canada.
Gary has had the opportunity to work with many First Nations Communities across Turtle Island as well as he works with many Urban Aboriginal/Native communities. Gary has worked with On-Reserve communities such as: Cape Croker First Nations, Six Nations, New Credit, Big River Band of Sask., Tonawanda Seneca, Seneca Nation of Indians at Cattaraugus and Allegany, etc…. Urban Communities: Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, Niagara Regional Native Centre, SOADI, Abbey House (Women’s Transitional Shelter), Hamilton Native Friendship Centre, Chiefs of Ontario, etc…Mainstream: City of Toronto, Niagara Region, Niagara Training and Adjustment Board, Service Canada, AFN, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, Public Health of Canada, etc…
Gary has also sat and continues to sit on many Aboriginal Boards and committees within the Province and New York State. He provides guidance and structure to boards and committees throughout Ontario and New York State. Gary brings a variety of skills and experiences which he incorporates into work so that consumers are provided with the best possible results.
Phil Davis
Phil Davis, Mohawk, has resided in St. Catharines most of his life. Phil has been an active member of his community for many decades. His cultural knowledge and congenial disposition have offered him numerous opportunities to share his knowledge, to educate and entertain the public, and to learn more about himself and others.
As a musician he is equally adept at performing traditional Haudenosaunee social dance songs, powwow songs that originate from the Great Plains, and contemporary popular music on guitar and vocals with his rock band Ol’ Child. He enjoys life, particularly when sharing enlightening experiences with others whenever possible. Phil is currently the cultural coordinator at the Niagara Regional Friendship Centre.
