Enjoy an evening of music and comedy by some of Turtle Island’s most endearing entertainers, including funny man, Howie Miller.
The evening will begin with a traditional opening followed by a witty Wisdom Talk from Frankyin McNaughton. Frank brings a unique blend of good-natured humour combined with cultural knowledge to educate and entertain audiences.
Gary Parker will then perform Heartbeat of Turtle Island, a journey through traditional and contemporary Indigenous song and dance performances. This presentation will reveal how the original peoples of North America shaped their expressive cultures in association with their own unique traditions, values, and environments.
Rounding out the evening will be Howie Miller, one of Canada’s best stand-up comedians, who will close the night with a hilarious routine mixed with stellar impressions that will have you laughing from start to finish.
Howie Miller
Howie Miller has been wowing audiences all over North American and the UK for the past 20 years. His quick wit, “clean” humour and ability to read the crowd make him the perfect choice for any corporate function, fundraiser or comedy club. Howie has performed at all the major comedy festivals including the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, The Halifax Comedy Festival and the prestigious Montreal Just for Laughs Festival. Among his numerous television appearances, Howie has his own half-hour Comedy Now special and was featured in the US Showtime special “No Reservations Needed.” Howie is also a talented writer, actor and producer and has been nominated for a Gemini Award, a Canadian Comedy Award and a Canadian Screen Award for his sketch comedy show “Caution: May Contain Nuts.”
Franklyn McNaughton
An accomplished Haudenosaunee singer and dancer who has presided over hundreds of events and programs spanning several decades combines a unique blend of good-natured humour with cultural knowledge to educate and entertain audiences. His extensive history extends back more than 35 years to work at the Native American Center for the Living Arts, where he and his expressive arts colleagues performed authentic and traditional songs and dances for visitors and guests from around the world. As a cultural resource coordinator at the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, Frank continues to apply his craft in the service of breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions about Indigenous peoples.
Gary Parker
Gary Parker is the Principal 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 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.